The Association offers a wide variety of classes, to suit all standards of rider and horse/pony to encourage and give all side saddle riders the opportunity to participate, often giving the chance for riders and horses/ponies to enjoy a second career, having perhaps come to the end of their Racing, Dressage, Eventing or Showing years. Most breeds and types of horses and ponies will carry a side saddle from Cobs, Hacks, Racehorses and Hunters to Haflingers, New Forest, Irish Draught and Fell.

For many Members, the Side Saddle Rider of the Year Title, achieved by qualifying throughout the year and competing in the relevant classes at the National Side Saddle Show (where there are classes for every level of rider) is the ultimate aim, but that is not the case for everyone and others compete for sheer pleasure.

All SSA affiliated classes are open to Members and Non-members but Non-members do not receive the Association's rosettes unless otherwise stated in a Show Schedule's wording.

In Association affiliated classes, Lead Rein Competitors (SSA Members and Non- members) are welcomed but only Hors Concours, unless stipulated in a Show Schedule's wording.

Appropriate Society and/or Show Rules as stated within their Schedules override SSA rules regarding class requirements, competitor/horse age, dress, tack, appropriate head wear, etc.

If a Show Schedule states horses will be ridden, a change of saddle is permitted to enable the judge to ride, if she or he does not ride side saddle.

The classes listed below are those for which we have specific rules, but many Areas run others as requested by their Members, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate. Some of these classes also have additional qualifiers within.

TURNOUT: please note that point 1.13 of the Equitation Class Turnout reference jewellery applies to ALL Side Saddle Association Classes.

Best Hack, Riding Horse, Hunter, Cob, Coloureds and Mountain and Moorland
These classes will be judged as showing classes, manners, way of going, and conformation will all be taken into account.

Classical Ladies
Open to riders aged 18 and over on January 1st of the current year, on horses exceeding 148cm(14.2hh).This Class to be judged 25% conformation and action, 25% manners and way of going, 25% rider, and 25% turnout of horse and rider.

Concours d'Élégance
The sole criterion for this class is the elegance of the picture presented by horse and rider. Attention may be paid to the rider's personal appearance, but detailed inspection of rider and tack is not required. Fancy dress or period costume is not permitted

Costume Concours d'Élégance
The sole criterion for this class is the elegance of the picture presented by horse / pony and rider and the way of going in costume. Safe tack must be used. Detailed inspection of the rider's period costume is not required. Fancy dress is not permitted. Competitors are required to walk, trot and canter.

Dressage
All levels of dressage are permitted including Freestyle to Music and Intro (walk and trot). Run under British Dressage (BD) rules concerning bitting.

Equitation
In all equitation classes it is the rider and not the horse/pony that is judged and qualifies, as there will be no reference to the sex, breeding or conformation of the horse/pony. However, the horses/ponies should, in the opinion of the judge, have manners suitable for carrying a side saddle. Horses/ponies shall be four years old or over. Riders enter the ring together and are required to walk, trot and canter on the right rein, followed by a change of rein through trot and canter left before being called into line. Each competitor then gives a freestyle show of no more than 2 minutes including walk, trot and canter, after which turnout is inspected.

The National Equitation Championships are held at the National Side Saddle Show and to enter them Members must have won at least 10 Qualifying Points in Qualifying Classes between the previous and the current National Equitation Championship. Each Equitation Championship has its own test (Click here). Specific qualification details and rules are included in Section II of the Side Saddle Association Competition Rules.

Equitation Jumping
The judge/judges will take into account effective horsemanship, suppleness, straightness, poise of the rider, the presentation of the horse/pony to the obstacle, the rider's position and the fluency and correct style of both horse/pony and rider when over the obstacle and landing. The course comprises of six to eight fences, rustic, coloured or a mixture of fences. Hats to current British Safety Standards or above.

Historical Costume
This class will be judged at walk. The judge will inspect competitor's attire and horse / pony's tack closely, for historical accuracy, when the class is lined up. Competitors must submit a brief résumé about their apparel. Lead rein competitors are eligible for this class. Juniors must wear hats to current British Safety Standards or above, for this class.

Lead Rein Classes
Open to ponies not to exceed 138cm (13.2hh). Open to riders between 5 and 10 years on January 1st in the current year. Conformation and manners will be taken into account. Spurs are not permitted.

Pas Seul & Pas de Deux (Junior and Adult)
These are freestyle to music classes run under different rules at the Organiser's discretion. They are ridden in a costume themed to match and enhance the music used. The horse/pony's technical paces are assessed for freedom, regularity, impulsion, submission, lightness and ease of movements. Further marks are awarded for the composition of the display, choreography and incorporation of music, the artistic theme, costume and characterisation, correlation of pace with musical rhythm, symmetry and interaction of partnership, music arrangement and accompaniment, entertainment value and ability to hold interest.

Riding Club Horse/Pony
Riders will be required to give a short show including a small jump. The class shall be judged on the show, the manners of the horse/pony, and its suitability for the rider. Conformation will not be considered.

Show Jumping
Run under BS rules, hats to current British Safety Standards or above. Classes:

• Pony Rider Side Saddle Stakes
• Horse Starter Stakes
• Top Hat Side Saddle Stakes

Working Hunter and Working Hunter Pony
Hats to current British Safety Standards or above must be worn for all jumping classes. SHBGB rules apply for horses and BSPS rules for ponies.

Young Riders
Ponies not to exceed 138cm (13.2hh). Open to riders aged between 5 and 10 years on January 1st of the current year. Spurs are not permitted. Riders need not wear habits. Lead rein permitted. No cantering is allowed except for individual performances.