The Earlier Versions
During the initial eras, women in Europe either rode horses astride or pillion. This tradition underwent a significant shift during the fourteenth century, marked by the introduction of the side-saddle. It was composed of a petite seat bolstered with a horn at the front for extra support. This innovative saddle design provided a backrest, side supports, and an exclusive footrest known as a planchette for enhanced comfort. This shifting position allowed the riders to sit sideways, facing towards the left – a position that was seemingly unorthodox and not optimal for controlling a horse. As such, riders were typically accompanied by a leader.
The Advent of Side-Saddle Riding
As time progressed, a key facet of the side-saddle, the planchette, was substituted with a stirrup designed for the left foot. This modification reformed the right leg’s position to rest over the horn, leading to the inception of side-saddle riding. This method differed notably from merely sitting on the saddle, creating a new form of horse-riding.
In the subsequent years, numerous modifications were introduced to the design and functionality of the side-saddle. These improvements were implemented diligently to usher the side-saddle to its current form- a design that prioritizes safety while ensuring superior comfort for the rider.
Seat
Delving into the specifics of the side-saddle, a critical component to discuss is the seat.
The Design of the Side-Saddle Seat
The design of the side-saddle seat is unique and carefully conceptualized. The width is substantial enough to provide a comfortable riding experience. The cover of the seat is ideally made from doeskin, which adds an element of smoothness and comfort while enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
The Importance of Levelness
The shape of the seat in the side-saddle is engineered for optimal balance. It should be absolutely level in every direction – from front to back and from side to side. This balanced design is important for ensuring a safe and comfortable ride; it aids in maintaining a sturdy posture and provides stability, thus making the unusual position of side-saddle riding more manageable and enjoyable.
The Side-Saddle Tree
An integral part of the side-saddle design is the tree. Despite being fragile and requiring careful handling, the tree contributes heavily to the side-saddle’s functionality and comfort.
Materials Used in the Tree
Traditionally, the tree has been constructed from a combination of wood and cast iron. This blend of materials created a distinct, yet somewhat unwieldy, foundation for the side-saddle. On the other hand, modern trees have seen significant improvements. Laminated wood has been introduced as the primary material, resulting in a lighter and more manageable side-saddle experience for riders.
Structure and Design of the Tree
The tree’s design features a cut-back head, accompanied by a large hook measuring about 230 mm (9 in.) across at the base, tapering, and curving to a smaller 100 mm (4 in.) width across the top. This hook, known as the fixed head or upper pommel, plays an essential role in the side-saddle structure, as it forms an integral part of the tree itself.
The Leaping Head
Exploring the design elements of a side-saddle, the leaping head plays an instrumental role in enhancing riding experience and safety measures.
Understanding the Pommel: The Leaping Head
The lower pommel or the leaping head, as it is commonly known, is designed with user customization and comfort in mind. It is fastened to the tree of the side-saddle and can be adjusted according to the rider’s needs. This adjustable feature is specifically designed to accommodate the width of the rider’s thigh, ensuring a comfortable and secure side-saddle riding experience.
Adjustable Features for Riding and Jumping
Adding to the adaptive benefits, some saddles offer two sockets on the left side for this pommel—meant for different activities. The lower socket is designed for regular riding, while the higher slot caters to the movements involved in jumping, showcasing the side-saddle’s adaptability to diverse riding requirements.
Safety Measures: The Importance of Lefthand Thread
An important safety aspect to keep in mind is that the leaping head should always be tightened using a lefthand thread. Employing a righthand thread may lead to instability and can prove dangerous, especially when significant pressure is applied during riding. This proves just how vital every little detail is when it comes to ensuring rider safety and comfort in side-saddle design.
The Side-Saddle Panels
Another critical element that contributes to the functionality and comfort of a side-saddle are the panels. These components play a key role in ensuring rider satisfaction and safety.
Sizing and Filling of Panels
Typically, the design of the side-saddle incorporates full pattern panels – a requirement to keep the balance while sitting. For the ideal fit, the panels should be equal on both sides. However, when observed from behind, there’s a slight variation. The panel on the left side should have deeper stuffing, about 20 to 25 mm (or 1 inch), compared to the right. This additional filling helps maintain the saddle seat level, leading to increased rider stability, particularly during motions.
The Importance of a Deep Saddle Channel
One integral characteristic of well-designed side-saddle panels is a deep saddle channel. This depth is crucial to accommodate the horse’s spine and allow proper ventilation, adding to both the horse’s comfort and the rider’s safety.
