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DON'T FORGET TO ORDER YOUR 50TH ANNIVERSAY MERCHANDISE (POSTED 15/02/24)

Merchandise to celebrate the Side Saddle Association's 50th Anniversary is now avaialble to order.

Please click here for order form.

SSA 50TH ANNIVERSARY CLOTHING RANGE (POSTED 30 JAN 2024)

A clothing Range to celebrate the Side Saddle Association's 50th Anniversary is now avaialble to order.

Please click here for order form.

JANUARY ONLINE EQUITATION RESULTS (POSTED 15/02/24)

The online series continues to be of benefit to Members, here is a comment received this month: "Thank you so much to the judge who has given us such helpful feedback – lots of tips to work on for next month" Please click here for the January results and the league table.

SSA SEMINAR (POSTED 15 FEB 2024)

LATEST NEWS – ONLINE EQUITATION (POSTED 22/01/24)

Please click here for December 2023 results and league table.
Just a reminder to members, all classes in the remaining 3 months of the Virtual Equitation Series (Jan-Mar) will use the new 2024 SSA Equitation tests. There are also new 2 new 20mx40m Adult
Open & Junior Open/Adult Int tests. All the new tests are available to download on the Just So Equestrian Events website where you can also find the schedule, rules and enter on line. -
https://www.justsoequestrianevents.co.uk/product-category/ssa-virtual-equitation-march-2023
This series is proving to be of great benefit to those taking part, here is a recent quote from a participant: "Thank you so much for running the Virtual Equitation series. I am quite new to riding side saddle and the judges feedback is so helpful. Maybe one day I'll brave a jump and get a video for the JumpCoach feedback!"

THE SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION 50TH ANNIVERSARY 1974 -2024

Keep your eye on this page for 50th Anniversary news.
• COMING SOON – MORE DETAILS OF THE OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE THE SSA WILL BE SELLING
• OFFICIAL SSA CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES:
*The SSA AGM – 24th March
*The National Side Saddle Show - 26th – 28th July
*The Area 19 Chairman's 50 for 50 Challenge

ONLINE SEMINAR 21ST JANUARY 2024 – OPEN TO ALL MEMBERS (POSTED 08/01/24)

Bookings close on 14th January – more details further down this page

SSA ONLINE EQUITATION (POSTED 08/01/24)

Please remember the January – March Virtual Equitation classes will be using the new 2024 tests; this is a great chance to get in some practice and receive feedback ready for the National Show! The new Equitation tests are on the Just So website including the OL 20m x 40m tests. The full set of Equitation Championship Tests will be in the 2024 Handbook and can also be downloaded from the National Show Website.

ONLINE SEMINAR 21ST JANUARY 2024 – OPEN TO ALL MEMBERS (POSTED O3/01/24)

Please click here to find further details of the forthcoming seminar. Please contact the Hon. General Secretary for bank transfer payment details: secretary@sidesaddleassociation.co.uk

FREE ENTRY TO THE 2024 PERFORMANCE POINTS AWARDS FOR JUNIORS (POSTED O3/01/24)

2. Junior riders, this is a one-off opportunity for 5 lucky Juniors to get free entry into the SIDE SADDLES 2024 PERFORMANCE POINTS AWARDS (full details on page 60 of the 2023 handbook). To be in with a chance of winning please send your name, SSID and Area number by email to the Hon. Gen. Secretary by no later than FRIDAY 26 JANUARY 2024. The lucky recipients will be drawn from a hat after the closing date. Our grateful thanks go to Sarah Clune from Area 8 who has sponsored the initiative.

THE LONDON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW RISING STAR LADIES SHOW HORSE (POSTED 18/12/23)

There were 19 competitors who came forward for the final of the Rising Star Ladies Show horse and 16 of them were SSA Members who had travelled far and wide to be there:
Area 2: Francesca Bell
Area 4: Sarah Moreland, Kate Over, Grace Chittenden, Katie Ockendon-Evans & Annastasia Christoforou Fox (they all featured in the top 10 placings)
Area 5: Hana Smith
Area 6: Fiona Bebb-Evans & Helen Thomas
Area 8: Perdy Dabliz
Area 12: Barbara Wale
Area 14: Renee Tuck
Area 16: Emma Tamblyn
Area 19: Jill Robinson, Chantelle Smith & Alexandra Naylor

A massive well done to you all for taking part and for travelling the distances you did into central London.

Congratulation to the Champion Sarah Moreland riding her own Coultard and to Reserve Champion Francesca Bell riding her own Perllandu Lyrical Interlude.

NOVEMBER ONLINE EQUITATION RESULTS (POSTED 18/12/23)

Please click here for the November Results and League Table. The series is going well and there has been some positive feedback from competitors, this is what one person has told us: "I'm still very new to riding side saddle so found the judge's comments really helpful and encouraging. I hope I will improve a little each month as a result"

AREA 19 CHAIRMAN'S CHALLENGE 2024 (POSTED 18/12/23)

As part of the SSA 50th Anniversary regional celebrations the Area 19 Chairman, Glynis Hughs, has set a 50 for 50th Challenge that it open to all Members – please click here for more information

50 for 50 challenge
50 for 50th entry form
50 for 50th recording form

LATEST NEWS: THE LONDON INTERNATIONAL SHOW (POSTED 13/12/2023)

The Side Saddle Association sends Good Luck wishes to all Members competing at the show this week.

The Side Saddle Association Celebrating 50 years in 2024

Limited Edition Side Saddle Bear

There will be 50 Side Saddle Bears available to purchase on a first come, first served basis.
£30 EACH
 Each bear will have a 50 years golden sash.

The bears are approximately 16 inches tall
(the image above is for illustration only)

The bears need to be ordered and paid for in advance, order forms are available on the SSA website or from the Hon. Gen. Secretary, payment by bank transfer or cheque only
Closing date for receipt of is 31st December 2023

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AN ORDER FORM

Ribbon: Curved and Tilted Up: The Side Saddle Association  50 years 1974 – 2024  Side  

ONLINE EQUITATION RULE UPDATE (POSTED 04/12/23)

IMPORTANT - ONLINE EQUITATION TURNOUT RULE UPDATE: Rule 25. Turnout will not be judged, however costume (period or fancy dress) must not be worn as the judge needs to see the rider's position to enable full and constructive feedback.

ONLINE EQUITATION SPONSORSHIP (POSTED 04/12/23)

A big thank you to the sponsors of the 2023/24 Online Equitation Series: Dale Atkinson, Henrietta Barton, Jennifer Martin, Penny Clarke of Simply Side Saddles and SSA Area 5.

BD ASSOCIATED CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024 (POSTED 04/12/23)

It won't be long until January 1st when you'll be able to start competing to gain your qualifying scores for the BD Associated Championships 2024 – please click here to see some useful information to get you down the centre line

FORTHCOMING ONLINE SEMINARS (POSTED 27/11/23)

The online seminars are open to Judges, Instructors and Members, keep these dates for your diary, more information on how to book will follow soon:
  • Sunday 21 January 2024 at 2pm – Judging the Open Equitation Class and an Introduction to the new Contemporary Ladies Class
  • Wednesday 6 March 2024 at 7pm – Judges Integrity & Conduct and Judging Turnout at the National Championships

ONLINE EQUITATION SERIES 2023/24 (POSTED 21/11/23)

The October results are now in – please click here. November entries close on 30th November so get practising and filming!

50th ANNIVERSARY SIDE SADDLE BEARS (POSTED 21/08/23)

The limited edition Side Saddle bears are getting snapped up, don't forget to get your order in so you don't miss out

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AN ORDER FORM

THE BRITISH HORSE FOUNDATION BETTER BEGINNINGS PROGRAMME (POSTED 21/11/23)

The first guide "Better Beginnings: From Inception to 2 Years Old" is NOW LIVE. This is a free resource that is a PDF presented as a Flip Book on the British Horse Foundation website at www.britishhorsefoundation.org.uk/from-inception-to-2-years-old

BRITISH DRESSAGE ASSOCIATED CHAMPIONSHIPS (POSTED 21/11/23)

Once again the Side Saddle Association was well represented at the BD Associated Championships with excellent results achieved by the side saddle riders, our 'Roving Reporter' kept up to speed with all the happenings and presented an excellent report, please click here to read about the Championships

ONLINE SEMINARS 2023/24 (POSTED 16/10/23)

• The first seminar will be on 2 November at 7pm, please click here for further details
• Sun 21 Jan 2024 at 2pm: Judging the Open Equitation Class and an Introduction to the new Contemporary Ladies Class
• Wed 6 March 2024 at 7pm – Judges Integrity & Conduct and Judging Turnout at the National Championships
• Wed 6 November 2024 at 7pm – Topic(s) to be confirmed

ONLINE EQUITATIION SERIES (POSTED 16/10/23)

Don't forget to get your entries in for October, the closing date is 31st October. This is a great opportunity to get some practice in over the winter months, here are some quotes from a couple of this year's entrants:
"The judges take so much time and effort to write such helpful advice and information down in such a lovely positive and supportive way. The series has been immensely helpful."
"The feedback is always absolutely fantastic! So helpful, especially when preparing for the summer season ahead., with lots of tips and advice. Highly recommend entering"

LADIES DAYS (POSTED 16/10/23)

If anyone is interested in going to or setting up a Ladies Day please contact Emma Brown who is co-ordinating dates: Tel: 07771 984823. Email: emmacb6969@yahoo.com

ONLINE EQUITATION SERIES 2023/24 (POSTED 25/09/23)

The SSA VIRTUAL Equitation schedule and entries go 'live' on the Just So website on the 1st October 2023.

ONLINE EQUITATION SERIES 2023-24 (POSTED 18/09/23)

The Online Equitation Series 2023–24 is now live so get practicing and get your entries in, it's a great way to keep focussed during the winter and receive excellent feedback from SSA Panel Judges which will set you in good stead for the 2024 season and the National Championships. For more information go to https://www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk/onlinevirtualshows.asp

SHOW AFFILIATIONS ROLE (POSTED 11/09/23)

Applications for the SSA Show Affiliations role close on Friday 16th September, for more information click here

EXCITING INITITATIVE FROM THE BRITISH HORSE FOUNDATION (POSTED 05/09/23)

Launch of the Better Beginnings Best Practice Guide 'Young Horse Development' coming out on October 9th 2023

The goal of a round-table event and subsequent webinars in 2022 was to produce a best practice guide for young horse development. This ground-breaking guide contains the findings of cutting-edge research and knowledge from the very best in the business. This guide aims to help you understand the very latest, together with tried and tested, thinking about producing your young horse in the best way possible, ensuring the very best beginning as the basis for a long happy life for your equine partner.

BD ASSOCIATED CHAMPIONSHIPS (POSTED 29/08/23)

REMEMBER TO SUBMIT YOUR DRESSAGE SCORES FOR THE BD ASSOCIATED CHAMPIONSHIPS BY THE END OF AUGUST

NATIONAL SIDE SADDLE SHOW NOTICES (POSTED 31/07/23)

PARKING – If you want to park with specific people please aim to arrive at the same time or as close together as possible to aid the parking team in organising safe and orderly parking.

STABLE NAME SHEETS – Please ensure you complete the sheet with all relevant details to affix to your stable(s), a template can be downloaded from the show website: https://www.nationalsidesaddleshow.co.uk/guidetoshow.asp

WATER - There are limited taps immediately adjacent to the stables at Bury Farm but there are masses in the Lorry Park so it is advisable competitors bring water containers with them so they can stock up and leave by their stables and then top up when it suits them/taps are free.

RAFFLE - The National Show will be running the usual raffle which will be drawn on the Saturday night of the show. All donations of prizes will be very welcome and it would be really helpful if you could bring them into the office at Bury Farm on either the Thursday or Friday.

BOOK SIGNING - Dr Erica Munkwitz will be meeting and greeting and selling and signing her book Women, Horse Sports and Liberation: Equestrianism and Britain from the 18th to the 20th Centuries at 10am, 12.30pm and 3pm each day.

HORSE & COUNTRY TV AT THE NATIONAL SIDE SADDLE SHOW (POSTED 31/07/23)

Horse & Country will be filming in the International Arena at the National Side Saddle Show 4 – 6 August inclusive.

Follow this link: Live Events (horseandcountry.tv)

LATEST NEWS: IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL SIDE SADDLE SHOW 2023 (POSTED 24/07/23)

• CLASSES WITH MUSIC: Please note all music required for Dressage to Music and the Caro and Rococo classes must be provided on an USB/Memory Stick, it will not be possible for music to be played from CD's.

• LATE ENTRIES: Entries are still being taken for all classes except the timed classes.

