Side Saddle “Have A Go” Lessons: With Ginny Oakley Pope Registered and Insured Side Saddle Association Instructor and UK Panel and International Judge

 Side saddle riding is one of the oldest forms of riding etiquette. Your lesson will include some of the history, how the saddle is fitted and how to ride side saddle. Each person will progress at their own speed. Some may canter in the first lesson (much more comfy than trot), some won't! Please rest assured that you will not be pushed to do anything that you are not happy or ready to do.

There is an assumption that people with bad backs and hip problems cannot ride side saddle. This is not always true. Indeed some people with back issues find side saddle easier. Those with hip and knee replacements need not worry either! If in doubt, please drop us a message and Ginny will try to advise you as best she can.

Most horses take to side saddle very well. It is suggested that horses under 5 years are not presenting nor horses that are known to buck (badly!), rear or bolt on a regular basis. Horses with long term severe back issues, kissing spine or are very cold backed that cannot be girthed up are also not recommended. Please use a bridle with a bit that your horse goes best in. A martingale is fine to use if that is what your horse is used to.

Please indicate when booking the width and length of your normal saddle; your weight, dress size and your height. The type and height of your horse, breed M/W or L/W etc. This helps Ginny choose a side saddle to suit you and your horse. Those wishing to ride side saddle who are 14 stone plus must make contact with us or Ginny first so she may see if she has a saddle suitable for you and your horse. This information will remain confidential.

You will need to warm up your horse astride first, so make sure to bring along your normal saddle too. Please also bring a dressage square or similar.

You will need to wear normal riding atire and bring a long whip that your horse is used to. Please do not wear Mountain Horse boots as the soles are generally far too think for the Victorian Stirrups of a Side Saddle. Boots or chaps must have no metal emblem, laces or zips on the outside of the right leg as they can damage the saddle. It is perfectly fine to ride in a short boot and a long sock on your right leg.

Please do not wear a high dressage boot on your right leg as your circulation may be cut off! Please also make sure your boots are free of mud to avoid damaging the saddle too. Spurs should be removed prior to the side saddle, though you can warm up with them astride if needed.

Sessions are in pairs.

Entries in advance. All entries Online. You can enter using our Secure Online Entry System:
Payment is secure and it goes directly to AG&DRC.
You will receive an email confirmation of your class entry and payment.

Clinic to consist of sessions in pairs.

Cost is for a 60 minute session
Members: £50.00 per person
Non-members: £55.00 per person

If you withdraw after times have been issued, entry fees will be retained by the Club unless the space is filled. This is to ensure that the venue and training costs in running this event are met.

 All riders must confirm to BRC Hat standards (PAS 015:1998 or 2011 or VG01:040: 2014-12) Current BRC Hat tag is aqua (you may have tag from BRC event)

NON MEMBERS need to provide evidence that they have 3rd Party Liability Insurance. Please email a copy of your insurance certificate to the organiser before the event. This can be held on file for future events with the Riding Club

By booking a session you are agreeing to be aware of the following. Every side saddle is an antique and perfect fitting for horse and rider may not be possible. No accident or injury howsoever it is caused will be accepted as the responsibility of the instructor and owner of the side saddles.