OSA Lunch 'N' Learn - November 17, 2018

Would you like to learn how to fit a sidesaddle to your horse?  Come to the first OSA Lunch 'N' Learn workshop of this fall on Saturday, November 17, 2018 starting at 10am.  Click here to see the event details on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/544660782621420/

Lunch will be supplied.  Come dressed for the weather as we will be working in the arena. $20 for OSA members, $30 for non-members.  Spots are limited so register early. Contact Diana Macdonald at dimac99@hotmail.com.

2018 Sidesaddle Open House

Blythe Shore is the Recipient of the 2015 Recognition Award from the Ontario Sidesaddle Association

Congratulations to Blythe Shore for receiving the Reserve Champion Novice Pleasure Award for 2015  at the Rockwood Trail Riders club banquet.  In recognition of Blythe's 2015 show season riding sidesaddle, OSA has awarded her the 2015 OSA Recogntion Award.

Board of Directors Meeting and 2016 Christmas Social

Everyone is invited!

Our next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Sunday, November 20, 2016 at 2:30pm and will be held at Rustic Meadows, 5712 Trafalgar Road, Hillsburgh.  Come and join us as we begin planning for 2017 activities.

Following the meeting at around 5pm we will head over to David's Restaurant in Erin to celebrate the upcoming holiday season.

David's is located at 20 Shamrock Road in Erin.

All members are welcome to attend.  If you would like to join us, please let us know so we can advise the restaurant our numbers.

3rd Annual Open House and Events Update

This post is to share with you events that are coming up in the month of October.

First, the Headwaters Horse Country Stable Tour takes place the weekend of October 1st and 2nd.  The Ontario Sidesaddle Association has participated in this event in prior years, and this year is no exception.  We will  have sidesaddle riding demonstrations and information available on how to get involved, or even just book a lesson to try it.  We would love to see you at Rustic Meadows, 5712 Trafalgar Road in Hillsburgh. Headwaters Horse Country Stable Tour - Rustic Meadows.

On Thanksgiving weekend, we will be at the Erin Fair in the Horse Tent.  This year, in addition to having display saddles that you can sit on to see how comfortable sidesaddle can be, we will be having a horse and rider demo.  You will have the opportunity to ask questions about sidesaddle for which you've always wanted answers.  The Erin Fair is one of the largest fall fairs in Ontario and we are proud to have been invited to return again in 2016.

Our 3rd Annual Ontario Sidesaddle Association Open House take place on Sunday, October 16th from 10am to 4pm.  Last year, our goal was 60 saddles and 60 attendees and we surpassed both.  This year we are aiming even higher, so come on out and see the largest collection of sidesaddles all in one place that we know of.  We will have English, Western and antique saddles; old name saddles and catalogue saddles; all shapes and sizes.  We will also have riding demonstrations for English, Western and costume riders.  Visitors will have the opportunity to dress up in a sidesaddle habit, sit on a saddle and have their picture taken. 

The event takes place at Willowview Springs, 5288 Woolwich-Guelph Townline, Breslau, Ontario.  From 401, take Hwy 6 North. Turn west on Paisley and follow to the"T" junction. Turn north to #5288.

Come and see us at OEF Horse Day - June 4, 2016

Come and see us at OEF's Horse Day, this Saturday, June 4th, 2016 at Dreamwinds Equine Assisted Learning Centre, 2800 Line 10, RR #2, Bradford, Ontario L3Z 2Z5.  We'll be there from 11am to 5pm with a demo in the ring at 2pm.

Visit www.dreamwinds.ca for information and a map.

"Have a sit" on a sidesaddle and feel how comfortable and secure riding aside can be.

Show Your Arab Sidesaddle--We'll Get You There

The Initiative: If you are already at the show, have a desire to be different, and want to have fun showing in new classes with a vintage flair, try sidesaddle. We will guide you and your horse in typically three lessons, to a safe comfortable ride that will put you into the ribbons. Don’t have the sidesaddle or riding outfit? No worries, this is how we get you there – rentals on horse show date. The Ontario Sidesaddle Association (OSA) has partnered with the Arabian Horse of Eastern Canada Association (AHAEC), to augment the open sidesaddle class with more opportunities to show aside by including, walk trot pleasure, walk trot equitation and a surprise class (more about that to come.)