NATIONAL SHOW BOOK SIGNING – ERIKA MUNKWITZ POSTED 17/07/23

EMMA GANN – EMMPIX – FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS (POSTED 12/07/23)

Emma Gann's funeral will take place at the Heart of England Crematorium, Eastboro Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 6WZa on Monday 31st July at 1.15pm.

SIDE SADDLE BD ASSOCIATED CHAMPIONSHIPS (POSTED 11/07/23)

The Associated Championships are held at Bury Farm on Friday 13th-Sunday 15th October. The schedule can be found here - https://britishdressage.online. We run Side Saddle Championships from Introductory to Medium level. To qualify, you need to gain three scores of 60% side saddle at any regular British Dressage Competition between 1st January and 31st August 2023.

Also, if a combination is eligible for any of the other Championship (e.g. They ride a Native etc), they can use the same three scores to qualify for these too.

For more information, visit the website here https://www.britishdressage.co.uk

EMMA GANN, EMMPIX - EMMA GANN PHOTOGRAPY & DESIGN (POSTED 03/07/23)

It was with great sadness the Side Saddle Association learned of the sudden death of Emma Gann. Emmpix have been the official photographer at the National Side Saddle Show since 2011 and Emma has been a much valued sponsor and exponent of the show, a generous supporter of the SSA as well as a strong advocate of side saddle in general. Our deepest sympathy and condolences go to Kevan, Emma's family and the Emmpix team.

NEW SIDE SADDLE CLASS FOR 2024 (POSTED 26/06/23)

The Side Saddle Association is delighted to announce details of a new class for 2024. The class will be known as the CONTEMPORARY LADIES SIDE SADDLE QUALIFIER, it will be open to Native, Non-Traditional and World Breed types and will run on the same basis as the Classical, however, a different marking criteria will be used as follows:
25% Rider, 25% Turnout, 25% Way of Going for Type and 25% Suitability of Horse for Rider. The highest placed horse/rider combination in each qualifier qualifies for THE JANET SENIOR CONTEMPORARY LADIES SIDE SADDLE FINAL to be held at the National Side Saddle Show. Further details will be in the 2024 Handbook.

HINTS & TIPS FOR SSA MEMBERS (POSTED 26/06/23)

Check out the Members Only page of the SSA website where some new articles have been added under the headings TURNOUT HINTS & TIPS and PREPARING FOR COMPETITIONS
https://www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk/secure_members/memberssecure.asp
These articles offer some useful pointers which will help you prepare for both local shows and the National Side Saddle Show. A big thank you to all who have written these informative documents on behalf of the SSA.

NATIONAL SIDE SADDLE SHOW - CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES (POSTED 26/06/23)

INSTRUCTOR EXAMINATION DAY SEPTEMBER 2023 (POSTED 19/06/23)

There will be an Instructor Exam day on 17th September 2023 hosted by Area 4 in Suffolk. The closing date for applications is Friday 18th August. Further details available from Dale Atkinson: Email: dale_atkinson@btinternet.com Tel: 01638 552320

ARENA EVENTER CHALLENGE WINNER (POSTED 22/05/23)

Congratulations to Caroline de Freyne-Shrubsole riding Freddie who won this year's Arena Eventing Challenge

GRADE TEST DAY (POSTED 22/05/23)

Area 4 are holding a Grade Test Day on Saturday 19th August near Stowmarket, for more details go to https://www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk/training_exams.asp

SSA REQUIRES A SHOW AFFILIATION OFFICER (POSTED 15/05/23)

The Side Saddle Association
REQUIRES
A Show Affiliation Officer
to take Office from 1st November 2023
Please click here for more information

FREE ENTRY TO THE PERFORMANCE POINTS AWARDS FOR JUNIOR MEMBERS (POSTED 04/05/23)

The following 5 lucky Junior Members have been drawn from the hat and will get free entry into the 2023 Side Saddles Annual Performance Points Awards

• Jacob Cockerill – Area 2
• Elsie Anderson – Area 19
• Harriet Sparkes – Area 4
• Georgia Hearn – Area 6
• Lauren O'Rourke – Area 21

For those of you not lucky this year you will get the chance to apply again next year to get a free entry for the 2024 awards. Our grateful thanks go to Sarah Clune from Area 8 who came up with the idea and has sponsored the initiative.

VIRTUAL EQUITATION RESULTS AND POINTS CHAMPIONSHIPS (POSTED 18/04/23)

Please click here for the March results which is the final section of the 2022/23 series. The end of the series has brought the Points Championship to a close too, please click here for the Championship results. Well done to all those who took part and thank you to Pippa Doran for running and administrating the series and to our sponsors Dale Atkinson, Penny Clarke - Side Saddle Instructor, Vanessa Hood, Jenny Martin, SSA Area 5, and Henrietta Barton for their generous support.

KIMBLEWICK POINT TO POINT RACES SATURDAY 8TH APRIL 2023 (POSTED 18/04/23)

Ginny Oakley Pope, Chairman of The Side Saddle Association Area 5, was invited to put on a side saddle display at Kimble Point to Point before the first ever Side Saddle Dash held at Kimble. Despite recent heavy rain the going was good and six side saddle riders came forwards and husband and wife riders, Sarah and Roger Edmunds competed on their cobs. Roger's cob IO went to take the short cut home (straight across the course!) Staff got him back in the right direction and they went on to finish the race. Sarah riding Rocky came third – a great example with a cob! Perdy Sasha Dabliz rode Loughnatoosa Stan and also won the Best Turned Out Award. Perdy said 'It was a real thrill, and everyone should have a go. Thank you to Kimble races for putting on their first side saddle dash. Well done to everyone who took part"

Ex point to point rider, Vicky Heal who came in fourth, hasn't raced since about 2008 after breaking too many bones. Vicky travelled from Norfolk and she hadn't told anyone she was doing the dash! Vicky said 'Hunting had finished, and horses were still in, so I saw the dash advertised and thought I could give that a go! So last week me and the horse tried side saddle for the first time. Hats off to the others- it's harder than I thought! When he was playing up in the paddock, I was regretting my spontaneity! Georgie Brearey (Kate Brearey) riding her 14 year old Connemara pony Max, was just pipped at the post by Amy Biggs riding ex racehorse, Silent Warrior. Amy said 'It was quite a wiggly course, literally swapping from going left round one fence then right round the next! It was great to see Lisa Summerfield back under side saddle taking part in the display and looking so smart, along with Lucinda Mitchell who travelled from The Talland School of Equitation to take part. A big thank you to Kimble Races for inviting the side saddle riders to take part and also to Ashley Bowden for sponsoring the side saddle dash – your ongoing support and enthusiasm is very much appreciated.

MEMENTOS/MERCHANDISE FOR THE SSA 50TH CELEBRATION IN 2024 (POSTED 18/04/23)

Council officers were asked for ideas for some mementos to celebrate our 50th anniversary next year, if you click here you will find a form that you can download, print and complete and either post or email to the Hon. General Secretary, this will help Council select the most appropriate items for sale next year. Submission date is 28th April 2023

NATIONAL SIDE SADDLE CAMP (POSTED 18/04/23)

Places are filling up fast for the first National Side Saddle Camp in Oxfordshire. Don't miss out on taking part in this exciting opportunity, it is first come first served for all Side Saddle Associations members. This camp will be held at Rosehill Equestrian (RG9 3EB), in between the M4 and M40 and near the M25 for easy access, on the 20th and 21st of May for two days and one night, (there is opportunity to stay Friday and Sunday night if needed, but this will be arranged separately). There will be group lessons on Saturday, followed by an informative talk and entertainment in the evening. On Sunday there will be an opportunity to run through an equitation or dressage test, and receive feedback with the opportunity to do it again, or a ring craft session, again with feedback and helpful advice. Sunday afternoon there will be a jumping or pole lesson. During this camp, there will be the opportunity to have side saddles, habit and overall turnout checked by affiliated judges. Please send an email to Sarah Clune: Sarah.clune@yahoo.co.uk to register interest; more information with the booking forms will be sent out in due course.

FREE ENTRY TO THE PERFORMANCE POINTS AWARDS FOR JUNIORS (POSTED 18/04/23)

Junior riders, there is a one off opportunity for 5 lucky Juniors to get free entry into the SIDE SADDLES ANNUAL PERFORMANCE POINTS AWARDS (full details on page 60 of the 2023 handbook). To be in with a chance of winning please send your name, SSID and Area number by email to the Hon. Gen. Secretary by no later than FRIDAY 28 APRIL. The lucky recipients will be drawn from a hat after the closing date. Our grateful thanks go to Sarah Clune from Area 8 who came up with the idea and has sponsored the initiative.

BRITISH EQUESTRIAN TAKES MAJOR STEP TOWARDS A FULLY REPRESENTATIVE FUTURE (POSTED 11/04/23)

On 6th April 2023 British Equestrian (BEF) released a response to the comprehensive #HorsesForAll report, a research study into the lived experiences of underrepresented communities in equestrian activity. Undertaken by AKD Solutions on the federation's behalf, the report is the result of four months of research across interviews, forums, experience days and a nationwide survey with over 800 respondents which gave a huge amount of data and insight. The resulting 89-page document highlighted nine key themes and set out 11 recommendations for BEF to consider. In consultation with member bodies, BEF has published a response document which addresses the recommendations with commitments which will be incorporated into an equality, diversity and inclusion strategy. Please click here to access the response document

MEMENTOS/MERCHANDISE FOR THE SSA 50TH CELEBRATION IN 2024 (POSTED 29/03/23)3)

Council officers were asked for ideas for some mementos to celebrate our 50th anniversary next year, if you click here you will find a form that you can download, print and complete and either post or email to the Hon. General Secretary, this will help Council select the most appropriate items for sale next year.

SIDE SADDLE AGM/OFFICER ELECTION (POSTED 29/03/23)

The AGM was held as a live event for the first time since 2019 on Sunday 26th March at Hogarths Hotel and was enjoyed by all who attended.
The election of Officers was as follows:
PRESIDENT – Jane Pryor
CHAIRMAN – Vanessa Hood
VICE CHAIRMEN – Shirley Anderson, Henrietta Barton, Caroline Hobson & Ann Sadler.

After the formal meeting the presentation of awards including the 2022 Performance Points took place. The winners included:
The Billette Mackie Memorial Training Award – Katie Gulliver, Area 5
The Ralph James Memorial Trophy – Linz & Iain Cadle, Area 8

For Performance Points winners please click here

After a delicious lunch Dr Erica Munkwitz gave a most interesting and factual presentation on a brief history of Side Saddle Riding which was much appreciated and enjoyed by all present. EVENTS DIARY – please add on National Show and National Camp as detailed on attached Diary update form

VIRTUAL EQUITATION SERIES RESULTS (POSTED 20/03/23)

Please click here for the February Results and Points Championship

NATIONAL SIDE SADDLE CAMP (POSTED 20/03/23)

Area 8 is delighted to announce we have the honour of organising the first National Side Saddle Camp in Oxfordshire in between the M4 and M40 and near the M25 for easy access. There are a limited number of spaces, so it is first come first served for all Side Saddle Associations members. This camp will be held at Rosehill Equestrian (RG9 3EB) on the 20th and 21st of May for two days and one night, (there is opportunity to stay Friday and Sunday night if needed, but this will be arranged separately).

There will be group lessons on Saturday, followed by an informative talk and entertainment in the evening. On Sunday there will be an opportunity to run through an equitation or dressage test, and receive feedback with the opportunity to do it again, or a ring craft session, again with feedback and helpful advice. Sunday afternoon there will be a jumping or pole lesson. During this camp, there will be the opportunity to have side saddles, habit and overall turnout checked by affiliated judges. Please send an email to Sarah Clune: Sarah.clune@yahoo.co.uk to register interest; more information with the booking forms will be sent out in due course.

SHOWING COUNCIL WEBINAR RE HORSE INSURANCE (POSTED 20/03/23)

Following the recent Showing Council webinar re Horse Insurance, a copy of this webinar is now available to view online, free of charge, please go to the Members Only page of the SSA website to access. This webinar was supported by The British Horse Society and SEIB

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR THOSE ATTENDING THE SSA AGM (POSTED 13/03/23)

Please be advised Hogarths Hotel no longer accepts cash, all payments are by card only so for those of you planning to use the bar or brasserie service please make sure you have a payment card with you.

AGM RAFFLE (POSTED 13/03/23)

Don't forget to bring cash to buy raffle tickets at the AGM, we'd be very pleased to receive prizes too. If you can't make it to the AGM but would like to support the raffle tickets can be purchased in advance via the Hon. General Secretary.

SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION AGM 26 MARCH 2023(POSTED 06/03/23)

To help with numbers for seats, coffee/tea and lunch please remember to book your place by 9th March. Please do plan to stay for the early afternoon when we have a presentation by Erika Munkwitz who is a Professional Lecturer of Modern and European history at the American University in Washington DC, USA. Her research focuses on gender, sport and empire in modern Britain and specifically on women's involvement in equestrianism. Erika recently gave a talk at the Munnings Museum which was described as "a fascinating talk from start to finish which the audience could happily have listened to for longer, it was very well presented with some wonderful illustrations and extensively researched with some very interesting revelations about side saddle riding and its development". There will be a limited number of Erica's Book – 'Women, Horse Sports and Liberation' for sale on the day, you can still order one in advance from the SSA Hon. Gen. Secretary, payment of £50 by cash can be made on the day. The book is the first full-length scholarly examination of British women's involvement in equestrianism from the 18th through to the 10 centuries, as well as the corresponding transformations of gender, class, sport and national identity in Britain and its Empire. It is fascinating reading for scholars of sports history, women's history, British history and imperial history, as well as those interested in the broader social, gendered and political histories of the 19th and 20 centuries and for all equestrian enthusiasts. It has been described as "enjoyable reading with source references, etc. with some illustrations too".

If you aren't able to attend but would like to buy some raffle tickets or donate a prize please contact the Hon. Gen. Secretary.

SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION SEMINAR 08/03/23 (POSTED 27/02/23)

Don't forget booking closes on Wednesday 1st March for the next seminar covering Bitting and Bridle Fitting. For further information please scroll down this page. If you have any specific questions about bits and bitting, please email to the Hon. Gen Secretary by 2nd March latest so they can be addressed in the seminar presentation.

VIRTUAL EQUITATION SERIES RESULTS (POSTED 20/02/23)

Please click here for the January Results and Points Championship
There has been more positive feedback from competitors including the following: "The judge has taken a huge amount of time and effort to write such helpful comments with so much help, advice and information . I do so appreciate this and it has all been written in such a lovely positive and supportive way . My fragile confidence has been really boosted. Lots I want to put into place to try to improve my equitation. Thank you"

SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION SEMINARS (POSTED 20/02/23)

The next seminar is on Wednesday 8th March at 7pm and is open to Instructors, Judges and Members and will be covering Bitting and Bridle Fitting, for further information please click here. If you have any specific questions about bits and bitting, please email them to the Hon. Gen Secretary by 27 February so they can be addressed in the seminar presentation. Another seminar will be held on Thursday 2nd November at 7pm, more details will be circulated nearer the time.

THE SHOWING COUNCIL INSURANCE WEBINAR (POSTED 20/02/23)

Do you have the recommended insurance to show your horse?
Can you confidently say you'd have the correct insurance in place to cover you if your horse were to kick and injure someone, or something, at a show, out schooling, or hacking? If the answer is no or you're not sure, this webinar is for you.
In recent years, and even more so in 2023, equestrian shows of all shapes and sizes are stipulating that Showing exhibitors and competitors have Public Liability insurance in place before entering.
To tackle this, the Showing Council has brought together The British Horse Society and SEIB Insurance Brokers, to guide us though exactly what type of insurance you should have in place to protect you.
Make sure you are ready for the 2023 season by signing up to this free event by completing the form below, you'll then be emailed a Microsoft Teams link to join the webinar https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/99f75d9e-68e0-45f0-af0e-889f5934d3d0@61761a3f-0f9f-43bd-a8ce-e39e84824d9e

Date: Wednesday 1st March 2023
Time: 7pm – 8pm
Please note the webinar will be recorded. Please submit any questions you would like answered, in advance of the webinar, to emma.day@bhs.org.uk with a subject header of Showing Insurance Q&A
For and on behalf of the
The Showing Council

THE SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION AGM 2023 (POSTED 20/02/23)

NOTICE is hereby given that the 48th Annual General Meeting of The Side Saddle Association shall be held on Sunday 26th March 2023, at Hogarths Hotel, Four Ashes Road, Dorridge, Solihull, West Midlands B93 8QE, commencing at 11:00am.

By Order of the Council. Ms. Sally Lane Hon. General Secretary to the SSA 20/02/23

SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION SEMINARS (POSTED 14/02/23)

The next seminar is open to Instructors, Judges and members and will be covering Bitting and Bridle Fitting, for further information please click here. Another seminar will be held on Thursday 2nd November at 7pm, more details will be circulated nearer the time.

SADDLERS COMPETITION 2023 (POSTED 08/02/23)

Congratulations to Area 4 Member, Coralie Chung who won the Side Saddle Class in The Society of Master Saddlers (UK) Limited National Saddlery Competition held at Saddlers' Hall, London on Monday 6th February 2023.

EQUITATION POINTS 2023 (POSTED 08/02/23)

This year there are changes to the Equitation Championship Points:
Qualifying Points will be awarded as follows:
1st place: 5 points
2nd place: 4 points
3 Qualifying Points are awarded for competing but not being placed in the first two.
See Handbook page 43 for full details

ONLINE SEMINARS (POSTED 08/02/23)

The next online seminar on Wednesday 8th March will focus on bits and bitting with appropriate reference to bridle fitting too. More details will be circulated shortly. The last Seminar for 2023 will be held on Thursday 2nd November at 7pm, details will be made available in the Autumn

SSA AGM GUEST SPEAKER (POSTED 02/02/23)

The Side Saddle Association is delighted to announce Dr Erica Munkwitz will be the guest speaker at the SSA AGM on 26th March 2023. Erica is a historian of modern British and European history. Her research focuses on gender, sport and empire in modern Britain, specifically women's involvement in equestrianism. Her presentation title is 'A Brief History of Side Saddle Riding'. Erica gave this talk at the Munnings Museum in September 2022; the talk was attended by several SSA Members who said it was a fascinating and informative presentation which they enjoyed very much. In this talk Erica will provide a brief history of ladies' riding from the medieval era, through the Victorian age, and into the present day. She has written a book Women, Horse Sports and Liberation: Equestrianism and Britain from the 18th to the 20th Centuries which was published by Routledge in 2021. This book is the first, full-length scholarly examination of British women's involvement in equestrianism from the eighteenth through the twentieth centuries, with a focus on the evolution of the side-saddle, the transformation of fox-hunting as a sport, women's riding in the Empire, and the transition from riding aside to riding astride. The book will be available to purchase at the AGM at a special rate of £50.

If you would like to purchase a book at the AGM they need to be pre-ordered via Sally Lane, Hon. General Secretary by 1st February 2023 latest.

DOWNLOAD BOOK FLYER HERE

ONLINE EQUTATION DECEMBER 2022 (POSTED 16/01/23)

Please click here for the December results. They are also published on the Just So website along with the updated Points Championship League Table. Go to www.justsoequestrianevents.co.uk/results. Some of the tests for the second half of the series have been changed to include tests that will be used at the 2023 National Show, what better way to get some practice in, it's not too late to get your entries in for January.

SSA SEMINAR 29 JANUARY 2023 (POSTED 09/01/23)

The next seminar will cover Judging the Equitation Championship Classes at the National Show and will be held at 2pm via Zoom. It is open to all paid up Side Saddle Association Members – please click here for further information

ARENA EVENTING CHALLENGE (POSTED 09/01/23)

It's not too late to register for the Arena Eventing Challenge, for more information contact Lottie Parkin by email:cocobl72@live.com

UPDATE ON SSA STANCE ON SENSORY WHISKERS (POSTED 30/12/22)

Sensory hairs are the hard hairs located on the horse's muzzle and around the eyes, also known as 'whiskers' that are used for sensation. It is recommended that horses should not have whiskers trimmed or removed (other than for veterinary purposes or with a vet's certificate). At some shows, this is a mandatory condition of entry for all equines, so please check individual show ruling.

The results for the November competition are now in, please click here to see them along with the Points Championship to date: Don't forget the tests for January 2023 onwards will be the 2023 Championship tests (apart from the VE short arena tests).

THE QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOLARSHIP TRUST (QEST) (POSTED 12/12/22)

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) awards scholarship and apprenticeship funding of up to £18,000 to talented and aspiring craftspeople working in a broad range of skills, from saddlery, farriery and jewellery design, to silversmithing, dry stone walling, glassblowing cheese maturing, sculpture and more. Our next application round is open 9 January - 12 February 2023 and we are looking for more talented applicants. QEST celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2020 and since 1990 has awarded over £5.4million to 700 individuals working in over 130 different crafts. We define craft broadly and welcome applications from all areas including rural skills, contemporary craft, conservation, luthiery and much more. A directory of all our alumni can be seen on our website, along with more details on how to apply - www.qest.org.uk.

NATIONAL SHOW EQUITATION CHAMPIONSHIP TESTS 2023 (POSTED 12/12/22)

The Equitation Championship Tests for 2023 are now live on the National Show website, please click here www.nationalsidesaddleshow.co.uk/entershow.asp

THE NATIONAL SIDE SADDLE SHOW 2024 (POSTED 08/12/22)

The Side Saddle Association is delighted to announce as part of its 50th Anniversary Celebrations Council has agreed that The 2024 National Side Saddle Show will be held at Addington Equestrian, on Friday 26th July, Saturday 27th July and Sunday 28th July. Full details will be circulated in 2024.

SIDE SADDLE DASH (POSTED 06/12/22)

The Royal Artillery Hunt are holding a Side Saddle Dash at the Royal Artillery Point to Point at Larkhill Racecourse, Salisbury on Saturday 21st January 2023. Prizes for thoroughbreds and non-thoroughbreds. Enquiries to Trisha Badham rockery.badham@gmail.com

FEI UPDATE (Posted 28.11.22)

There are two updates from British Equestrian re “equine influenza vaccines within the UK” and “Equine Health Week”. For more information follow one of the links below:
Website – News | The Showing Council
Facebook – (20+) The Showing Council | Facebook

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA (Posted 28.11.22)

EQUINE ETHICS AND WELLBEING COMMISSION (Posted 28.11.22)

The Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission (EEWB) for the FEI delivered its first report on 12th November, to read more click on one of the links below:
News | The Showing Council
(20+) The Showing Council | Facebook

ONLINE EQUITATION SPONSORS (POSTED 21/11/22)

The Side Saddle Association express their thanks and appreciation to the following sponsors of the Online Equitation Series 2022/23: Dale Atkinson, Penny Clarke -Side Saddle Instructor, Vanessa Hood, Jenny Martin, SSA Area 5, Henrietta Barton

THE HISTORY OF SIDE SADDLE / UNIVERSITY OF BRNO (POSTED 21/11/22)

On 24.11.2022 the Faculty of Archaeology of the Masaryk University in Brno in cooperation with the Side Saddle Club of the Czech Republic will hold a workshop on the history and future of the side saddle. Title: "A woman's affair: the past, present and future of riding aside". It will be a hybrid event (English and Czech) in which you can also participate online.... Bettina Keil’s talk will take you through the entire history of the women's cross and side saddle ;-) - and offer some surprising and new insights... Programme and registration:

https://archeo-muzeo.phil.muni.cz 
Please click here for more information

BRITISH EQUESTRIAN EQUINE HEALTH WEEK (POSTED 21/11/22)

British Equestrian are launching a new initiative “Equine Health Week” from 28 November to 4 December. For more information click on one of the links below:

News | The Showing Council
(20+) The Showing Council | Facebook

SSA AGM GUEST SPEAKER (POSTED 14/11/22)

The Side Saddle Association is delighted to announce Dr Erica Munkwitz will be the guest speaker at the SSA AGM on 26th March 2023.

Erica is a historian of modern British and European history. Her research focuses on gender, sport and empire in modern Britain, specifically women's involvement in equestrianism. Her presentation title is 'A Brief History of Side Saddle Riding'. Erica gave this talk at the Munnings Museum in September 2022; the talk was attended by several SSA Members who said it was a fascinating and informative presentation which they enjoyed very much. In this talk Erica will provide a brief history of ladies' riding from the medieval era, through the Victorian age, and into the present day.

She has written a book Women, Horse Sports and Liberation: Equestrianism and Britain from the 18th to the 20th Centuries which was published by Routledge in 2021. This book is the first, full-length scholarly examination of British women's involvement in equestrianism from the eighteenth through the twentieth centuries, with a focus on the evolution of the side-saddle, the transformation of fox-hunting as a sport, women's riding in the Empire, and the transition from riding aside to riding astride.

The book will be available to purchase at the AGM at a special rate of £50. If you would like to purchase a book at the AGM they need to be pre-ordered via Sally Lane, Hon. General Secretary by 1st February 2023 latest.

