Have you ever heard of Bloggies . com?
It is a web sight that people can go to nominate their favorite blogs..in different categories - like:
Best Asian blog
Best travel blog
Best humorous blog
Best photography blog..
okay - so you get the idea - right?
Well not one of the blogs nominated in ANY category is a Horse blog! Something is just NOT right about that!!! Even in the Best Sports Blog - Nope-Nada-Nothing about horses!
I like to go to that sight to see new up and coming blogs. The web address is:
http://2010.bloggies.com/
if you would like to take a peek for yourself.
Next year ladies - we need to get some horsey blogs nominated on that sight!
Okay - stepping down off of my stool now...
Friday, January 29, 2010
My Own Riding Canes and Whips!
I currently own 2 show canes and 1 show whip. All of them have been modified by me - to suit my taste. This is the newest one that has not even been put together yet. It is a leather covered bamboo cane and is darker brown.
This is a sterling silver walking cane topper that I purchased off of E-bay for $30.00
It has a larger opening at the bottom which will allow me to attach it to the cane. There are a lot of 'handles' that can be purchased off of E-bay, like those from antique umbrellas or parasols, but many are impossible to use as a cane topper.
This is my show whip..
Again, I purchased a sterling handle off of E-bay. This one I bought for only about $17.00 but it had to be shipped Internationally, so the end cost was about the same.
The end of this handle was too small to be used for a cane so that is why it ended up being used for my whip instead.
And here is the first cane I bought. It is very light in color.
I bought this gold plated handle (you guessed it!) off of E-bay. This one is a bit dented in one place and has a few scratches too, but still charming I think. It was the least expensive of all, running about $13.00.
It fit perfectly onto my cane. This is the cane I have been using for all my lessons and in my first 2 shows.
You can see it in this show photo.
This is a sterling silver walking cane topper that I purchased off of E-bay for $30.00
It has a larger opening at the bottom which will allow me to attach it to the cane. There are a lot of 'handles' that can be purchased off of E-bay, like those from antique umbrellas or parasols, but many are impossible to use as a cane topper.
This is my show whip..
Again, I purchased a sterling handle off of E-bay. This one I bought for only about $17.00 but it had to be shipped Internationally, so the end cost was about the same.
The end of this handle was too small to be used for a cane so that is why it ended up being used for my whip instead.
And here is the first cane I bought. It is very light in color.
I bought this gold plated handle (you guessed it!) off of E-bay. This one is a bit dented in one place and has a few scratches too, but still charming I think. It was the least expensive of all, running about $13.00.
It fit perfectly onto my cane. This is the cane I have been using for all my lessons and in my first 2 shows.
You can see it in this show photo.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Just to Get You Into the Mood...
...before you enter into the world of Riding Aside; watch this...
http://www.flixxy.com/san-francisco-1905-historical-footage.htm
http://www.flixxy.com/san-francisco-1905-historical-footage.htm
NEWS...News..and More News!
First of all, I would like to point out that I have made a few changes to my blog. I have added a Google Search engine...so if you are looking for something I posted a long time ago, just type in a key word and it will search my whole blog to find it for you!
Second, I added a side bar with every Sidesaddle Internet sight I have found so far for Associations and Clubs in the United States. I plan to include at a later date International sights as well. There are more clubs, but not all have Internet sights...and not all the international sights are in English!
Third, March 5-7Th, I will be showing at a Saddlebred / Arabian horse show called SASHA in Beorne, Texas. Since they have sidesaddle classes for the Arab's, they graciously added a sidesaddle class for All Breeds! Yeah - for the very first time, I get to compete in a class against other sidesaddle riders!
Forth, Another wonderful thing that is happening at the SASHA show is a Fund Raiser for Saddlebred Rescue...that started because I have been riding sidesaddle at the Saddlebred shows! A very talented gentleman and friend of mine named Bill Marple was giving me some riding advice on a public saddlebred forum; www.trot.org He was telling me that I needed to allow Oliver to move out and go forward more. As you know, the reason that I was not doing this was because I was having such a difficult time balancing at the trot ... well one of my readers told Bill that she would pay money to see him try to post the trot in a sidesaddle on a Saddlebred. Bill accepted the challenge. It took off like a wild fire and people started to pledge money to Saddlebred Rescue! SASHA will have a "Special Class" just for Bill, who incidentally will be in FULL DRAG! The class is called Sittin' Pretty for Saddlebreds! I will be there, with camera and video camera in hand... so you will get the FULL story after the show! This is Bill when he was showing one of his horses at the Texas State Fair.