Holly Ray of Brookfield, Ohio on EF Frisco Bay, 
photo by  Tracey Kelsey Photography, used with permission.

Logistics: First, let the show secretary know you plan to enter the new classes. Allow at least four weeks before the show to team up with an OSA qualified volunteer coach in your area. Meet to be fitted with a borrowed sidesaddle to suit both you and your horse, decide on discipline of English (hunt or saddle seat), western or costume and practice riding at least three times or until you agree aside is safe and fun. The OSA coach will bring your rented aside equipment to the horse show of your choice and coach you through the sidesaddle classes. This initiative is a fund raiser benefitting OSA and amenably priced to get you excited about trying and experiencing the thrill and noble pleasure of aside. As many others have, you too will get hooked and welcome a forum to ride aside at a show. This is how AHAEC will help, by offering non-sanctioned additional sidesaddle classes at choice 2016 Ontario Arabian shows. Book early, as there is limited rental inventory for saddles, habits and costumes.

Holly Ray on EF Frisco Bay,
photo by Tracey Kelsey Photography, used with permission.

Rulebook: According to the AHA 2014 rulebook entry, any Purebred, Half or Anglo may enter and ‘be judged 85% on manners, performance, suitability, quality and conformation, 15% on appropriate sidesaddle attire.’ You may show open in a sidesaddle class, riding either English, western or costume. Classes may be split into disciplines if numbers merit. Section AR 193 further describes ‘the sidesaddle horse should give the distinct impression that it is a comfortable mount to ride. A good ground-covering walk, a comfortable trot or jog-trot, and easy flowing canter or lope is desirable. Transitions from one gait to another should be smooth and effortless. Riders may sit or post to the trot.’

Holly Ray on EF Frisco Bay,
photo by K. Engelhaupt Photography, used with permission.

Tip: Learn from your OSA coach how to minimize any unwanted body movement and ensure a comfortable looking ride - this will capture a judge’s eye. One tip is to take advantage of having the choice to post or not post, regardless of the riding discipline. Sitting trot in aside classes, including hunt seat, is also permissible in general performance rulebooks outside of Arabians. Sitting the trot is much more attractive than rising, when riding aside.

Holly Ray on EF Frisco Bay,
photo by K. Engelhaupt Photography, used with permission.

Posting by definition leaves the rider vulnerable, as the seat leaves the secure surface area of the saddle, albeit for a few seconds. There is a type of posting used riding aside for the utility to help ease muscle fatigue over long distances; however your seat doesn’t leave the saddle surface. Think of sidesaddle posting as deliberately transferring your weight back and forth in trot rhythm, from your right hip up to the bend in your right leg that wraps around the upper pommel and back again. Your seat does not leave the saddle; it’s more akin to a rocking motion. This is not as smooth and comfortable as sitting, which is the preference of many sidesaddle riders.

Next Steps: For more info, we invite you to send us a message through this blog or the OSA Facebook page. Leave your contact info and your local OSA representative will call and discuss bringing you over to our side!

Report on the 2015 Sidesaddle Open House

English sidesaddles from a number of historical periods on display

We met our mark of over 60 side saddles in one location, Sunday, October 18.  In addition, through the new fundraiser table, we were able to top up the coffers to provide another year of aside stability for the Ontario Sidesaddle Association, (OSA).

The second annual open house, held just west of Guelph surpassed all expectations and reaffirms – if you build it they will come.  Spreading the word through social media proved to be the best method to entice and showcase the safety and fun with aside riding.

The popular ‘have a sit campaign’, invites the curious and skeptical to ‘pretend’ ride in a side saddle mounted on a saddle stand.  Once they feel secure, many enjoy trying on habits and admiring themselves in the many mirrors strategically placed to keep your sidesaddle equitation in correct form.  Sidesaddle as a type of riding, encompasses all riding seats, English, western and costume. These were all represented at the open house and the differences expertly discussed in a lively and informative conversation with Polly Winsor, avid historian and Martin York, expert saddler.