Please click here for more information on the book

OCTOBER ONLINE EQUITATION RESULTS (POSTED 14/11/22)

Well done to everyone who took part in the October Online Equitation, please click here for the results

Please click here for more information on the book

EQUINE INFLUENZA VACCINE UPDATE (POSTED 07/11/22)

Please click on one of the links below for an update on Equine Influenza and Vaccination availability:
News | The Showing Council
(20+) The Showing Council | Facebook

ONLINE EQUITATION: RIDING SCHOOL CATEGORY (POSTED 01/11/22)

The SSA is delighted to announce that a Riding School Section has now been added to all class levels of the current Online Equitation Series. Entries are open and live on 1st November 2023. Participants need to be an Associate/Junior member as a minimum, anyone who joins between now and December 31st will automatically get membership until 31/12/2023. Habits do not need to be worn.
Please click here for more information

SSA WINTER SERIES OF ONLINE SEMINARS (POSTED 01/11/22)

Three online seminars will be held across the winter months and attendance will be open to all Members.
Please click here for more information

WORLD CLYDESDALE CHAMPIONSHIPS (POSTED 25/10/22)

On Thursday 20th October , Area 1 Secretary Grace Hardie competed side saddle at the World Clydesdale Championships being held in Aberdeen, Scotland. It was the first time the show had been held in Scotland. The side saddle class sparked lots of interest and lovely comments. The American commentator said they don't normally have this class when the show runs in the USA, so lots of people were very interested and happy to see the Clydesdales ridden aside.

Huge congratulations go to SSA member Sally Langley, who had travelled 500 plus miles from Kent to the show, for her win in the class with her lovely Clydesdale Bratlach Majestic, she is the World Clydesdale side saddle champion!

Pictured is Grace riding her friends' lovely lad Stoneydale Hero, who she only met 6 months ago! But he took to the side saddle very well. Under the bright lights of the ring he was a little reluctant to canter but Grace couldn't help but smile and just enjoy the moment.

BRITISH DRESSAGE SIDE SADDLE CHAMPIONSHIPS (POSTED 19/10/22)

This year saw the first Associated BD Side Saddle Dressage Championships at Bury Farm, Slapton, Leighton Buzzard from October 14 – 16.

The SSA roving reporter was unable to attend on the Friday but was reliably informed that Claire Brown posted an impressive score on her veteran Haflinger Stallion, Oxnead Act One (Tom). Claire former Chairman for Area 14, rode a smooth and correct test to win the Silver Championship. Claire and Tom are a well established combination and are happy and very comfortable at this level. Their performance was a pleasure to behold! Bethan Powell, riding Blaengwen the Sting was second, producing another good score. There was little information given to the reporter on this combination sadly.

Saturday was a bright sunny day and the SSA roving reporter was there early to help any riders in need and to generally gather the troops! The Novice test was held indoors with plenty of flower decorations to incite certain equine friends to be adamant that evil fairies were indeed to be found in these small gardens. That withstanding, some very nice tests were performed with top slot going to Gemma Whitworth and Elevated XL (Nod) in the Silver Section. Gemma and Nod are both new to side saddle and this has been their first full season. Gemma is now seeing better scores posted in dressage when she is side saddle rather than astride! This lovely horse enjoys being ridden like this and their test was harmonious and accurate. Second space was taken by Sarah Moreland on Coultard Z (Scottie) who having competed and won at HOYS last week was awaiting loud music and cheers and took a little bit of settling. Tactful and sensitive riding produced a good test with just a few moments of tension taking away some marks. Sarah had sensibly made an early start to ride in the arena familiarization, something that is often handy to do and offered at all BD Championships. Laura Wright and Newlandsfarm Easter (Donkey) had a few looks at the evil flowers but performed a super test. Like Gemma, Laura finds that she is now posting better scores on this homebred New Forest pony when riding side saddle. The dearly loved Donkey would not be described as your 'average dressage mount' but it just shows what good training and hard work can be achieved as she and Laura showed some lovely movements. The Bronze Championship and fourth place was taken by Roger Edmunds, flying the flag for gentlemen side saddle riders on his 17.3hh, big moving, middleweight hunter, Maesfen Manor (Manny). Manny has just successfully finished eventing this season and appeared somewhat keen to get on with the job and move onto the XC section! An exuberant test was carefully and tactfully ridden by Roger.

Sunday saw another fine day. The SSA roving reporter was on site again early to meet more SSA Ladies for this, the last day of the Championships, where the preliminary section was to be contested. This time the test was conducted outside and although sunny the wind was strong and the beautiful flags were making a supreme clinking noise! With 7 combinations coming forward this was the biggest side saddle class of the Associated Championships. We had a huge variety of horses and riders for this class. These included our gentleman rider (Roger Edmunds) and two of our physically challenged ladies, Lucinda Mitchell and Lois Seymour. There were also veteran horses and ponies and some veteran riders! There is no doubt that the SSA were able to show how inclusive they are to all our members and their variety of mounts. Again, the tests were all competitive and grand to watch. Lois Seymour took top slot and the Silver Championship with a forward and snazzy test aboard her veteran Dionissimo, recently crowned VHS Dressage Champion. Coming to the end of her performance, poor Lois started to suffer an asthma attack. It certainly seems that this issue did not cause too many problems for this well known partnership, as the last centre line and halt were superb! Another celebrated pair, Jackie Banks and Bizzie B continued the veteran fight and were placed second. Bizzie B is now 26 years of age and is a total credit to Jackie as she looks amazing and not only carries Jackie to victory but also her young daughter, Xanthe in Junior SSA Classes; their smooth and correct test was well liked. Newlandsfarm Easter (Donkey) enjoyed being outside more and produced a super test to win the Gold Section and come in fourth overall. This little mare is another amazing allrounder who has started Laura off well in her side saddle career. Her beautiful gold sash hung so low that Donkey's knees forced the Velcro undone in the lap of honour! Lucinda Mitchell and Splash of Colour are another well known partnership in the SSA world. Sunday was not a good day for Lucinda one of our physically challenged ladies, pain wise, but she rode a smooth and harmonious test to finish Bronze Champion and take fourth place. This lovely mare is another crowd favourite and is adored by many. A lovely moment was seen when Splash thought the lap of honour may be a bit too exciting and Jackie Banks and Bizzie B came along side to support her and Lucinda. Such was their ride out together that the commentator remarked that it seemed that the side saddle ladies could do anything with such a lovely Pas de Deux being performed!

The judges and organisers were intrigued and interested at our side saddle riding. They were also thankful and impressed at the camaraderie between the riders and the support shown to one another. One judge even wrote that he loved the elegance. We were told that we were the only group that were ready together, each day, for prize giving and that the enthusiastic supporters and a little noisy (!) supporters were much welcomed during the laps of honour.

All the riders involved would like to thank our National Chairman, Vanessa Hood for being instrumental in starting this new series and to BD for allowing us to have a side saddle championship.

Let us hope that we see more combinations next year for this new and exciting series.

Please click here for the BD Side Saddle Championship Results
TRR 18/10/22. Photos courtesy of SBM Photography

MEARS FLOORING LADIES SIDE SADDLE HORSE OF THE YEAR CHAMPIONSHIP (POSTED 19/10/22)

Congratulations to all the SSA Members who qualified and then competed in the Ladies Side Saddle Horse Final at HOYS and well done to the following for their top 9 placings:
3rd Lucinda Martin riding Sam Powell's Bloomfield Greystones
8th Amelia Bevan riding Vincent Seddon's Loughanboy
9th Jane Strawson riding her own Hardingville Sunrise
Members who qualified included Penny Clarke and Jade Paterson.

ONLINE SEMINAR DATES 2022/23 (POSTED 19/10/22)

Online seminars for Instructors and Judges and aspiring Instructors and Judges will be held on Wednesday 23rd November (evening), Sunday 29th January (afternoon) and Wednesday 8th March (evening). Topics and booking information will be announced soon and at least one of the sessions will be open to all SSA Members.

STOLEN SADDLE (POSTED 10/10/22)

A 14.5" hire saddle was stolen from Fawkham, Kent last week, please see attached photos, it also has a JSEE ref no etched in the leather under the saddle flap. If you see this saddle please contact: justsoequestrianevents@hotmail.com

SSA AUTUMN NEWSLETTER (POSTED 10/10/22)

The Autumn Newsletter was posted out on Saturday 8th October and was emailed to Members on online discount today.

NATIONAL SHOW 2023 (POSTED 04/10/22)

The 2023 National Side Saddle Show will be held at Bury Farm Equestrian from 4th to 6th August.

HOYS 2022 (POSTED 04/10/22)

If any members are visiting HOYS please pop along and see SSA Instructor Tanya Guest who is promoting the Side Saddle Association and side saddle riding on the Knights of Middle England stand.

THE SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION AND ITV'S LOVE YOUR WEEKEND (POSTED 28/09/22)

The Side Saddle Association is proud to have been invited to be part of ITV’s Love Your Weekend series hosted by Alan Titchmarsh.


Riders Alice Cobden, Claire Lewis, Moya Payne and Paige L’Anson from Areas 8 & 10 and their helpers, along with Chairman, Vanessa Hood, in the spokesperson role and Sally Lane and Sarah Hislam as ground crew travelled to a farm in Hampshire for the filming on August 25th. The show will be airing this Sunday (2nd October) at 9.30am until 11.30am.

ARENA EVENTING SERIES 2022/23 (POSTED 26/09/22)

The winter Arena Eventing competitions are getting started and the 2022/23 SSA Arena Eventing Challenge opened on the 1st September 2022, send for your placing card now and get started - please click here for more information.

ONLINE ACTIVITIES (POSTED 26/09/22)

Work on developing your riding and your horse's way of going by taking part in our online activities across the winter months. The 2022/23 Online Virtual Equitation Series is live and ready to take entries for the first event so get your entry in. JumpCoach is also live. Details for both activities can be found here

ONLINE EQUITATION & JUMPCOACH (POSTED 20/09/22)

The next Online Equitation Series launches soon so look out for more information. The first competition starts in October 2022 and runs through to March 2023 with 6 events in the series. The Online Equitation does not count towards Equitation Qualifying Points but don't forget if you are registered for the Performance Points Awards you can gain points from taking part in this series. Overseas members will be very welcome to take part in the online equitation series. Virtual rosettes will be given to any placed overseas member, however should they want an actual rosette they will be asked to contribute to postage.

THE SSA ONLINE JUMPCOACH IS LIVE AND READY FOR YOUR ENTRIES – GO TO www.justsoequestrianevents.co.uk/whats-on  to make your entry

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN (POSTED 09/09/22)

The Side Saddle Association was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty The Queen and send their sincere condolences to King Charles III and his family.

The Queen was one of the most famous and revered side saddle riders across the world; she will always be fondly remembered and respected for her dignity and grace when riding side saddle for 'Trooping the Colour' to celebrate her official birthday which was an ongoing promotion for the elegant art and style of riding side saddle.

LOVE YOUR WEEKEND UPDATE (POSTED 09/09/22)

In light of the very sad news the show will understandably no longer be airing this Sunday. Details of the revised date will be circulated once known.

ARENA EVENTING SERIES 2022/23 (POSTED 19/08/22)

The 2022/ 23 Arena Eventing Challenge will start on the 1st September 2022, please click here for more information.

SIDE SADDLE RIDER OF THE YEAR 2022 (POSTED 15/08/22)

The 41st National Side Saddle Show took place from 5th to 7h August at Bury Farm Equestrian Village. A huge thank you to Claire Lewis and family for sponsoring the memento plaques in memory of Valerie Lewis. Nearly 150 riders took part in the many classes over the three days travelling from various parts of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. In addition the SSA was delighted to welcome overseas visitors from Austria, Germany, Sardinia, Spain, Poland, The Netherlands and USA.

Four riders took part in the ride-off riding freestyle on each other's horses; congratulations to Lauren Allin from Area 12 on winning the prestigious Side Saddler Rider of the Year 2022, this was Lauren's third win of the accolade. Reserve Side Saddle Rider of the Year was Robyn Catterall from Area 21 (Northern Ireland), in third place was Amy Bryan Dowell, Area 11, with Liz Rogers, Area 12 placed fourth. Liz also won the coveted Adult Open Equitation class. Other key results included:

Adult Intermediate Championship – Sarah Frank, Area 2
Adult Novice Championship – Holly King, Area 4
The Cygnet Rider Equitation Championship – Tilly Jackson, Area 10
Junior Open Rider of the Year – Moya Payne, Area 8
Junior Open Young Rider Championship – Jemima Somerfield, Area 12
Junior Novice Championship – Georgia Duggan, Area 12
Junior Novice Young Rider Championship – Xanthe Banks, Area 14

NATIONAL SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT (POSTED 02/08/22)

Congratulations to Samantha Stephenson and her husband Peter on the early arrival of Saoirse last week. Jean Preston and Clare King will therefore be running the National Show office. They have been fully briefed and have the support of everyone in the office.

