American Sidesaddle Assocation asks the AQHA to allow sidesaddles

The American Sidesaddle Association, a US-based non-profit organization, is asking the American Quarter Horse Association to change their rules and allow sidesaddle riders to compete aboard their American Quarter Horses.  Many women have been showing in sidesaddles for years and a number of breed associations and disciplines allow and even welcome riders showing their mounts under sidesaddle tack. The American Quarter Horse Association however, forbids riders from showing their horses aside and since many other organizations follow AQHA rules, this precludes a large part of the equestrian community from being able to show sidesaddle.  Below is a link to an article posted on the Hunter Jumper News website.

http://www.hunterjumpernews.com/?p=16104

The Ontario Sidesaddle Association discussed this issue at its recent meeting, and supports the ASA in petitioning the AQHA for a rule change.  A letter from the OSA will be drafted and sent to the AQHA on behalf of all of its members who ride Quarter Horses or are otherwise affected by this rule. 

Riding Side-Saddle, by Janet W. MacDonald

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English Sidesaddle FOR SALE

SOLD!

Make:  London Harness Company
Tree Size:  Medium/Wide
Seat length: 21"
Price:  $1,000.00 US (not including shipping)

This saddle has been well-maintained, and was used on an Arabian horse.  The seller is based in Indiana and is firm on her price.  Photos will be posted as soon as they are available.  In the meantime, if you are interested please contact us.

OSA Members at the Movies

OSA members Debbie Smith and Kirstin Nagy traveled to Rockland, Ontario near Ottawa to prepare an actress, who is to star in an international film directed by Ramona Macdonald of Doomsday Studios Limited in Ottawa, for her sidesaddle riding scenes.

Ella & Mac

Ella has had very little riding experience and the horse, graciously loaned for the weekend by Rocking Horse Stable in Rockland, Ontario, had never carried a sidesaddle before. Upon arriving, Debbie spent over an hour finding the perfect saddle fit for Mac out of the four sidesaddles she had brought with them. Fortunately one fit him and Ella well and they were on their way!

After a quick demonstration of leg and seat position, and basic seat and hand aids by Debbie, Ella was legged up on Mac and the fun began. Mac, an aged Trakehner/Connemara cross gelding took instantly to the sidesaddle despite a beginner rider on board. The first day was ridden at a walk developing Ella’s balance and control in the saddle. She proved to be a very quick learner and took to the sidesaddle with an amazing amount of grace and elegance.

Val, Debbie and Ella

Day two saw Ella come back with a renewed sense of confidence and enthusiasm, ready to move on to trot work on the lunge line. Val Everson, owner of Rocking Horse Stable, managed Mac on the lunge line while Debbie instructed. The second day went quickly with Ella effortlessly riding the trot by mid afternoon. Kirstin, who specializes in costuming, was able to give Ella a general idea of what her riding outfits will consists for the time period of the film. The title and cast of the film are as yet unannounced, but Debbie will let everyone know when it will be aired.

Huge thanks go out to Val and Mac for their time and patience and to Ray Laviolette of Circle R Saddlery for finding such a wonderful facility in the Ottawa area to work in.

New Page Posted - Members & Friends

A new page has been created on our blog titled "Members & Friends", where you will find photos of, yes, members and friends of the Ontario Sidesaddle Association. There are examples of English, Western, and Saddleseat riders. Click the link on the right to see it. If anyone has a photo they would like to share, please email it to us at rosie.aside@gmail.com and we'll post it.

OSA Demonstrates Sidesaddle at REACH Open House

On Saturday, September 11, REACH (Regional Equine and Agricultural Centre of Huron) held is first anniversary open house at its facility in Clinton, Ontario. Ilka Boecker provided two sidesaddle riding demonstrations in the arena, with commentary provided by OSA President Joanne Milton.

In addition, OSA had a booth in the exhibitor area with information and photos on sidesaddles and OSA membership, as well as showing off a number of period costumes.

REACH director Melanie Prosser graciously offered OSA meeting space to hold its latest member meeting. Plans were discussed for a future OSA event at REACH, so stay tuned for further details. Visit the REACH website at http://www.reachhuron.ca.

OSA is now an Amazon Associate

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