For one, I lacked core strength of the odd combination of muscles needed to preform this sport. Once I moved my sidesaddle into the house and started to practice posting while the saddle straddled a bench, I noticed an improvement. In this photo you can see the PERFECT device that can assist you if you struggle like I do. It is a saddle rack with a grab bar. I wish I had seen this when I first started to ride.
These next photos represent my sidesaddle goals. First and foremost, to ride with relative ease and confidence..not to mention superb elegance like this woman! Next is to be able to grab my sidesaddle to go trail riding with friends and feel comfortable doing it!
6 comments:
I know I'm of the Hunter/Jumper persuasion, but that chestnut Arab and his lady rider are drop dead gorgeous. A picture of perfect harmony!
Beautiful riders! I have not even been brave enough to try riding aside, but I love to watch ladies that do!
After I get back from Ireland I am going to start saving for my sidesaddle for sure.
Why would a saddlebred present more of a problem than say a morgan or TB or QH ? I can understand being a little nervous on a more spirited horse like an arab or TB until one has more confidence. (Of course, every breed has it's easy going gelding.) Just wondering. More important, I am sure hacking outdoors with the sidesaddle will do wonders for your seat and confidence, because it also helps astride of course. Riding in a ring is well - flat. Going up and down slopes, negotiating obstacles, trotting & cantering over natural terrain, hopping over a ditch! Figure 8s in the grass! I look forward to your postings on that. Happy trails!
Don't give up ! Your adventures are fun to read and your blog is so full of informational sites. Try posting for the real deal to develop muscles.
LOL my first side saddle experience was strapping it to my ol' red mare and going for a 4-5 mile trail ride through woods, swamps, and over creeks. But I kind of walk that fine line between "brave" and "nuts" when it comes to riding. It will come with time, I am now riding my young red mare with it and I find I am a LOT more cautious because she is kind of silly (we are still waiting for our brain to come in the mail)and can be spooky. I just have to keep telling myself, so what if she dumps you? It wouldn't be the first time you fell off. LOL, like I said, the fine line.
Seriously though, the confidence will come. A thought, have you ever tried a Western sidesaddle? You might find that more secure for trail riding.
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