Ilka riding in formal English attire

Grace elegantly modelling an historic costumer

Blythe jogging in a Western sidesaddle

Several riding demos commentated by side saddle coaches captivated the more than 70 enthusiasts. Riding English in top hat and tails was Ilka Boecker, Blythe Shore rode in western pleasure attire and a historical costume was worn by Grace Lockwood. Grace surprised us with an impromptu powdering of the nose, while mounted! She surfed eBay and discovered a ladies crop with the top end cap cleverly cocooning a mini face powder compact.

Several hunt club members, fresh off their own sidesaddle fun rides exhibiting at the Elora and Creemore hunt parades, brought along their sidesaddle gems to temporary add to our ever increasing open house inventory. Thanks to Nancy Beacon for contributing her sidesaddles for the day and entertaining us with her colourful accounts of many decades riding aside.

Eager enthusiasts have asked for english/western aside lessons and we are pleased to announce two able school horses, and the proper pick for a fit, from Lois’s vast sidesaddle collection are now being offered at her Guelph farm equipped with an indoor arena. Inquire on our OSA Facebook page.

Save the date for next year’s open house, October 16, 2016 at the same location – first Sunday after Thanksgiving. Many thanks to Lois Beecraft our host, all the volunteers and those who dropped in to step ’aside’.

Update - OSA 2nd Annual Open House - Sunday, October 18, 2015 10am - 4pm

The Ontario Sidesaddle Association (OSA), invites all to the second annual Eastern Canadian Side Saddle Open House in the Guelph area - Sunday, October 18, 2015.

The seasoned or the curious are welcome to tour the facility, at no cost, 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Wander through the vast sidesaddle collections on display, admire the English and Western sidesaddle riding demonstrations and try out this ‘Downtown Abbey’ riding style yourself, on a safe saddle stand.

New this year – unique equestrian items raffle.

For more information, contact Pam Hope, pamhope@rogers.com.

Mark Your Calendar - Our 2nd Annual Open House Sunday, October 18, 2015

When:

Sunday, October 18, 2015
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Rain or shine (indoor arena)

Where:

Willow View Springs / Lois & Lloyd Beecraft
5288 Woolwich-GuelphTownline
Breslau, Ontario  N0B 1M0

Directions:
From 401, follow Hwy. 6 North (Hanlon Parkway) for about 20 minutes.
Turn west on Paisley to the "T" junction at Guelph-Woolwich Townline.
Turn north to number 5288.

Please note:  Google maps and GPS do not show correct location.

What to See:

English and Western
Riding demonstrations throughout the day.
Admire several personal and vast collections of over 60 sidesaddles and accessories.

• All riding disciplines and breed types welcome.
• No experience or skill required.
• Try it out and convince yourself how fun sidesaddle riding can be.
• "Have a sit" on a secure saddle stand.
• Dress up in a riding habit or costume and have your photo taken.
• Bring your questions or queries--representatives from the Ontario Sidesaddle Association are eager to help.
• Ask how sidesaddle can help disabled riders.
• Ride Downton Abbey style, yesterday's tradition today.

Contact:

www.onsidesaddle.blogspot.com
Check us out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/192748950745607/
Pam Hope 905-642-2865 (leave message)
pamhope@rogers.com

OSA Provides Support for Side Saddle Class at Hamilton Hunt Night on June 13, 2015

WE ARE SAD TO REPORT THE HAMILTON HUNT NIGHT EVENT
 HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
STAY TUNED FOR INFORMATION ON FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
WITH THE HAMILTON HUNT

Objective:  To provide interested riders with tack, apparel, and skill set, to participate in an” Introductory Ladies Side Saddle Class” 

Pre-Requisite: Riders should currently have basic walk, trot, and canter riding skills. The horse and rider should be safe and  reasonably comfortable in a public riding area while  in the company of other horses.

OSA Role in Supporting this Class

TO OFFER A:  “Preparation and Participation Package”

Class Room Presentation

This would be an information session open to all those interested in side saddle including those who may not necessarily be riding in the upcoming show.

