Since my last update, it feels as though it has been an exceptionally busy few months. My teaching schedule has been really packed, and it has been incredible to see so many new riders starting out on their side-saddle journeys, along with existing riders developing their skills.
I reported last time about the excitement that was building about the Golden Anniversary celebrations for the Side Saddle Association (SSA) that were being celebrated at the Side Saddle Nationals and what a Nationals it turned out to be. Returning to Addington Manor Equestrian Centre seemed a very popular decision and side-saddle riders came out in force to make it a very successful and enjoyable show. We were very blessed with good weather and it was lovely to see so many people surrounding the rings supporting the competitors.
The opening night saw the unveiling of a display of SSA memorabilia from all the SSA areas to commemorate the 50th anniversary. It was wonderful to see so many creative displays showcasing key moments from over the years. On a personal level, the show always provides the chance to catch up with long term side-saddle friends as well as to forge new friendships.
I was unbelievably proud to see so many clients of Simply Side Saddles participating with huge success across the weekend. 17 of my regular clients from across the UK and Northern Ireland took part, between them, they won 20 classes and had numerous placings. The list would be too lengthy to mention all their results, but particular highlights were Zoe Macphail winning the Junior Newcomers Equitation, Junior Novice Equitation and Junior Concours D’Elegance, Libbie Davidson winning the Adult Newcomers Equitation and Hannah Terndrup winning the Novice Rider of the Year award and the new Championship class, “The Contemporary Ladies”.
Zoe McPhail
Hannah Terndrup
Libby Davidson
It’s worth mentioning the Contemporary Ladies class as it has attracted huge interest this year. The class has been very popular since its introduction at the beginning of 2024 and is designed for ladies who are riding horses or ponies that don’t necessarily meet the traditional “Classical” look, being either a Native breed, part bred, heavy or world breed horse/ pony. Similar too the more traditional Classical Ladies class, the class is judged with a mark scheme covering the rider, turnout, manners and suitability of the horse/ pony for the rider. It was a magnificent sight to see such a well filled class, with such a wide variety of horses and ponies. As I always say when teaching, all horses and ponies can potentially carry a side-saddle and this was very much borne out by this class.
One thing that I was especially struck by at the show was the camaraderie between competitors and on a personal level, I particularly wanted to highlight the generosity of one of my clients, Carolyn Day, who lent her lovely Connemara pony, Fred, to another of my clients, Pippa Perry, when Pippa’s horse had to be withdrawn. This enabled Pippa to take part in the Novice Rider of the Year and display just how good a rider she is when she went on to come 5th overall, having never ridden Fred before, let alone jumped him. This to me epitomises the wonderful friendships that develop through our mutual love of side-saddle.
Pippa Perry
The Ride-Off for the Rider of the Year provided the usual spectacle of the top 4 riders from across the Open Equitation and Open Equitation Jumping, riding each other's horses, with Emily Saunders winning the much-coveted title.
We are very fortunate to have so many riders in the UK following their dreams and riding side-saddle, whether competitively or for their own pleasure. It is not just the UK though that embraces this wonderful art and it was very interesting to meet representatives from side-saddle organisations from other parts of the world spectating at the show and sharing their experiences. Different countries have their own traditions and I was delighted to get a chance to do some side-saddle teaching in Portugal in October. It was fascinating to learn more about some of their traditions and costumes, a trip I’m hoping to repeat again before too long.
At the time of writing, the 2024 season is drawing to a close, with only the London International Show (LIHS) left to go this year. Let me take this opportunity to wish all friends and clients who are competing at LIHS an enjoyable and successful show.
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