By the way ... does anyone have any questions for me? Maybe something I have not thought to address... It might be a fun post for you to ask and I will do my best to answer..nothing too techinical though - God knows I am NO expert ..
Second, I added a side bar with every Sidesaddle Internet sight I have found so far for Associations and Clubs in the United States. I plan to include at a later date International sights as well. There are more clubs, but not all have Internet sights...and not all the international sights are in English!
Third, March 5-7Th, I will be showing at a Saddlebred / Arabian horse show called SASHA in Beorne, Texas. Since they have sidesaddle classes for the Arab's, they graciously added a sidesaddle class for All Breeds! Yeah - for the very first time, I get to compete in a class against other sidesaddle riders!
Forth, Another wonderful thing that is happening at the SASHA show is a Fund Raiser for Saddlebred Rescue...that started because I have been riding sidesaddle at the Saddlebred shows! A very talented gentleman and friend of mine named Bill Marple was giving me some riding advice on a public saddlebred forum; www.trot.org He was telling me that I needed to allow Oliver to move out and go forward more. As you know, the reason that I was not doing this was because I was having such a difficult time balancing at the trot ... well one of my readers told Bill that she would pay money to see him try to post the trot in a sidesaddle on a Saddlebred. Bill accepted the challenge. It took off like a wild fire and people started to pledge money to Saddlebred Rescue! SASHA will have a "Special Class" just for Bill, who incidentally will be in FULL DRAG! The class is called Sittin' Pretty for Saddlebreds! I will be there, with camera and video camera in hand... so you will get the FULL story after the show! This is Bill when he was showing one of his horses at the Texas State Fair.
By the way ... does anyone have any questions for me? Maybe something I have not thought to address... It might be a fun post for you to ask and I will do my best to answer..nothing too techinical though - God knows I am NO expert ..
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Sidesaddle Canes/Whips - Part 2
Details - Details - Details...
So if you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you know that ornate details make my head swoon! Well this post is dedicated to the details of riding canes and whips! Several of these are for sale on http://www.sportingcollection.com/
Ever wonder why some riding whips and canes have this hook on the end?
..here is another example..
Now you know why! It allows the rider to open and shut field gates without having to dismount!
I am SOOO doing this to my riding cane for my next show..
..not much purpose in it...but so elegant!!!
The following pictures are of beautiful antique riding canes that I thought you would enjoy.
This one has thread braided over the shaft.
This is real tortoise shell.
Nothing fancier than GOLD!
This one has leather buttons down the shaft.
This is carved ivory.
I think this one looks like a knife handle!
So if you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you know that ornate details make my head swoon! Well this post is dedicated to the details of riding canes and whips! Several of these are for sale on http://www.sportingcollection.com/
Ever wonder why some riding whips and canes have this hook on the end?
..here is another example..
Now you know why! It allows the rider to open and shut field gates without having to dismount!
I am SOOO doing this to my riding cane for my next show..
..not much purpose in it...but so elegant!!!
The following pictures are of beautiful antique riding canes that I thought you would enjoy.
This one has thread braided over the shaft.
This is real tortoise shell.
Nothing fancier than GOLD!
This one has leather buttons down the shaft.
This is carved ivory.
I think this one looks like a knife handle!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
A Year In Review
2008 - December
In December 2008 - to be exact it was December 12Th, I started this blog. I neither owned a sidesaddle nor a horse trained for the discipline. I just knew I wanted to learn everything there was to know about it and was determined to do it!
2009 - January
I purchased a 1890's Champion and Wilson saddle off of all places E-bay..something I would never recommend anyone else to do! This one was for real though. I also found out that my instructor used to ride and compete aside with an Arabian. She was not an accredited instructor - but was willing to help me learn! For one reason or another, although I had a saddle and a safety stirrup... I never made it over to Kelli's for a sidesaddle lesson..
2009 - February
Able to get Chastain and the sidesaddle to the trainers. The saddle fit him! Now I had to buy all of the proper size girths and balance straps.
2009 - March
Show season in full swing..so out of town a lot this month with my job at Saddle and Bridle magazine. Having problems with the sidesaddle slipping on Chastain.
2009 - April
Still have not had a REAL sidesaddle lesson! I was so discouraged...BUT - this is when I started to get a regular readership on my blog. OM gosh - the people who wrote to me, telling me stories, giving me ideas and just the best encouragement!!! It kept me going forward! This is the month that one of my readers sent me a girth extender and an antique sidesaddle stirrup that I cherish to this day!