Topics covered: (emphasize these sessions are for “the show”)

1. Discuss Fit and Sizing of Saddle to Rider
2. Basic Position of Rider in the Saddle
3. Discuss Clothing:  Habits:  Informal will be acceptable i.e brown, tweed, or combination colours such as navy jacket with rust apron etc.  NO period costumes or western outfits for this occasion. Hunting appointments are optional: sandwich case, string gloves. Whips, helmet or bowler or top hat to be determined.  Also whips/canes that will be allowed.
4. Class Format:  

• Enter at walk or trot ?
• Which rein?
• Elements of class i.e. halt on the rail? Which method to change rein? Etc No Hand Gallop

Riding Sessions

     

Ride 1:

• fitting side saddle to horse
• briefing on ways to “accommodate fit for this occasion
• mounting with mounting block
• basic position at the walk and trot (not rising)
• cantering (optional)
• dismounting

Ride 2:

• review tacking up
• review mounting for this show
• review position at walk, trot and canter (cantering will be rider’s choice)
• dismounting
• wear an apron and  jacket

PACKAGE PRICES

OPTION	INCLUDES	PRICE
A	FULL PACKAGE – Includes  riding instructions/saddle/apparel	$300.00
B	PARTIAL PACKAGE – Includes riding instruction and apparel	$200.00
C	INSTRUCTIONAL PACKAGE – includes riding instruction – riders has own saddle and apparel	$125.00
D	CLASSROOM PRESENTATION ONLY	$  20.00

Event Dates : 

Classroom presentation: Tuesday April 21, 2015

                                    Time: 7-9PM

                                    Location: Willow View Springs – Breslau

                                       

For further information contact : Lois Beecraft at 519-648-3330

                                                   or email: loistssl@hotmail.com

                                                                    OR

                                               Joanne Milton at 519-855-6865

                          or email: info@rusticmeadows.com

Montgomery-Ward Catalogue Saddle For Sale

Montgomery-Ward catalogue saddle for sale. 4-leaf clover design on conchos, might be one missing. Tiny rip on seat, needs small amount of stitching. Original rigging. 15" seat. Grimsby area. Contact me and I will put you in touch with the owner. Sorry, I don't know the asking price.  rosie.aside@gmail.com

Ontario Sidesaddle Association to Host an Open House

Come and visit us at our first Open House on Sunday, October 19th, rain or shine, and see what sidesaddle riding is all about.  All the details are in the invitation below.  This is a free event.  Hope to see you there!

Two OSA Clinics Held with Caledon Riding Club

Courtney on Mat

Two sidesaddle clinics have been held so far for members of the Caledon Riding Club.  Four riders participated in the clinic on January 27 and four riders rode in the clinic held on February 3.  Both events were very successful.  Two more clinics are in the works; one is scheduled for February 17 and the other for some time in March.  The Caledon Riding Club will also be hosting another sidesaddle information night with a focus on habits and costumes. 

Brianne, Courtney, Kelley and Susan rode at the January 27th clinic.  Brianne brought her own horse.  Other horses were provided by OSA President Joanne Milton; Mat, Angie, and Twister.

Before beginning the riding component of each clinic, each rider had a chance to try a few different saddles to see which one fit them the best. In a clinic situation, it is not always possible to get a perfect fit for riders and horses, but small adjustments can be made so that both are comfortable and secure.


Kelley takes a turn on Brianne's Ronny

Susan on Angie

Brianne on Ronny

Sidesaddle Clinic at Dutch Gold

The Ontario Sidesaddle Association is hosting a clinic at Dutch Gold Stables on 8th Line in Erin on March 22, 2014.  Details are a bit scarce at the moment, but can be had by contacting Joanne Milton at info@rusticmeadows.com.

Record Setting 50+ Sidesaddle Riders at Meath Hunt in Ireland

Devon Zebrovious of Middleburg, Virginia has writtten a great article on The Chronicle of the Horse website describing the second annual Irish Side Saddle Hunt with the Meath Foxhounds in County Meath, about an hour north of Dublin, Ireland on January 19, 2013 .  Click the link below to read all about her exciting adventure and view the photos.  Wish we could have been there!

https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/gutless-wasn%E2%80%99t-afraid-thing-our-irish-hunting-adventure-riding-asid

Caledon Riding Club Hosts OSA Info Night

On Tuesday, January 15, 2013, the Ontario Sidesaddle Association gave a presentation to ladies (and gentlemen) members of the Caledon Riding Club.  The event was a great success with over 30 people in attendance.  OSA members Joanne Milton, Sharon Borda and Lois Beecraft presented "An Introduction to Sidesaddle".  The ladies touched briefly on the the history of sidesaddle, different types of saddles and habits, and offered everyone the opportunity to sit on a sidesaddle to see how comfortable and secure they are.  Sincere thanks are extended to Kim and the Caledon Riding Club for organizing and hosting this event.