Please use the following contact details for any questions or concerns:
Jean Preston – 07597 934107 (this phone will on the desk at all times)
Clare King - 07977 002710

NATIONAL SHOW UPDATE (POSTED 4 JULY 2022)

Entries for the National show close at midnight on 4 July. FOLLOW THIS LINK TO ENETER ONLINE: http://www.nationalsidesaddleshow.co.uk/entershow.asp

The requirement for horse entry into Bury Farm is a 12 month vaccination with boosters to be at least 7 days before the show.

If you wish to purchase a Carvery Ticket, Polo Shirts or Flask etc. and are not a competitor and therefore don't have a My Riding Life account for booking online you are more than welcome to pay by Bank Transfer, please contact the Show Treasurer for bank details: treasurer@nationalsidesaddleshow.co.uk When you make a payment please include your name and a reference such as carvery, polo or flask etc.

NATIONAL SHOW POLO SHIRTS 2022. For collection at the Show Polo Shirts MUST BE ORDERED BY 4th July LATEST. They can be ordered at the Show for delivery afterwards, however this will incur extra cost for P&P. Visit http://www.nationalsidesaddleshow.co.uk/merchandise.asp where you will see the shirts are Bottle Green and there is a list of sizes available.

THE QUEEN'S 'SAFETY HELMET' PHOTOSHOOT UPDATE (POSTED 27/06/22)

As part of our ongoing celebration of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee a special photoshoot will be held on the Friday night in between the Rococo and Caro Cripps classes on the Friday night. Everyone is invited to join in, all you need is a headscarf to wear in the Queen's riding style. If you have a couple of spare scarves please bring them along so we can get everyone involved even if they forgot or didn't know they needed a headscarf.

Please help us make this a well supported and fun activity that will be formally shared externally after the event.

LATEST NEWS - ONE OFF NATIONAL SHOW EQUITATION PREPARATION OPPORTUNITY (POSTED 27/06/22)

The closing date for entries has been extended to 4th July, if you are also planning on entering the Equitation Jumping at the National Show, why not take advantage of our 'bundle' offer and submit both a Virtual Equitation and a JumpCoach video for just £15 (would normally be £18). Once again you will be able to find all the rules, hints and tips for filming and enter via the Just So Equestrian Events website – www.justsoequestrianevents.co.uk/whats-on

Click here to download the schedule

NATIONAL SHOW POLO SHIRTS 2022 (POSTED 21/06/22)

For collection at the Show Polo Shirts MUST BE ORDERED BY 4th July LATEST. They can be ordered at the Show for delivery afterwards, however this will incur extra cost for P&P. Visit http://www.nationalsidesaddleshow.co.uk/merchandise.asp where you will see the shirts are Bottle Green and there is a list of sizes available.

NATIONAL SHOW CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES (POSTED 21/06/22)

Don't forget entries close on Monday 4th July

PURCHASING NATIONAL SHOW GOODS IN ADVANCE (POSTED 21/06/22)

If you wish to purchase a Carvery Ticket, Polo Shirts or Flask etc. and are not a competitor and therefore don't have a My Riding Life account for booking online you are more than welcome to pay by Bank Transfer, please contact the Show Treasurer for bank details: treasurer@nationalsidesaddleshow.co.uk When you make a payment please include your name and a reference such as carvery, polo or flask etc.

NATIONAL SIDE SADDLE SHOW UPDATE (POSTED 14/06/22)

ENTRIES: Entries close on Monday 4th July
CARVERY TICKETS: Don't forget tickets for the Carvery on the Saturday night have to be purchased 2 weeks in advance of the show. Tickets are £20 each.

Please note there is a typo on the hard copy entry form, the price should read £20 NOT £25.

THE SHOWING COUNCIL SUMMER CONFERENCE 28th JUNE 2022 (POSTED 06/06/22)

Please click on the link below for more information: http://theshowingcouncil.co.uk/news-item.asp?$=135&o=

RIDE LIKE THE QUEEN IN SCOTLAND (POSTED 06/06/22)

Area 1 in Scotland ran a 'Ride Like the Queen' Day, held in conjunction with Hayfield Riding Centre in Aberdeen on 4th June 2022. John Crawford of Hayfield Riding Centre in Aberdeen has supported side saddle riding for over 25 years and ridden side saddle in his kilt on several occasions. They had a terrific sunny day which was packed full of lessons, followed by an evening demonstration by Jane Pryor, SSA President and Grace Hardie, Area 1 Secretary comprising of a performance to music followed by discussion and many questions. Everyone had a fantastic time!

RIDE SIDE SADDLE LIKE THE QUEEN (POSTED 30/05/22)

It's the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Year and a year of celebrations. The Queen will always be fondly remembered for her poise and grace when riding side saddle for 'Trooping the Colour' to celebrate her official birthday.

The Side Saddle Association want to encourage riders to try side saddle for themselves and this is your opportunity to get involved. To celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, the Side Saddle Association are offering riders the chance to 'have a go'. This could either be with your own horse as part of a Have A Go Day or a private lesson on an instructor's horse. You could try on a mechanical horse first.

If you are actively involved with the Pony Club or a Riding Club, your local Area Side Saddle Association would love to come and give a talk or demo. Contact your local area representative for details of events, please click here Hayley please link to the area contacts list on the Areas page. The following SSA Instructors are supporting this initiative and are running 'Have a Go Days' across the year:
• Knights of Middle England (Tanya Guest) (Horses available) - Warwickshire. Tel: 01926 400401
• Acrecliffe Equestrian Centre (Anne & Fiona Everall) (Horses available) - West Yorkshire. Tel: 07855 307291
• Back Lane Stables (Anne Tate & Gemma Hughes) (Horses available) - Leeds. Tel: 07901 555397
• Gill Greenwood – (Lessons on own horse only) - East Yorkshire. Tel: 07851 563242
• Penny Clarke – (Lessons on own horse or mechanical horse only) - Gloucestershire. Tel: 07849 698467
• Rachael Forkings – (Lessons on own horse or mechanical horse only) - Powys. Tel: 07775 593891

NATIONAL SIDE SADDLE SHOW STABLING UPDATE (POSTED 24/05/22)

Stable bookings are now open. Please find below the link to the online booking form which you can access via the Events tab of the Bury Farm website or directly here: https://www.myridinglife.com/eventdetails.aspx?id=384240
Competitors are reminded to read the full show information prior to completing their online booking,
Overnight stable arrivals are welcome from 3pm on the date of booking. STRICTLY NO ARRIVALS AFTER 7PM. This is to ensure that the team can check all horse passports upon arrival, that horses can settle into the centre without constant disturbance, and to allow the centre staff to prepare the event in a timely manner.

NATIONAL SIDE SADDLE SHOW 2022 UPDATE (POSTED 23/05/22)

Entries for The 41st National Side Saddle Show have now opened.
The stabling bookings will open in due course. Please do not contact Bury Farm regarding stabling, if you have any questions, please contact the National Show Organiser: Samantha Stephenson (nee Boxall) admin@nationalsidesaddleshow.co.uk M:07515832722

ARENA EVENTING CHAMPION 2021/22 (POSTED 23/05/22)

Congratulations to the inaugural Arena Eventing Champion : Kaitlyn Beattie riding Memphis Belle (Pictured below).

ONE OFF NATIONAL SHOW EQUITATION PREPARATION OPPORTUNITY (POSTED 016/05/22)

Entries are now open and if you are also planning on entering the Equitation Jumping at the National Show, why not take advantage of our 'bundle' offer and submit both a Virtual Equitation and a JumpCoach video for just £15 (would normally be £18). Once again you will be able to find all the rules, hints and tips for filming and enter via the Just So Equestrian Events website – www.justsoequestrianevents.co.uk/whats-on or Click here to download the schedule

IMPORTANT UPDATE: EQUITATION QUALIFYING POINTS 2022 (POSTED 11/05/22)

The SSA Council has voted to reduce the points required to enter the Equitation Championship classes at the 2022 National Side Saddle Show from 10 to 4 points having taken into account the reduced number of shows in some areas, distances involved and the rising costs of travelling to compete.

We hope this will help more members to compete in the classes at the National Show. Please do continue to support our affiliated shows whenever possible to maintain their provision.

ONE OFF NATIONAL SHOW EQUITATION PREPARATION OPPORTUNITY (POSTED 05/05/22)

With the National Show only 3 months away and new Equitation Championship tests for 2022, we thought Members may like one last opportunity to ride them and receive helpful feedback before heading off to Bury Farm in August. We are pleased to be able to open up the Virtual Equitation again with 6 weeks to film and submit your video and if you are also planning on entering the Equitation Jumping at the National Show, why not take advantage of our 'bundle' offer and submit both a Virtual Equitation and a JumpCoach video for just £15 (would normally be £18). Once again you will be able to find all the rules, hints and tips for filming and enter via the Just So Equestrian Events website – www.justsoequestrianevents.co.uk/whats-on

What better way to prepare at home for our National Show than with valuable feedback from a SSA list judge and instructor?

COMING SOON – ONE OFF NATIONAL SHOW EQUITATION PREPARATION OPPORTUNITY (POSTED 04/05/22)

Details will shortly be published about a one-off online equitation competition which will give members the chance to ride a championship equitation test and receive feedback from a SSA Judge (Judges who are judging the Championship test classes at the 2022 show will NOT be judging this online competition). Watch this space!

INSTRUCTOR EXAMS AND GRADE TEST RESULTS SPRING 2022 (POSTED 20/04/22)

Congratulations to the following on their success in the 'B' Instructor Exam at the recent exam day organised by Area 5 at Manor Farm, Murcott:
Laura Elliott, Area 5, Tanya Guest, Area 5 and Oleksandra Danylevska, Area 20
Congratulations to the following on their successes in the Grade Tests organised by Areas 6 & 14 at The Talland School of Equitation:
Lucinda Mitchell, Area 14 - Grade 1 Riding & Horse Care, Grade 2 Riding, Jumping & Horse Care
Jaqui Kedward, Area 6 - Grade 1 Riding & Horse Care, Grade 2 Riding, Jumping & Horse Care
Tanya Guest, Area 5 - Grade 1 Riding & Horse Care, Grade 2 Riding, Jumping & Horse Care, Grade 3 Riding, Jumping & Horse Care
Sarah-Jane Enston, Area 14 - Grade 1 Riding & Horse Care, Grade 2 Riding, Jumping & Horse Care, Grade 3 Riding & Horse Care
Jackie Banks, Area 14 - Grade 1 Riding & Horse Care, Grade 2 Riding, Jumping & Horse Care, Grade 3 Riding & Horse Care
Jo Hales, Area 5 - Grade 1 Riding & Horse Care, Grade 2 Riding, Jumping & Horse Care, Grade 3 Riding, Jumping & Horse Care
Rose Sinclair James, Area 14 - Grade 1 Riding & Horse Care, Grade 2 Riding, Jumping & Horse Care, Grade 3 Riding & Horse Care
Emily Saunders, Area 8 - Grade 1 Riding & Horse Care, Grade 2 Riding, Jumping & Horse Care, Grade 3 Riding, Jumping & Horse Care
Trish Hearn, Area 6 - Grade 3 Horse Care

THE SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION JUMPCOACH (POSTED 20/04/22)

The weather is improving and the days are longer with lighter nights and it won't be that long before the Equitation Championships at the National Side Saddle Show.Maybe you already jump side saddle or maybe you are thinking of giving it a go, but whether experienced or a novice, JumpCoach is here to help you with constructive feedback on your jumping style from one of our experienced SSA Instructors. It doesn't matter if you have one jump or a whole course you can still submit a video for assessment and feedback. Please click here for more information

ARENA EVENTING CHALLENGE RESULTS (POSTED 20/04/22)

CHAMPION: Area 19 Member, Kaitlyn Beattie riding Memphis Belle. RESERVE CHAMPION: Area 12 Member, Lauren Allin riding Lakeland Balla.

ONLINE EQUITATION RESULTS (POSTED 11/04/22)

The results are now in for the March 2022 Online Equitation Competition and the Series Championship. The SSA would like to thank all class sponsors for the series and Just So Equestrian for setting up and administering the monthly competitions and for providing the Championship rosettes. We hope more members will join the next series which will start in the Autumn of this year. Please click here for the results.