2009 - May
Started to take sidesaddle lessons on Chastain. We just walked and trotted (very slowly) in the small training arena. Oliver, the horse I currently ride aside and compete with was GIVEN TO ME! At this time though, I was only riding him astride and getting to know him.
2009 - June
Chastain's canter was dubbed "un-lady-like" by my instructor! We tested Oliver to see if he would be a better choice for sidesaddle. He got an A+++++++! I started to ride him aside. I cantered on Oliver for the first time in the big arena! I bought a historic sidesaddle suit pattern and started to gather items to use to show with.
2009 - July
Rode in a modified skirt for the first time!
Scheduled for surgery...me not the horse!
Wrote the story about Marcel! If you have not read it...go back and do!
2009 - August
Could not do much. I had to have a total abdominal hysterectomy. Off for 6 weeks. Had my sidesaddle restored.
2009 - September
Consoled myself via E-bay..ha ha You know - retail therapy! Started taking lessons again by the end of this month and threw caution to the wind.. by decided to show for the first time in October!
2009 - October
Showed for the first time in Dallas. Pinned last place in my first class and second to last in the second class. I could not have been more pleased! After all - I did not throw up or fall off! Header picture is from this show.
2009 - November
Worked on my riding in between bad weather. Made a Christmas show outfit for the next show in December. Took what I learned from the first show ..and tried to make changes where necessary.
2009 - December
Second show in Katy Texas called TASHA. My Father (hates horses) came to watch me ride! I could not have been more thrilled!! Still having lots of trouble posting the 'show trot'.
Started my monthly give aways.
Still collecting unique things to use when I ride and show.
2010 - January
..and here we are. I have so much further to go and so much more to learn. My next show is in less than 2 weeks!
I cannot tell you how much fun this blog is for me....but more than that..I cannot tell you how much it means when I get a reply from one of you guys..or an e-mail. This is something that bridges over whether you ride Western or Dressage or Hunt or Saddleseat.... Sidesaddle is so very unique that those who ride it ..want to know everything ...every discipline and every detail about it. What a wonderful group of ladies you are! You have been so gracious to help me when I needed it, to encourage me and even push me at times! I am just so glad to meet you all!
In December 2008 - to be exact it was December 12Th, I started this blog. I neither owned a sidesaddle nor a horse trained for the discipline. I just knew I wanted to learn everything there was to know about it and was determined to do it!
2009 - January
I purchased a 1890's Champion and Wilson saddle off of all places E-bay..something I would never recommend anyone else to do! This one was for real though. I also found out that my instructor used to ride and compete aside with an Arabian. She was not an accredited instructor - but was willing to help me learn! For one reason or another, although I had a saddle and a safety stirrup... I never made it over to Kelli's for a sidesaddle lesson..
2009 - February
Able to get Chastain and the sidesaddle to the trainers. The saddle fit him! Now I had to buy all of the proper size girths and balance straps.
2009 - March
Show season in full swing..so out of town a lot this month with my job at Saddle and Bridle magazine. Having problems with the sidesaddle slipping on Chastain.
2009 - April
Still have not had a REAL sidesaddle lesson! I was so discouraged...BUT - this is when I started to get a regular readership on my blog. OM gosh - the people who wrote to me, telling me stories, giving me ideas and just the best encouragement!!! It kept me going forward! This is the month that one of my readers sent me a girth extender and an antique sidesaddle stirrup that I cherish to this day!
2009 - May
Started to take sidesaddle lessons on Chastain. We just walked and trotted (very slowly) in the small training arena. Oliver, the horse I currently ride aside and compete with was GIVEN TO ME! At this time though, I was only riding him astride and getting to know him.
2009 - June
Chastain's canter was dubbed "un-lady-like" by my instructor! We tested Oliver to see if he would be a better choice for sidesaddle. He got an A+++++++! I started to ride him aside. I cantered on Oliver for the first time in the big arena! I bought a historic sidesaddle suit pattern and started to gather items to use to show with.
2009 - July
Rode in a modified skirt for the first time!
Scheduled for surgery...me not the horse!
Wrote the story about Marcel! If you have not read it...go back and do!
2009 - August
Could not do much. I had to have a total abdominal hysterectomy. Off for 6 weeks. Had my sidesaddle restored.
2009 - September
Consoled myself via E-bay..ha ha You know - retail therapy! Started taking lessons again by the end of this month and threw caution to the wind.. by decided to show for the first time in October!
