Owner to Ride!
Yesterday, Holly brought her antique sidesaddle out to the barn so we could try a little sidesaddle ride on Patrick. He was very well behaved and accepted the strange, heavy saddle and lack of right leg aids very well. Holly has been riding and showing sidesaddle for many years, as has her mother who is also a trainer and professional. I can't say the same for Patrick and me. Patrick's first time under sidesaddle was my second time in the sidesaddle. Man, does it feel weird! You have to lean to the right in order to center yourself on the horse and lose a lot of control that you'd normally have from the leg aids while wrapping your legs around the "Leaping Heads" instead of the horse. I also worry that the saddle will slip sideways. Apparently, it has been known to happen! Jumping is especially difficult. I have jumped a couple of crossrails on another horse, and it is a much different feeling than jumping astride. There was no way I would attempt it on Patrick...this time.
While Holly was riding, she also explained some sidesaddle basics, which we captured in the video below. I thought it was really interesting. We might have to try sidesaddle more often now that we know Patrick doesn't mind!
While Holly was riding, she also explained some sidesaddle basics, which we captured in the video below. I thought it was really interesting. We might have to try sidesaddle more often now that we know Patrick doesn't mind!
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