Category Archives: Side Saddle

Making A Show Of Yourself – Part 1 – Types of ridden showing classes

This series is based on a guide I drew up a few years ago ahead of a clinic I delivered to novice adults and children. There are a wealth of showing experts out there and I will not pretend to know as much nor more than any of them. This guide is not intended forContinue reading “Making A Show Of Yourself – Part 1 – Types of ridden showing classes”

Getting Into the Heart of Side Saddle

Felicity and I were meant to be together. I first met her on the side of a road when I collected her and another saddle off her owner to bring her to be used on a horse at a side saddle camp a friend had organised. I knew sweet FA about side saddles at theContinue reading “Getting Into the Heart of Side Saddle”

50 Shades of Hay

Theres a new film coming out About standoffish Mr Grey And a moron without sense Who bites her lip all day I’m confused by all these women Who think this is such kink If they turn up in the stable yard They won’t know what to think

To Compete, Perchance to Win. Ladies Side Saddle Returns to the 2014 RDS Dublin Horse show

When the ladies side saddle class returned to the show ring in the 2014 RDS Dublin Horseshow it was not filled with professional riders on professional show horses. Instead the ring was filled with a variety of horses and riders that served as a beautiful demonstration of versatility. The majority of these riders were notContinue reading “To Compete, Perchance to Win. Ladies Side Saddle Returns to the 2014 RDS Dublin Horse show”

Side Saddle Makeup Unveiled

When some of the side saddle ladies including Ciara my side saddle friend and mentor recently declared that lipstick for side saddle showing should not be red, I was relieved. I have nothing against red lipstick but it simply doesn’t suit me. I either end up looking like a child in their parents make upContinue reading “Side Saddle Makeup Unveiled”

A Dressage Clinic with a London 2012 Champion

Back on Easter bank holiday weekend I attended a dressage clinic at Toberton Lodge. Now you are probably thinking sure that’s a good while ago, and it is but I figured it made sense to work on what we covered and see how it went before I wrote about it. Our clinic was with IrelandsContinue reading “A Dressage Clinic with a London 2012 Champion”

When Opportunity Met Preparation

“Luck is when preparation meets opportunity” is one of my favourite phrases. So often in competition, especially when things go wrong, we talk about what you can buy – the best horse with the most potential, the expensive clothing, the sessions with the best coach / instructor / sports psychologist. However it is the existenceContinue reading “When Opportunity Met Preparation”

Riding Club Festival – Survival Tips

It is almost time for the annual riding clubs festival. Times have been issued, weather apps are being consulted, child of prague statues are being plonked out on doorsteps, plans are being made and lists are being written. You can check out what I learned at last year’s festival here. In the meantime, considering IContinue reading “Riding Club Festival – Survival Tips”

The Balmoral of The Story

So this week the giant orange and I went to Balmoral to ride side saddle. I entered the show during an emotional month and after a few drinks about 10 weeks ago. It seemed like a great idea at a the time and seemed like a terrifying and ambitious idea on the day. I learnedContinue reading “The Balmoral of The Story”