2009 - October
Showed for the first time in Dallas. Pinned last place in my first class and second to last in the second class. I could not have been more pleased! After all - I did not throw up or fall off! Header picture is from this show.
2009 - November
Worked on my riding in between bad weather. Made a Christmas show outfit for the next show in December. Took what I learned from the first show ..and tried to make changes where necessary.
2009 - December
Second show in Katy Texas called TASHA. My Father (hates horses) came to watch me ride! I could not have been more thrilled!! Still having lots of trouble posting the 'show trot'.
Started my monthly give aways.
Still collecting unique things to use when I ride and show.
2010 - January
..and here we are. I have so much further to go and so much more to learn. My next show is in less than 2 weeks!
I cannot tell you how much fun this blog is for me....but more than that..I cannot tell you how much it means when I get a reply from one of you guys..or an e-mail. This is something that bridges over whether you ride Western or Dressage or Hunt or Saddleseat.... Sidesaddle is so very unique that those who ride it ..want to know everything ...every discipline and every detail about it. What a wonderful group of ladies you are! You have been so gracious to help me when I needed it, to encourage me and even push me at times! I am just so glad to meet you all!
Sidesaddle Canes/Whips - Part 1
The English rider's whip is carried on the off (right) side, and is used in place of the rider's right leg to cue the horse on the off side. The sidesaddle whip is between two and four feet long, depending on style of equipment and competition rules, when applicable. Western riders generally use the romal (a type of long quirt attached to the end of a set of closed reins) to support cues in place of the right leg.
Sidesaddle Riding Canes and Whips historically have been made of different materials, usually depending upon what was available to the manufactures and merchants. Also, depending upon whether the rider was taking a stroll down Rotten Row or galloping the field with hounds on a hunt! Here are a few examples. This is a string covered antique wood whip, a bit longer than the normal riding crop.
This one has a wood shaft with a decorative topper.
Here is another one made of wood - intricately carved out of one piece!
I would be afraid that I could break this beautiful piece of art!
Bamboo was and still is today an excellent choice for a sidesaddle cane.
Whale bone whips were very popular and some very decorative in the 1800's.
This is another whale bone whip. Most, as you can see in this picture have a curvature along the rod.
My choice is a bamboo cane. It is strong and straight enough to be used to replace the pressure signals I want to give Oliver since my leg is not there. In fact - we lovingly call it my 'wooden leg'!
Sidesaddle Riding Canes and Whips historically have been made of different materials, usually depending upon what was available to the manufactures and merchants. Also, depending upon whether the rider was taking a stroll down Rotten Row or galloping the field with hounds on a hunt! Here are a few examples. This is a string covered antique wood whip, a bit longer than the normal riding crop.
This one has a wood shaft with a decorative topper.
Here is another one made of wood - intricately carved out of one piece!
I would be afraid that I could break this beautiful piece of art!
Bamboo was and still is today an excellent choice for a sidesaddle cane.
Whale bone whips were very popular and some very decorative in the 1800's.
This is another whale bone whip. Most, as you can see in this picture have a curvature along the rod.
My choice is a bamboo cane. It is strong and straight enough to be used to replace the pressure signals I want to give Oliver since my leg is not there. In fact - we lovingly call it my 'wooden leg'!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Lucky Number 13!
phaedra96 is the Winner of the January Give Away!
Please E-mail me your full name and address so I can get it into the mail this week!
Thank you all for playing...for following my blog and ESPECIALLY for commenting back on my posts! There will be another exciting give away in February!
* * * * * *
Now - just for laughs...
I believe the lady who created Tacky Tack of the Day comes and visits sometimes...so here is a picture for you to take over to your blog! I have never seen a sidesaddle that I thought was tacky..until I saw this one! gag...choke...gag.. ha ha .. I have seen many poorly built sidesaddles, or sidesaddles created of astride saddles that were disasters...but this one is just ... well you get the gist of it!
Please E-mail me your full name and address so I can get it into the mail this week!
Thank you all for playing...for following my blog and ESPECIALLY for commenting back on my posts! There will be another exciting give away in February!
* * * * * *
Now - just for laughs...
I believe the lady who created Tacky Tack of the Day comes and visits sometimes...so here is a picture for you to take over to your blog! I have never seen a sidesaddle that I thought was tacky..until I saw this one! gag...choke...gag.. ha ha .. I have seen many poorly built sidesaddles, or sidesaddles created of astride saddles that were disasters...but this one is just ... well you get the gist of it!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Showing With Very Long Hair - Part 3
There have been times when I was showing that I had VERY long extensions in...okay - like Barbie long! (stop laughing..) My 'hair' was so long and so thick it was impossible to wrap it into a simple bun. This is what I had to do, with the addition of an invisible hair net. Although pretty, my hair, even twisted up, would usually fall below my shoulders which I did not like.