Panel Covering: Material Choices
The covering of the panels often varies between linen, serge, or a blend of both. Some designers also use leather for its ease of cleanliness and luxurious feel. However, one should be cautious while using leather as it tends to be more slippery compared to the other fabric choices, potentially compromising grip and stability.
Understanding the Use of Flaps in a Side-Saddle
In the world of side-saddle design, flaps are not just mere accents. They come with critical design features to accommodate a rider’s anatomy and movement, making them noteworthy elements of a comfortable riding experience.
The Nearside Flap and the Safe
Known for its considerable size, the nearside flap extends further than the front of the saddle to accommodate the rider’s right leg comfortably. This extended component is referred to as the ‘safe’. While padding under the safe might provide additional comfort, it could also potentially lessen leg contact—a factor important for control while riding.
The Placement of Straps
Along the edge of the flap, a flap strap, also known as the belly strap, is situated. Underneath the flap, you’ll find not just one, but two or three girth straps. Additionally, there’s an angled strap connected to the tree’s point meant for the balance strap. Proper positioning of this strap is crucial—it must slope back at a 15 degrees angle from the vertical. Certain saddle variants, such as Champion and Wilton, come with a small buckle in place of a strap.
The Variety of Offside Flaps
Offside flaps come in several variations, with the most common one being plain and small, secured with a hook into an eye on the flap strap. Certain designs, like the Martin and Martin saddles popular in the United States, implement a patent spring underneath this flap, assisting it to lift and stay in place.
The Show Saddle: Girth Tabs and Straps
Unique to the fashionable show saddle is the presence of girth tabs on the flap’s outside, protruding from a small skirt. On the offside, three girth straps are typical. The most critical among these is the point strap, which when fastened to the front girth buckle, helps keep the saddle securely in place.
The Role of the Balance Strap in a Side-Saddle
A key player in maintaining a stable and comfortable horse riding experience is the balance strap. This component is not just a part of the saddle decoration, but plays a significant role in preventing unnecessary saddle movements.
Design and Purpose of the Balance Strap
The balance strap, typically created from leather, measures about 25 mm (or 1 inch) wide. It’s designed with buckles and keepers at both ends to allow easy adjustments and secure attachments. It serves a crucial function – to prevent the back of the saddle from swinging and causing discomfort to the horse by rubbing its back.
Variations in Balance Straps
A few saddle designs from Champion and Wilton stand out for their unique balance straps. These variants come with pre-made holes that can fit conveniently into the buckles on the saddle. This feature can further enhance the stability and fitting of the side-saddle, leading to a more pleasant and secure riding experience.
The Role and Design of Stirrup Irons in a Side-Saddle
A side-saddle isn’t complete or safe to use without a key component—the safety stirrup. It’s more than just a detail. This feature is crucial for ensuring riding safety and has undergone various design changes over the years.
Stirrup Evolution and the Need for Safety Features
Originally, the stirrup leather was threaded through a roller bar fixed on the saddle. This setup ignited considerable imaginative prowess regarding the creation of stirrups that could collapse or break open in the event of emergencies. Today, the use of safety stirrups with such fittings is a must.
Different Patent Fittings for Safety
Three commonly used patent fittings aim to release the leather in dangerous situations. Owen, Champion and Wilton, and Mayhew are among these fittings, each specifically designed for safety, yet they’re not interchangeable.
Functional Additions to the Stirrup
The top of the leather is equipped with its patent fitting, while its bottom includes a hook. This design allows for the hook to pass through the iron and back on itself, tuning into the holes in the leather to make needed adjustments. A leather sleeve typically covers this adjustment feature to ensure the flap and the rider’s boot are protected. It is crucial to note that side-saddle irons often require extra-large eyes for accommodating the adjustment hook.
Understanding the Role and Variations of Girths in a Side-Saddle
Just like various other parts of a side-saddle, girths play an essential role in ensuring comfort and safety during riding. Girths come in different forms and materials to suit different needs and preferences.
Choices of Girths: The Fitzwilliam and Others
The Fitzwilliam girth, characterized by its double design, is often preferred for its extra security. However, other flat girths can also serve the purpose depending on individual preference. Lampwick, a fabric type, is frequently used on grey horses. It’s important to mention that string as a material for girths is generally considered unsuitable.
Special Requirements for Show Saddles
A show saddle, known for its outside girth straps, calls for a special girth equipped with high-quality buckles and keepers on its exposed offside. This adds to not only the functionality but also to the visual appeal of the saddle.
Varied Uses of The Balance Strap
For an added touch of elegance, sometimes the balance strap is shortened and stitched directly onto the girth itself. However, it’s worth noting that this modification is not recommended for hunting or other strenuous activities as it may compromise on safety.