LANGUEDOC AMAZONE EVENT FRANCE (POSTED 11/04/22)

Sadly the Languedoc Amazone Event 'Rassemblement International des Amazones' in Carcassonne, France planned to run on May 21 and 22 2022 is now postponed to 2023.

THE SHOWING COUNCIL WEBINAR POSTED 04/04/22

The Showing Council recently presented an interesting and thought provoking webinar titled 'Will we be riding in 20 years time'. A recording of this webinar and a supporting brochure is available to SSA Members via the Members Only Page of the SSA website.

WINTER SIDE-SADDLE DRESSAGE CHAMPS AT PORT ROYAL EQUESTRIAN/SHOW CENTRE YORKSHIRE 3 APRIL 2022 POSTED 04/04/22

Six side saddle riders competed in the championships across a range of tests.
Sharon O'Rourke-Kilburn: 5th in Intro (against astride riders), Harriet Heaton: Intro, Julie Allen: Intro, Beth Russell: Prelim, Jackie Harrison: 4th in Novice (against astride riders), Gill Greenwood: 6th in Novice (against astride riders) and 6th in Elementary against astride riders.



For the pure Side Saddle Championships results were:
Champion = Jackie Harrison and Reserve = Beth Russell.
Well done to all and thank you for flying the side saddle flag.

THE SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION AGM (POSTED 28/03/22)

The Annual General Meeting was held by Zoom on Sunday 20th March 2022 and was attended by 80 members and 2 visitors. The current officers were re-elected:
President – Jane Pryor
Chairman – Vanessa Hood
Vice Chairmen – Shirley Anderson, Henrietta Barton, Caroline Hobson and Ann Sadler.

In the afternoon a very interesting presentation was given by Mercedes Gonzalez Cort about her time as a pupil at the Spanish Riding School and she shared her experience as President of the Spanish Side Saddle Association and the activities their members took part in.

SSA MEMBERS ON BARGAIN HUNT (POSTED 28/03/22)

Look out for Area 12 Members Louise Graham and Rebecca Mawer on Bargain Hunt on Friday 1st April at 12.15pm, the programme was filmed at the Museum of the Horse in Nottinghamshire.

ONLINE EQUITATION RESULTS FEBRUARY 2022 (POSTED 14/03/22)

Please click here for the February online equitation results

BRITISH EQUESTRIAN STANCE RE UKRAINE (POSTED 09/03/22)

Please click here for information from British Equestrian and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.
Download MSTHCD
Download British Equestrian Letter
Download DCMS Guidance

AREA 11 MEMBER A SPILLERS HORSE FEEDS BRAND AMBASSADOR FOR 2022 (POSTED 09/03/22)

Congratulations to Morgan Nicholson of Area 11 and her horse Duke on being voted as Spillers Horse Feeds Brand Ambassadors for 2022. Click here to read Morgan's Story

PHOTO BY KIND PERMISSION OF MY FAIR LADY

DISCOVERING ISRAEL SIDE SADDLE (POSTED 28/02/22)

The Israeli Side Saddle Association rents side- saddles to foreign visitors that like to discover Israel from horseback.For example the Popular Jesus Trail Pilgrimage, or the more strenuous Abraham path. For more details please contact Mrs. Gabriella Hirschsprung, Email: gabriella@4your.horse

JUDGE, INSTRUCTOR & SSA MEMBERS' SEMINAR (POSTED 22/02/22)

The SSA invite you to a Judge, Instructor & Members' Seminar "Bridle Fit and Bitting for Welfare and Performance" via the web-based video conferencing tool Zoom on Wednesday 9th March 2022 at 7pm for 2 hours.For more information click here

UPDATE ON BD ASSOCIATED CHAMPIONSHIPS (posted 14/02/22)

BRITISH DRESSAGE ASSOCIATED CHAMPIONSHIPS – SIDE SADDLE
The qualification period for the Associated Championships is 1 January 2022 to 31 August 2022. To qualify for the Championships, all you need to achieve is three scores of 60% or more within the level you want to compete at, if you live off-shore you need only two scores. The first and most important step is to register your intention to qualify for the Associated Championships in 2022, please follow the link below to go to the registration page: https://www.britishdressage.co.uk/competitions/championships-and-qualifiers/associated-championships/ Further details are in the 2022 BD Rule book (pages167- 169) also on the website: https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&pubid=7b196635-543f-4a72-950b-7f3adc71c7c8
You must tell the organisers in advance you will be competing side saddle and you must ensure it is noted on your score sheet the test was ridden side saddle. More specific details will be circulated once received from BD.

IN THE MEANTIME, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW SO THE SSA IS SEEN TO SUPPORT THIS SUPER OPPORTUNITY AND IT BECOMES AN ANNUAL EVENT

SSA STRAPLINE WINNER (POSTED 14/02/22)

Back in August 2021 Members were invited to enter a competition to put forward an idea(s) for a catchy and punchy strapline that sums up the SSA in one line whilst representing the culture, identity and personality of the association.75 entries were received which created a mammoth judging task. The core group voted and after two stages were able to present a shortlist for the SSA Council to vote on. The winner from a host of excellent entries was "Side saddle – style and tradition for the 21st century rider" which was submitted by Area 8 Member Belinda Wilkins.

ONLINE EQUITATION RESULTS JANUARY 2022 (POSTED 14/02/22)

Please click here for the results of the January online equitation competition.

NOTICE OF 2022 AGM (POSTED 08/02/22)

NOTICE is hereby given that the 47th Annual General Meeting of The Side Saddle Association shall be held on Sunday 20th March 2022 via the web-based video conferencing tool Zoom. Commencing at 11:30 a.m.

By Order of the Council.

Ms. Sally Lane
Hon. General Secretary to the SSA

GRADE TEST DAY (POSTED O2/02/22)

Area 6 & 14 Grade Test Day Monday 14th March – for more information see Training/Exam Diary: http://www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk/training_exams.asp

EUROP'AMAZONES EVENT 2022 (POSTED O2/02/22)

4th-5th June 2022 at Haras du Pin,Normandy, France. Further details will be posted when translations received.

LANGUEDOC AMAZONE EVENT FRANCE (POSTED 24/01/22)

The Languedoc Amazone Event is pleased to announce the 9th edition of the Rassemblement International des Amazones in Carcassonne, France on May 21 and 22, 2022. Please click here for the pre-programme

THE SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION 2022 HANDBOOK (POSTED 12/01/22)

Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control the SSA Handbook and 2022 Membership Records will not be sent out until the latter part of January.

ONLINE EQUITATION SERIES RESULTS (POSTED 11/01/22)

Please click here for the results of the December 2021 competition sections

BREAKING NEWS BD ASSOCIATED CHAMPIONSHIP (posted 23/12/21)

British Dressage have scheduled an Associated Championship for Side saddle for 2022. See BD website - britishdressage.co.uk and the 2022 BD Rule book (pages167- 169) also on the website: https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&pubid=7b196635-543f-4a72-950b-7f3adc71c7c8

THE ROYAL ARTILLERY HUNT SIDE SADDLE DASH (POSTED 20/03/21)

A side saddle dash will be held at the RA Point to Point on 22 January 2022 at Larkhill Racecourse, please click here for details and entry form

NOVEMBER ONLINE EQUITATION RESULTS (Posted 13/12/21)

Please click here for the November Online Equitation Results.

ONLINE EQUITATION SERIES (Posted 06/12/2021)

The tests for the second half of the online series will be the 2022 tests which can be downloaded by clicking here.

NEW ACTIVITY - SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION JUMPCOACH (Posted 01/12/2021)

Maybe you already jump side saddle or maybe you are thinking of giving it a go, but whether experienced or a novice, JumpCoach is here to help you with constructive feedback on your jumping style from one of our experienced SSA Instructors. It doesn't matter if you have one jump or a whole course you can still submit a video for assessment and feedback. You may already have a video of you jumping but if not, ask someone to film you jumping in landscape view from both directions, so the instructor can see you from the near and off side, including the approach and ride away. If using one or two jumps, ride and film you jumping as many times as you wish in one continuous video or, if riding a course of jumps film the whole course from start to finish. It can be over show jumps, cross country fences, straw bales or anything else that is SAFE to jump of any size. Be sure to ask the person videoing to state your name clearly at the start of the video.

Upload your video to YouTube and then submit your video for assessment by copying and pasting you YouTube link on the entry form via the Whats On page of the Just So Equestrian Events website. Our instructors will then provide you with written helpful feedback and advice based on the judging criteria used for the SSA Equitation Jumping classes. Submit as many videos as you wish but only 1 video of 1 rider per entry please. The fee for submitting a video for feedback is £8. Submissions and payments can be made via the Just So Equestrian Events website

See our Filming Your Jumping Hints & Tips download to help you submit your best video for assessment.

ONLINE EQUITATION SERIES – EVENT 1 RESULTS (POSTED 16/11/21)

The online equitation October results are in – please click here

CRANWELL BLOODHOUNDS SIDE SADDLE MEET(POSTED 15/11/21)

On Sunday 5th December the Cranwell Bloodhounds we will be holding their first Side Saddle meet, at Highfield Farm, The Heath, Wellingore LN5 0BU, by kind permission of Mr & Mrs A Theaker. This will be plenty of optional jumping and ways round for those who don't want to jump. They will be hunting back towards the kennels, with all fences at Temple Bruer available. Tea & cake back at boxes afterwards. You don't have to ride side saddle to attend this meet, it's open to everyone. Meet 12pm. Cap £35 Adults, £20 Under 16's. Dress code: Normal hunting attire, Horses plaited please.

If attending for first time with us this season, please email Hon sec at bookings.cbh@gmail.com for further information, otherwise place cap in envelope clearly marked with name and disclaimer number.

(QEST) FUNDING FOR SIDE SADDLE MAKERS (POSTED 03/11/21)

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) is a charity dedicated to supporting excellence in British craftsmanship by offering scholarship and apprenticeship funding to talented makers looking to further their training and expand their skills and are looking to encourage more applications from saddle and side saddle makers. Details on applying can be found here: www.qest.org.uk/apply and previous recipients can be seen at www.qest.org.uk/directory
Please click here for more information

SIDE SADDLE DRESSAGE AT PORT ROYAL EQUESTRIAN CENTRE (POSTED 03/11/21)

Well done to the 9 side-saddle ladies and their horses of SSA Area 19, who went to compete at The Port Royal EEC Summer Dressage Championships.
Please click here to read the story in full.

AREA 19 WINTER TRAINING SERIES (POSTED 03/11/21)

Please click here for more information on The Side Saddle Horse & Riders' Academy – Virtual Winter Training Programme
Virtual Winter Training Programme Entry Form
April Education & Training Camp
April Education & Training Booking Form

THE NATIONAL SIDE SADDLE SHOW 2022 (POSTED 25/10/21)

The National Side Saddle Show will be held on 5th, 6th & 7th August 2022 at Bury Farm Equestrian. The National Show Group would like to thank Area Chairmen and competitors for their feedback on this year's show and will endeavour to use the comments to make improvements wherever possible, including the relocation of the tradestands.

ARENA EVENTING CHALLENGE (POSTED 25/10/21)

Don't forget the Arena Eventing Challenge starts on 1st November for more information click here

AREA 19 ONLINE TRAINING FOR SSA MEMBERS (Posted 04/10/21)

Area 19 are running an online training series for SSA Members, for more information click here

THE SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION ONLINE EQUITATION SERIES – OVERSEAS MEMBERS (Posted 04/10/21)

Overseas members will be very welcome to take part in the online equitation series. Virtual rosettes will be given to any placed overseas member, however should they want an actual rosette they will be asked to contribute to postage. Click here for more details of the competition www.justsoequestrianevents.co.uk

The Side Saddle Association Arena Eventing Challenge (Posted 27/09/21)

The Arena Eventing Challenge will run from 1st November to 31st March each winter season


AIMS

    • To open up side saddle riding to as many people as possible across as many disciplines as possible.
    • To have a stand alone award for Members taking part in Arena Eventing, riding side saddle, points will be awarded for the completion of each event and the winner will be the horse/pony/rider combination with the most points.

    PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR RULES AND DETAILS OF HOW TO REGISTER

ONLINE EQUITATION SERIES (Posted 27/09/21)

A big thank you for their generous sponsorship of the Online Equitation Series 2021/22 goes to: Henrietta Barton, Penny Clarke, Jenny Martin, Janet Ward, SSA Area 5 and SSA Area 21. Your support is much appreciated.

