Side Saddle is a form of equitation which allows a rider to sit with both legs to one side. Riding aside rather than astride dates back to antiquity, but was developed in the middle ages as a way for women in skirts to ride a horse in a modest fashion, and up until the war was the most usual way for girls and women to ride.
Side saddle today is becoming more popular again, as people are rediscovering the elegance and comfort. The modern side saddle rider may be seen in many equestrian disciplines, including dressage, eventing, show jumping, hunting and western pleasure. Specialty side saddle classes with either traditional equipment or period costume are popular at many horse shows.
Side saddle riders are often seen in parades and historical re-enactments.
Riders with certain types of disabilities may find side saddles more comfortable than riding astride, because the design of the saddle provides extra security to certain types of riders.
Did you know?
When riding side saddle, you don't actually sit sideways. The design of the saddle allows riders to sit squarely with their hips and apply aids with their seat bones as normal. Modern side saddles have two pommels most commonly on the left side. Your right leg wraps around the top one, known as the fixed head, and your left leg rests in the stirrup and underneath the second pommel or leaping head. In your right hand you carry a whip or cane to aid the horse on the right side in place of your right leg.
You don't need to be able to ride astride before you learn side saddle. When riding side saddle for the first time, especially if you are used to riding astride the position may feel a little odd, but it is actually a very safe way to ride. You do not have to rely on balance quite so much as riding astride, because if you feel wobbly or in an emergency, you can squeeze your legs around the pommels to hold yourself in position. It is much more difficult to fall from a side saddle.
You don't need any special costumes. When we think of side saddle, we might picture an elegant woman with flowing skirts from a period TV drama, but in actual fact most people ride side saddle in their normal riding gear, although it can be fun to dress up for special occasions.
Men, women and children can ride aside with a side saddle and you can do anything you would normally do riding astride including dressage, jumping, showing, hacking or even hunting.
Adding side saddle to your equestrian repertoire is highly beneficial and we recommend everyone should try it at least once, but be warned it can become addictive!
What do Valley Farm Offer?
At Valley Farm, we have a number of horses and ponies trained to carry side saddles so we are able to offer introduction lessons for adults or children.
If you would like to try side saddle for yourself, either to train towards your side saddle exams, for fun, for medical reasons or simply as a one off experience to try out this elegant form of riding, then please contact the office to discuss your individual requirements.
We have friendly qualified instructors who are able to take you through from the very basics, right up to working through the Side Saddle Association exams.
We are able to provide private lessons at a time to suit you, and are also able to cater for small groups.
Provided you are familiar with the basics, it is possible to join in with any of the regular class lessons/hacks (jumping, flatwork or western) using a side saddle if you would like. Simply let the office know when you book your lesson. (There is a small surcharge to the cost of the regular lesson to cover the cost of fitting and use of the side saddle)
Side Saddle Association Examination days and shows are occasionally held at the centre.
You can purchase gift vouchers from our website of from reception if you would like to treat someone to a side saddle experience.
Side saddle is often included as an activity during our pony days and pony camps.
Can I bring my own horse?
If you are lucky enough to have your own horse, and you would like to find out if it would be suitable for side saddle then yes, you can bring your own horse for lessons and use one of our saddles. If it is something you chose to continue with and you purchase your own tack and equipment, you are still more than welcome to bring you own horse to join in with our lessons, shows and competitions.
Hire a side saddle horse
Side Saddle horses are also available for hire for weddings, or other special occasions. Please contact us to discuss your individual requirements.
Simulator sessions
The simulator is an excellent way to get started. This helps you to coordinate your aids and work on developing the core muscles in the right places, which can make it so much easier when you move onto a real horse. You can ask for a lesson where you do half an hour on the simulator and half an hour on a horse if you want to.
More information about Side saddle
If you want to get more involved in side saddle locally then contact the Side Saddle Association by following this link www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk
We are in Area 4.
updated July 2026
