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.