THE SSA ONLINE EQUITATION SERIES 2021/22 IS NOW LIVE (POSTED 20/09/21)

The first competition starts in October 2021 and runs through to March 2022 with 6 events in the series. Don't forget if you are registered for the Performance Points Awards you can gain points from taking part in this series. Please click here for more information or follow the link below




www.justsoequestrianevents.co.uk/product-category/ssa-virtual-equitation-october-2021

VWH GATE JUMPING COMPETITION (POSTED 17/09/21)

The event will be held Sunday 3rd October 2021 near Cirencester. There will be 2 classes, u14's and over 14's held in a large arena. There are 2 side saddle prizes lined up for the highest side saddle gate cleared and best turned out. The adults class will have placings 1st - 3rd with a pot of £400 shared and the children's class will have vouchers and prizes from sponsors for the same placings. For more information: https://fb.me/e/1IFfi6CUq?ti=icl https://www.facebook.com/VWHGJ/

AREA 19 SUMMER CAMP (POSTED 01/09/21)

Area 19 have run a summer camp for many years now and many members both old and new have found them to be invaluable in both the horse's education and theirs. Gill Greenwood has shared her perspective of the camps she has enjoyed over the years. Please click here for Gill's article and photos

THE SIDE SADDLE RIDER OF THE YEAR 2021 (POSTED 16/08/21)

Congratulations to Esther Rostron from Area 8 on winning The Side Saddler Rider of the Year 2021. Reserve Side Saddle Rider of the Year was Emma Lee-Smith, Area 4, in third place was Lauren Allin, Area 12, with Emily Saunders, Area 8 placed fourth.

(PHOTO BY EMMPIX)

THE SSA LUCKY BRAVE PANTS (POSTED 09/08/21)

The Area 8 Friends of the National Show LED BY Sarah Clune and Moya Payne are selling "SSA Lucky Brave Pants" in aid of the National Show. The pants will be sold by size as a lucky dip and can be purchased at the National Show or via the attached form. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity! Please click here for the order form

SSA Strapline Competition (Posted 09/08/21)

Members are invited to enter a competition to put forward an idea(s) for a catchy and punchy strapline that sums up the SSA in one line whilst representing the culture, identity and personality of the association.

As an example here are some renowned and classic straplines:
• The Few, The Proud, The Marines - United States Marine Corps
• Don't leave home without it – American Express
• Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands - M&Ms
• Nothing runs like a deer – John Deere

A small prize will be given to the member who puts forward the winning strapline. The competition will be judged by the President, Chairman and Vice Chairmen of the SSA Council

Entries should be sent to the Hon. Gen Secretary by 31st August 2021: Sally Lane, Hon. General Secretary, The Side Saddle Association, The Lodge, Glebe Farm, Broughton Astley, Leicestershire LE9 6PG. Email: secretary@sidesaddleassociation.co.uk

IMPORTANT UPDATES ON BEHALF OF NATIONAL SIDE SADDLE SHOW (posted 09/08/21)


• All horse passports and vaccination certificates will be checked on arrival at Bury Farm, without these entry to the show ground will be refused.
• You will be required to show your current 2021 Membership/Points Card at the National Show Office to collect your competitor envelope and to make late entries, there will be no deviation from this ruling. If you have any points on your 2019 card gained after the 2019 National Show you should bring this along with your 2020 and 2021 cards so the total number of points you have gained in Equitation Qualifying classes can be totalled up towards The Meg Cup (Adult) and The Overdraft Tankard (Junior). Remember to keep your 2021 card with points gained after the 2021 NSSS to accrue qualifying points ready for the National Show 2022
• There are limited taps immediately adjacent to the Stables at Bury Farm but there are masses in the Lorry Park so it is advisable competitors bring water containers with them so they can stock up and leave by their stables and then top up when it suits them/taps are free.
• The National Show will be running the usual raffle which will be drawn on the Saturday night of the show. All donations of prizes will be very welcome and it would be really helpful if you could bring them into the office at Bury Farm on either the Thursday or Friday.
• Temporary stables at the show are NOT polytunnel
• All dressage to music, Rococo and Caro Cripps music to be on CD please
• Covid restrictions have been lifted, however, in accordance with current government guidelines it is good practice to continue washing your hands regularly, maintaining social distance where possible and whilst the wearing face masks is not compulsory it is recommended in enclosed spaces

0N BEHALF OF NATIONAL SIDE SADDLE SHOW (POSTED 03/08/21)

HORSE AND COUNTRY will be filming parts of the 2021 Show.
Entries for classes with allocated riding times are closed.
PRE-SHOW LATE ENTRIES CLOSE ON WEDNESDAY 4TH AUGUST
LATE ENTRIES/TRANSFERS will be accepted for NON TIMED classes at the Show (£5 extra) payable by Credit Card/ Debit Card or cash.

Horse & Country (H&C) are proud to be offering live coverage of The National Side Saddle Show, worldwide. Members of H&C's premium service, H&C+, will be able to live stream the event from 13th - 15th August.

H&C+ is available to purchase worldwide from just £5.99*/month, with no contract. Find out more about the service, here: horseandcountry.tv/subscribe/ *Please note, pricing may vary depending on your country of residence. Head to horseandcountry.tv/subscribe for further details.

Side Saddle Display at the Great Yorkshire Show 2021 (POSTED 27/07/21)

Photos by courtesy of Anne Chambers

What a wonderful day! All went according to plan and even the sun came out. As a first timer at both the GYS and in a display team, the invitation caused a lot of excitement and I needed to calm myself so this didn't reflect on my horse. For this reason, I along with a few others travelled the evening before and the rest came early on the day. Our display was scheduled for 3.15 pm on the Friday in the Ridings Ring. There was certainly a lot of 'stuff' to take to this event and the car was jam packed full of costumes, hay, muck forks........etc. It took a lot of unpacking once back home.

The team had a briefing early afternoon so we all more or less knew the programme and our individual contributions. This included an introduction, costume display, 'master' class, drill ride, jumping and questions. My contribution was the costume and master class. All the costumes were excellent and ranged from the early 18th to the early 20th century. Mine was made of heavy wool and certainly not designed for sun and a temperature of about 27 degrees, needless to say most of us dispensed with the corsets (such shocking behaviour!) The master class was taught by Lisa Lane who was able to contrast the 2 younger side saddle riders with an experienced rider and myself as an older rider and relative beginner. This showed side saddle as being accessible to all.

The drill ride to music from Queen was lovely to watch and could become future competition for the Household Cavalry. The jumping then contrasted well giving a bit of excitement to the display, and luckily no one fell off. The audience were also given the opportunity to chat and ask questions.

Thanks to Kate and all the team for such a fantastic experience, we all, including the horses, went home tired but happy.


Susan Winterburn (Area19)

Lexi and Mia where absolutely delighted to be invited to participate in the side saddle display at the Great Yorkshire Show.

When we got the email from Kate asking if we would be interested it was a big yes. They girls thought it was a big honour to be asked. They spent the night before cleaning tack and helping their mums clean and plait the pony's. We arrived early so we could soak up the atmosphere, kate had arranged stables for the ponies which was a fantastic idea. We all had a team meeting a couple of hours before the demo, this meant we knew exactly what we would each be doing and in what order.

We all went in the ring together and walked around so the horses could get used to the atmosphere. The ladies on the costumes then went back in the ring and we got to listen to all the backgrounds of the costumes and watch them ride around.

The girls then went in for a lesson with Lisa Lane, they absolutely loved it such positivity from Lisa and it really showed that even little ones can join in. We particularly liked the fact that it was mentioned that you don't need to buy the saddles and habits and in fact hiring is a popular option especially for the children. The girls even got to show off with some jumping Lexi did some little jumps and then Mia went on and jumped with the big horses. Next came the musical display which was fabulous to watch the music and movements got the audience dancing too. The other displays included kate on her horse showing that side saddle is a great second career for many types of horses. The jumping at the end was most definitely fun to watch with lots of crowd encouragement.

To summarise we felt the whole day was a successful event, very well planned and organised to perfection. The vibe was a welcoming and encouraging one and I'm sure there would of been people walking away thinking they might like to get involved and that side saddle really is for everyone all ages (horse and riders) all budgets and all types of horses.

Lexi Courtney, Mia Boustead (Area 2)

Please click here for more photos of the Great Yorkshire Display 2021

HORSE AND COUNTRY (POSTED 26/07/21)

Horse & Country will be filming parts of the 2021National Side saddle Show Show. SSA Chairman commented "we are really excited to welcome Horse and Country TV to our unique Championships this year. We will be celebrating 40 years of The National Side Saddle Show and we are already working hard to make it a show to remember".

LIFTING OF GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS COVID UPDATE (posted 20/07/21)

The SSA advice to Areas is they should adopt a duty of care at Area events and continue to advise the wearing of masks in indoor/enclosed spaces and the maintenance of social distancing. Additionally they should ensure that any specific guidance from venues they are using is followed. Judges and Instructors should be given discretion on what protocols they may or may not want to follow to ensure their personal protection.

The SSA advice to Areas is you should adopt a duty of care at Area events and continue to advise the wearing of masks in indoor/enclosed spaces and the maintenance of social distancing. Additionally you should ensure that any specific guidance from venues that you are using is followed. Judges and Instructors should be given discretion on what protocols they may or may not want to follow to ensure their personal protection.

EQUINE HERPES VIRUS (posted 20/07/21)

Horse Health Declaration Forms are no longer required for SSA activities.

SENSORY HAIR REMOVAL (posted 20/07/21)

Whilst the FEI have implemented a ruling from 1 July 2021 that prevents the clipping or shaving of sensory hair from horses this has not yet been adopted by all disciplines in the UK. As members of the Showing Council the SSA will adopt their stance following their consultation with welfare societies in so much as it will be left to individual riders to make a decision on whether or not they remove whiskers. The SSA Judges' Panel will be advised they must not discriminate between whiskers that are left on or trimmed/shaved. The situation will be monitored by the Showing Council and continually reviewed by the welfare societies and we will advise of any changes.

BSHA Qualification (posted 20/07/21)

Following a recent communication from the BSHA, please note the top 4 competitors in the Classical Ladies class now qualify for the BSHA Ladies Show Horse Championship

CHELTENHAM SIDE SADDLE SHOW (POSTED 12/07/21)

This was a new show organised by Area 14 on 29th May which proved very successful. It was held at the RDA centre at Cheltenham Racecourse, and it was wonderful to have ladies attending from as far away as Cornwall and North Yorkshire. Louisa Harvey donated a trophy 'the Mr Wooster Memorial Challenge Cup' for the champion in memory of her beloved, grey show hunter, Bert. The very worthy champion was Jane Dobinson, riding her lovely grey, Merlin; she's pictured having the trophy presented to her by Jane Montelier from the RDA with Louisa Harvey alongside presenting £75 prize money (sponsored by Day Equestrian Surfaces and Aztec Arenas) and £15 of vouchers (sponsored by Rimell Saddlers). Area 14 hope the show will become a regular feature in the side saddle calendar, and, they also have future plans afoot with the RDA at the Racecourse for next year. Photo by kind permission of Mark Regan Photography

ON BEHALF OF THE NATIONAL SIDE SADDLE SHOW (POSTED 05/07/21)

COUNTDOWN – 1 WEEK TO GO – NSSS ENTRIES CLOSE ON 12TH JULY

REMEMBER - No late entries will be taken for classes for which individual riding times are allocated - you must enter all these classes by midnight on 12th July. Entries will be taken for other classes provided they are not full but the £5.00 late entry fee will be added for each class entered.