I would have liked to have used this - a snood, but was not sure if it was acceptable in any show ring....
My thoughts are that using a snood assures that very long hair would make a nicer presentation since it is about the only thing that would keep the hair above the shoulders, but in all my research, I have never seen it addressed in either a positive or negative way.
I would have liked to have used this - a snood, but was not sure if it was acceptable in any show ring....
My thoughts are that using a snood assures that very long hair would make a nicer presentation since it is about the only thing that would keep the hair above the shoulders, but in all my research, I have never seen it addressed in either a positive or negative way.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Showing With Really Short Hair..Part 2
If your hair is extremely short, obviously it is best to just spray it down so it does not move, rather risk a hair piece coming off at a most inopportune time!
This is a chignon. It is a fake bun that comes in many colors and twist designs. You just pin them in, usually over a small pony tail you make with your own hair.
It is helpful to affix them in with not only bobby pin, but with hair pins like this as well.
A very modest decorative pin could be used if you are dressing in costume. Not acceptable though in hunt.
This is me....
...and this is me too.
I am a hair chameleon! I love to change the style and color of my hair often. I will wear very long extensions for a few months and then go back to short hair..so I use many of the suggestions given here, just depending on what I am doing with my hair at that time!
This is a chignon. It is a fake bun that comes in many colors and twist designs. You just pin them in, usually over a small pony tail you make with your own hair.
It is helpful to affix them in with not only bobby pin, but with hair pins like this as well.
A very modest decorative pin could be used if you are dressing in costume. Not acceptable though in hunt.
This is me....
...and this is me too.
I am a hair chameleon! I love to change the style and color of my hair often. I will wear very long extensions for a few months and then go back to short hair..so I use many of the suggestions given here, just depending on what I am doing with my hair at that time!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Showing With The Perfect Length Hair...Part 1
"Hair must be tied back, braided or put in a bun. Long hair or loose strands of hair sticking out from under a hat detract from a professional appearance. A hair net, hair spray or mousse will make a neat appearance." The Sidesaddle Legacy - How to Ride Aside the American Way. by Martha Coe Friddle & Linda A. Bowlby
The above quote is a modern version of what almost every historic sidesaddle riding script states as being the correct way for ladies to address their hair prior to riding aside. If you are fortunate enough to have the perfect length of hair to pull into a simple bun, the following diagrams are for you:
This is a Whirl-A-Bun. Their web sight is http://www.whirl-a-bun.com/contact.html I think this looks like a good hair styling tool, but I do not know anything about the company or this product
I know this one is too high to wear with a riding hat...and we would not put in the decorative pins...but - who says you have to wear your hair in a 'simple' bun?
The above quote is a modern version of what almost every historic sidesaddle riding script states as being the correct way for ladies to address their hair prior to riding aside. If you are fortunate enough to have the perfect length of hair to pull into a simple bun, the following diagrams are for you:
This is a Whirl-A-Bun. Their web sight is http://www.whirl-a-bun.com/contact.html I think this looks like a good hair styling tool, but I do not know anything about the company or this product
I know this one is too high to wear with a riding hat...and we would not put in the decorative pins...but - who says you have to wear your hair in a 'simple' bun?
Monday, January 18, 2010
The January Give Away!
Okay - here it is and I HOPE you guys like it! I wanted to wait until closer to the end of the month...but I just couldn't! It is a STERLING SILVER set of cream and sugar bowls.
I found them at a local auction house I enjoy going to and could not believe that I got them for my 'budget price'...but there were not too many people there that night.
The auctioneers were selling an entire estate - which included lots of victorian furniture and some lovely feminine decorative things.
I see these a lot...just not in sterling...so when I won them, I knew that I wanted to use it in the January give away!
Same rules as before. Leave a comment on this post - only once and you will be entered in to win. Deadline is the 24th of January at midnight! Good Luck!!
I found them at a local auction house I enjoy going to and could not believe that I got them for my 'budget price'...but there were not too many people there that night.
The auctioneers were selling an entire estate - which included lots of victorian furniture and some lovely feminine decorative things.
I see these a lot...just not in sterling...so when I won them, I knew that I wanted to use it in the January give away!
Same rules as before. Leave a comment on this post - only once and you will be entered in to win. Deadline is the 24th of January at midnight! Good Luck!!
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