Kim, with her nieces in sidesaddle attire.
In full formal hunt habit on the left is Emily, and in an
informal tweed habit with bowler on the right is Jacqueline.
The saddle?  It's a Mayhew on a "toy" pony.

A second information night is planned for those who have requested more information on the habits, period costumes and representations.  Details on the date will be posted as soon as they are confirmed.

A number of sidesaddle clinics will also be offered to provide a chance for the ladies to actually ride sidesaddle on a horse, either their own horse or a "loaner".  Four clinics have been scheduled in January and February, and we are looking forward to educating and encouraging riders to pursue this elegant style of riding.  Clinics will introduce proper fitting of sidesaddles, more information on correct appointments for the hunt and equitation classes, and the opportunity to try on different habits and aprons.

Caledon Riding Club member Susan models
an informal tweed habit.

We hope we will continue to strengthen our friendship with the Caledon Riding Club, and thank everyone for their very kind hsopitality,

If you are interested in attending any of the clinics, please contact us for details.

OSA hosts "give sidesaddle a try" at Equifest

The Ontario Sidesaddle Association participated in the 2012 Equifest event on September 22nd at the Orangeville fairgrounds.  Attendees were offered the opportunity to "give sidesaddle a try" on both English and Western sidesaddles.  On display in the OSA exhibit were a number of sidesaddles, English and Western habits, and some antique pieces such as a heart-shaped sidesaddle stirrup dating back to the 1800's. 

OSA Secretary and Co-Founder Sharon Borda
aboard a Circle R Western sidesaddle

Shown in the photos, saddles from left to right are a Circle R custom Western, a Champion & Wilton English (circa 1930), two custom Circle R Western sidesaddles, one for schooling and one for showing, and on the far right, a Whippy  English sidesaddle.

In the background on display are a replica of an Elizabethan riding costume, being created by OSA President Joanne Milton, and a Western show habit, along with a number of other sidesaddle aprons.

Equifest's Elaine Capes gives sidesaddle a try!

We had quite a few visitors of all ages and a lot of interest in the saddles and habits, and were very pleased to have been able to be part of Equifest in  2012. 

Are you interested in sidesaddle?  Contact us with any questions you might have and watch the blog for more information on upcoming clinics, events and meetings.  Everyone is welcome and we are looking forward to an exciting time of growth of our Association in the coming months and years.

We Were There, at the Orangeville Fall Fair!

The Ontario Sidesaddle Association had a booth at the 2012 Orangeville Fall Fair, offering visitors the opportunity to sit upon a sidesaddle in a safe environment to see how secure it feels.  Volunteer members Lois Beecraft and Sharon Borda also assisted willing participants to try on a sidesaddle habit and have their picture taken by friends and family.  Lois and Sharon also gave a presentation in the arena, highlighting the different aspects of both English and Western Sidesaddles, and gave spectators the chance to try out a saddle and habit.


English saddles

The booth showed a number of different saddles as well as habits in English and Western styles.  Lois and Sharon were happy to answer questions from visitors.


A Martin & Martin English saddle, and two Western sidesaddles,
one antique and one modern

The OSA Booth, showing English antique habits, modern Western habits
and a period costume. Headgear included a Western felt hat, a English bowler and top hat (both with veils)
and a matching hat to the period costume. 

Lois helps the Fair Ambassador with her habit.

The Fair Ambassador

A perfect fit!

Sidesadde Demo at Musical Ride

Gail Gimpelj aboard Veronica in Western tack and habit.

The Ontario Sidesaddle Association was invited to present a demonstration at the August 28th RCMP Musical Ride hosted by the Orangeville Agricultural Society, and held at the Orangeville Fairgrounds in, you guessed it, Orangeville, Ontario.

Many thanks are extended to our volunteer riders, who did an excellent job demonstrating the fine art of sidesaddle riding, both English and Western.


Theresa Kerr on Rustic Matador in English tack and habit.

Theresa (L), Gail (R), and OSA President Joanne Milton in an 1880's period cosume, centre.