It’s that time to reflect on the last year and start thinking and planning towards the coming year.
As I look back on the past 12 months, it seems hard to believe that I only set up Simply Side Saddles in April, to run alongside my existing coaching and training programme, It’s been the first year for me of not owning or competing a horse, which was a hard decision to make at the time (luckily I do still get to ride horses for clients!), but one that enabled me to widen the horizon of my teaching and judging commitments. It also allowed me time to develop the business of sourcing side-saddles to sell on behalf of clients and to provide a selection of side-saddles for hire to enable some of my newer clients to get started on their side-saddle journeys.
It’s been a pleasure to work with riders of all levels and capabilities. Developing a programme of “Have a Go” clinics running nationwide, has given many riders the opportunity to have their first taste of riding side-saddle. What has been even more rewarding to see has been the same riders becoming hooked on the art of riding side-saddle and coming back time and time again to further progress their skills. It’s been encouraging to see so many children starting up- our next generation of side-saddle riders.
Seeing my pupils working towards and achieving their goals has been very gratifying, with some of my regular clients winning a plethora of classes at the Side Saddle Association (SSA) National Show in August as well as qualifying for the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and more recently, the Ladies Show Horse class at London International Horse Show. Others have taken part in side- saddle races, hunting and the British Dressage Side Saddle finals.
On the subject of the new Ladies class at the London International Horse Show, held at London’s Excel Centre, I must congratulate the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) for getting this series up and running at such a prestigious show. The showing classes put on by the BSHA, including the Ladies class are open to amateur riders, with a series of qualifying classes around the country. I had the pleasure of going there with one of my clients and the atmosphere was phenomenal and what a wonderful way to end the show season. The camaraderie was incredible and it was a lovely sight to see all the ladies competing, all so beautifully turned-out- quite a challenge to keep the horses in show condition and with their coats gleaming in December!
My year ended fittingly with a two day festive clinic in SSA Area 9, Scotland. When asked whether I’d run a two day clinic between Christmas and New Year, I willingly said “yes” , not really expecting it to be fully booked with a waiting list at this time of year! It shows just how addictive riding side-saddle can be and if this is anything to go by, I’m expecting 2024 to be another busy year.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all my friends, clients and fellow side-saddle enthusiasts for all your support this year and I’m already excited to see what 2024 brings
Wishing you all a very Happy, Healthy and Successful New Year.
Penny
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