Frequently Asked Questions about Side Saddle Design
Q: What are the main components of a side saddle?
A: The main components of a side saddle are the leather-covered tree with horn, which is the saddle’s base; a seat covered with suede or leather for grip; and side pommels (raised or lower), which provide stability and support to the rider’s legs.
Q: How does a side saddle differ from a regular saddle?
A: A side saddle has a unique design that allows the rider to sit with both legs on one side of the horse while holding onto a horn with their knee. In contrast, a regular saddle (also known as an astride saddle) positions the rider with one leg on each side of the horse.
Q: How do I choose the right side saddle for my horse?
A: The most crucial factor in choosing a side saddle is ensuring a proper fit for both the rider and the horse. Seek professional advice from a qualified saddle fitter or choose a side saddle that can be adjusted to fit your horse properly.
Q: How should a side saddle fit both the rider and the horse?
A: The side saddle should sit level on the horse’s back without pinching or causing discomfort. For the rider, the seat should be large enough to accommodate their hips and thigh comfortably, and their knee should reach the knee roll without straining.
Q: Are side saddles designed for specific disciplines?
A: Although side saddles are primarily used for English riding disciplines, they can be customized or fitted for use in dressage, jumping, and showing events. Each specialized side saddle may have slight design differences suited for the specific discipline.
Q: How do I maintain a side saddle?
A: Proper side saddle maintenance involves cleaning and conditioning the leather components regularly, checking for any wear or damage to ensure safety, and storing the saddle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Q: How long can a side saddle last?
A: With proper care and maintenance, a well-made side saddle can last for many years. The lifespan depends on the quality of materials and craftsmanship, as well as how often it’s used and the conditions in which it’s used.
Q: Can a side saddle be custom-made?
A: Yes, a side saddle can be custom-made to fit the specific needs of both the rider and the horse by a skilled saddle maker. Keep in mind that custom saddles can be more expensive, but they offer the advantage of a perfect fit and personalized design.
Q: How do I learn the correct position for riding side saddle?
A: The best way to learn the correct position for riding side saddle is to take lessons from a qualified instructor who specializes in side saddle training. They can guide you on proper placement of your legs and posture while riding.
Q: Can a side saddle be refitted or altered?
A: Yes, side saddles can be refitted or altered by a saddle fitter or saddler to better accommodate the needs of the rider and the horse. This may include adjustments to the tree, panels, or other components of the saddle.
Q: Is riding side-saddle safe?
A: Yes, riding side-saddle can be as safe as riding astride if you have a well-fitted saddle, the right attire, and proper training. Remember, riding any saddle safely requires a good sense of balance and control.
Q: Is it difficult to learn to ride side-saddle?
A: Not necessarily. If you already know how to ride astride, it may feel different at first but with practice, many riders find it comfortable and even elegant. Having a qualified instructor will make a difference in the learning experience.
Q: Can a modern side-saddle be used for jumping?
A: Yes, a well-designed modern side-saddle can be used for multiple disciplines including jumping. It largely depends on the rider’s experience and comfort level.
Q: Why do women ride side-saddle?
A: In older times, it was considered unladylike for women to straddle a horse, hence, the development of the side-saddle. Now, both women and men may choose to ride side-saddle for the sake of tradition, elegance, or personal preference.
Q: Do you need specific clothes to ride side-saddle?
A: It’s generally recommended to wear a riding habit, or in other words, a long skirt designed for riding, a blouse, and a riding jacket when riding side-saddle. This ensemble helps maintain the traditional elegance associated with side-saddle riding.
Q: Can all horses be ridden side-saddle?
A: Yes, it’s possible to ride most horses side-saddle, so long as they are trained to accept it and the saddle fits correctly. Some horses might initially find it odd, but with patience and good training, they can adapt beautifully.
Q: Can men ride side-saddle?
A: Absolutely. While historically it was primarily women who rode side-saddle, anyone, regardless of gender, can ride side-saddle if they choose.
Q: Do I need any extra equipment to ride side-saddle?
A: Yes. In addition to your side-saddle, you’ll typically need a habit (riding skirt), a top hat or show hat, and a whip. Your horse will need a properly sized side-saddle girth.
Q: How old should a horse be to train for side-saddle?
A: A horse can start side-saddle training once they’re mature enough to carry a rider comfortably. This is typically around the age of four or five. As with any new discipline, it’s best to introduce it slowly and with patience.
Q: Can you ride a pony side-saddle?
A: Yes, you can ride a pony side-saddle! The most important factor is that the saddle fits correctly. Just make sure you have the right size for both the rider and the pony.