 

*PLEASE HELP *

THE NATIONAL SHOW & THE SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION GO GREENER AND SAVE PLASTIC WASTE
ALUMINIUM VACUUM BOTTLE - TO KEEP YOUR DRINKS HOT OR COLD
SPECIAL SHOW OFFER £15.00
AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE FROM THE SHOW OFFICE
If you are unable to attend the Show but would like to purchase a Bottle, please email The Show Treasurer, Patricia Drake: treasurer@nationalsidesaddleshow.co.uk

ON BEHALF OF THE NATIONAL SIDE SADDLE SHOW (POSTED 28/06/21)

COUNTDOWN – 2 weeks to go - NSSS entries close on 12th July

ON BEHALF OF THE NATIONAL SIDE SADDLE SHOW (POSTED 21/06/21)

MEMBERSHIP/ POINTS CARDS AT THE NATIONAL SHOW

You will be required to show your current 2021 Membership/Points Card at the National Show Office to collect your competitor envelope and to make late entries, there will be no deviation from this ruling.
If you have any points on your 2019 card gained after the 2019 National Show you should bring this along with your 2020 and 2021 cards so the total number of points you have gained in Equitation Qualifying classes can be totalled up towards The Meg Cup (Adult) and The Overdraft Tankard (Junior).
Remember to keep your 2021 card with points gained after the 2021 NSSS to accrue qualifying points ready for the National Show 2022

EQUITATION CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER POINTS ROSETTES (POSTED 21/06/21)

For your 2021 Equitation Championship Qualifier Points won between 1st January – 31st December 2021, you can win a rosette. *For 21 points or more * For 30 points or more * For 45 points or more
To claim your rosette, please send a photocopy of your 2021 Equitation Championship Points Card with an A5 stamped address envelope to: Ms S M Lane, Hon. General Secretary, The Side Saddle Association, The Lodge, Glebe Farm, Broughton Astley, Leicestershire, LE9 6PG.
PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE THE CORRECT POSTAGE VALUE ON YOUR SAE
These rosettes are entirely separate from the performance points awards

CLARISSA DAWSON'S LEGACY FUND FINANCES NEW EQUIPMENT FOR EQUINE STUDENTS (POSTED 16/06/21)

A former college tutor, distinguished equestrian competitor and BHSI Examiner is continuing to support the next generation of equine students with a £10,000 legacy fund. Clarissa Dawson passed away two years ago after a brave battle with leukaemia and had been a tutor at Moreton Morrell College for more than two decades. She left a legacy fund at the college to support the further development of equine training, which was her passion, and the college group has now purchased two new pieces of equipment with the fund. More than £3,000 has been used to buy two new mechanical horse exercisers for the college, which will be used by Level 3 students to develop rider fitness as part of their riding module, as well as benefitting teaching on other courses too.

Clarissa, who lived near Shipston-on-Stour, was well-known in the equine community, both locally and nationally. She competed with distinction in dressage and her side saddle expertise was sought after at clinics in the UK and abroad. She was National Ladies Side Saddle Champion three times in 1992, 1994 and 1997 – and in November 2019 was posthumously awarded The British Horse Society Exceptional Achievement Award. As recently as November 2018, she was still competing despite undertaking chemotherapy and was placed at Regional Advanced Medium Level on her horse Primiende.

She was a student at Moreton Morrell College and returned to lecture in both Further Education and Higher Education, showing great commitment to educating equine students for more than 20 years. Sue Weatherburn, a lecturer who worked with Clarissa for more than 15 years, says that this is the perfect way to use the legacy fund and that it is a great way for her to continue having a positive impact on young people’s education in the region. Sue said: I feel very lucky to have worked alongside Clarissa for such a long period of time. She was a great colleague and friend. When Clarissa passed away, I started to look after her dog and she still comes to the college with me every day, just like she did with Clarissa for many years. She taught across a range of courses and was a course tutor from Level 1 all the way up to degree level.To buy this equipment with the legacy fund is a fitting way to remember Clarissa and we know that she would have approved of spending some of the money in this way.”Geoff Dawson, Clarissa s brother, added that the family are very proud of her achievements.

Clarissa had her first pony - Amber - at age five and from then on her entire world revolved around horses,” said Geoff.Clarissa was incredibly modest in her achievements,  the kitchen in her house was a testament to her achievements as the walls were filled with literally hundreds of ribbons and rosettes.She loved her position at Moreton Morrell College and she told me on more than one occasion how much she appreciated the help and support the college - and her many friends - were able to give her, especially during the latter stages of her illness.”

ONLINE PHOTOGRAPHY RESULTS (POSTED 03.06.21)

Well done to all who took part in the recent online photography competition, the winners were:
CLASS 1 – A Town or Country Garden – Jane Pryor, Area 1
CLASS 2 – My Favourite Animal (children only class) – Georgina Hales, Area 5
CLASS 3 – A Local Landscape or Landmark – Gill Greenwood, Area 19
CLASS 4 – UK Wildlife – Belinda Wilkins, Area 8
CLASS 5 – Horse or Pony – Jo Hales, Area 5
CLASS 6 – A Still Life to depict "All Things Side Saddle" – Vanessa Scandrett, Area 8
CHAMPION IN SHOW – Gill Greenwood with her shot of The Yorkshire Wolds
Please click here to see the winning photos

LOOK OUT FOR YOUR SSA NEWSLETTER & NATIONAL SHOW SCHEDULE (posted 24/05/21)

The latest SSA Newsletter and the National Show Schedule have arrived from the printers and will be sent out to all Members by the end of the week by royal mail or email depending on your stated preference.

The Side Saddle Association 'Side Saddles Performance Awards' (POSTED 24/05/21)

The Performance Awards are open to all SSA Members and points are accumulated for the performing standards of the horse/pony, rather than the rider. Points are awarded to a horse/pony, based on its own ability to do well under side saddle, across a wide spectrum of activities. The scheme aims to encourage Members to ride side saddle in all events, not just Equitation (which does not count for points). Bonus points are awarded for competing in events and classes affiliated to other Equestrian and Breed Societies. Points are also gained by competing, even if not placed. The Competition runs from 1st January to 31st December in any year and is open to stallions, mares and geldings of four years of age and over, competing within the United Kingdom. Horses competing outside the U.K. qualify for the Overseas Championship only. The awards are presented at the AGM and all entries receive a rosette. Why not enter and take part in this year's awards and show the versatility of your horse/pony whilst competing across a variety of disciplines. More details on the categories and how to enter can be found in the Members' Handbook or on the SSA website http://www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk/performancepoints.asp
Kindly sponsored by 'Side Saddles' – The One Stop Side Saddle Shop

BEF EHV UPDATE: QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS ARE LIFTED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT (POSTED 24/05/21)

Please see the latest update from the BEF re EHV on the Council's website: The Showing Council - Recognising and representing UK Horse and Pony Showing

NATIONAL SHOW STABLE BOOKINGS (Posted 17/05/21)

Stable bookings will not open until 1st June.

STABLING AT THE NATIONAL SHOW 2021 (POSTED 04/05/21)

Stable bookings for the National Side Saddle Show WILL NOT OPEN until entries open.

PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT BURY FARM TO TRY TO MAKE BOOKINGS UNTIL ENTRIES ARE OPEN.

You will appreciate with the change of date and venue the schedule is having to be revised in order to facilitate working with the new venue layout and facilities.

The schedule will be circulated as soon as is possible and you will be advised of the date that entries and stable bookings open.

IMPORTANT - The 2021 National Side Saddle Show

Due to circumstances beyond the Show Group's control, the National Show has moved to Bury Farm Equestrian, LU7 9BT and will take place on the 13th, 14th & 15th August. The Schedule will be circulated and available from the Website later in May.

Any Members who paid Stabling for 2020 and have not received a refund should email chris@addingtonequestrian.com direct.

SSA VIRTUAL EQUITATION SERIES (POSTED 26/04/21

Month 5 and the final competition in this series is complete and the results are in. A big thank you to Pippa Doran and Just So Equestrian for organising and administering the event and to the judges who judged the tests and gave such constructive and helpful feedback.

Congratulations to Georgia Duggan of Area 12 who won Junior Points Championship and Claire Brown of Area 14 who won the Adult Points Championship. Well done to all who took part.

Please click here for the Month 5 Results
Please click here full Championship Results

SSA PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION (POSTED 26/04/21)

DON'T FORGET ENTRIES CLOSE THIS FRIDAY 30th APRIL

MR T. D. HOLDERNESS-RODDAM (POSTED 19/04/2021)

It is with much sadness the SSA learned of the sudden death on 15 April 2021 of our Patron's husband. Tim Holderness-Roddam was a longstanding eventing supporter and widely respected across the equestrian world where he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Mrs Holderness-Roddam at this sad and difficult time.

The Horse World Remembers HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT – An Equestrian Tribute

The Horse World Remembers – an Equestrian Tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh will be coordinated by Royal Windsor Horse Show, of which he was an active President for 30 years. During a time when we may not be able to pay tribute in person, The Horse World Remembers will provide a way to celebrate and commemorate the life of a remarkable man - available to all online who wish to pay their respects. Please click here for more information.

THE CLASSICAL & SIR LANCELOT FINALS AT THE 2021 NATIONAL SHOW (POSTED 07/04/21)

THE CLASSICAL & SIR LANCELOT FINALS AT THE 2021 NATIONAL SHOW
Please see Schedule extracts below
regarding the qualifications required for 2021 only

CLASSICAL FINAL
Open to Qualified SSA Adult Members, and to Competitors who, with the same horse/rider combination, qualified for the 2018 and 2019 Classical Final. The name and date of the show must be shown when entering.

SIR LANCELOT FINAL
Open to Qualified SSA Adult Members, and to Competitors who, qualified for the 2018 and 2019 Sir Lancelot Final. The name and date of the show must be shown when entering.

SSA ONLINE EQUITATION SERIES (POSTED 07/04/21)

Entries close for the final event of the series on April 14th, for more details go to
www.justsoequestrianevents.co.uk/whats-on

NATIONAL EQUITATION CHAMPIONSHIPS 2021 (POSTED 30/03/21)

The requirement for members to have won 10 Qualifying Points to enter the 2021 National Equitation Championships has been removed for this year only. All other additional qualifications relating to class eligibility remain the same and can be found on page 16 Section 2 of The Current Side Saddle Association Handbook. Please support your local and Area shows that are able to take place so that we do not lose them for future years.

The Side Saddle Association

THE SSA SURVEY (posted 22/03/21)

Don't forget to complete the SSA survey to help the Association develop into the future, the closing date is 7th April 2021. If the SSA does not have an email address on record for you a hard copy of the survey will be posted to you this week.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2021 (posted 22/03/21)

The Annual General Meeting was held online via Zoom on Sunday 21st March with over 100 Members taking part. The election of Officers for the period 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022 was as follows:
President: Mrs. J. Pryor
Chairman: Ms. V. Hood
Vice Chairmen: Mrs. S. Anderson, Miss H. Barton, Mrs. C. Hobson and Mrs. A. Sadler.
In the afternoon Mr & Mrs R. Edmunds gave an excellent and informative presentation on "What Lies Beneath Your Side Saddle".

SSA PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION (POSTED 15/03/21)

Any budding photographers out there? The SSA are running an online photography competition so get snapping to showcase your skills.
Download Schedule
Download Entry Form

NATIONAL SIDE SADDLE SHOW ADVERTISING, SPONSORSHIP & TRADESTANDS (POSTED 23/02/21)

Would you like to, or know of somebody who would, take on the task of sourcing THE SHOW'S ADVERTISING, SPONSORSHIP & TRADESTANDS either as an individual or as part of a team The role involves continuous liaison with Potential and existing Supporters/Contributors, The National Show Organiser & Treasurer and continuous maintenance of Excel Databases before, during and after the Show Out of pocket expenses re-imbursed

For further information, please contact: The Show Organiser, Samantha Stephenson
admin@nationalsidesaddleshow.co.uk
07515 832722
www.nationalsidesaddleshow.co.uk

SHOWS & FIXTURES FOR 2021 (POSTED 10/02/2021)

The Shows & Fixtures list is being regularly updated and can be found on the Competitions page of this website.

NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION® (POSTED 10/02/2021)

NOTICE is hereby given that the 46th Annual General Meeting of The Side Saddle Association shall be held on Sunday 21st March 2021 via the web-based video conferencing tool Zoom.
Commencing at 11:30 a.m.
By Order of the Council.

Ms. Sally Lane
Hon. General Secretary to the SSA

Area 5 Question Time (POSTED 02/02/21)

Area 5 invite all SSA Members to their new series of Side Saddle Question Time, this is first of a series and the first session is free.The first session is on Sunday February 28 by Zoom starting at 7.30pm.The subject is, Tip Top Turnout Tips. Area 5 welcome guest panellist Shirley Anderson from Northern Ireland. Shirley has a passion for making her own habits, costumes and re designing original habits to suit the rider. Joining her are Heather Sumner and Maureen James, both experts in any turnout matters. Please send your questions by email to Area 5 Chairman Ginny Oakley Pope (email address can be found in your SSA Handbook) by 12.00 noon on February 26. All those wishing to attend please contact Ginny in the same way. Those wishing to take part will be sent a Zoom invitation. Area 5 very much look forward to hearing from you soon.

The Side Saddle Association Areas' 18 & 19 International Side Saddle Weekend Celebration – Aintree 2nd-3rd May 2021 (POSTED 02/02/21)

Message from The Working Party:

Dear All

We hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe and well.

Due to the current situation Covid pandemic and the continual changes in government guidance, the The Side Saddle Association Areas' 18 & 19 International Side Saddle Weekend Celebration planned in May to be held at Aintree has regrettably but understandably had to be postponed.

It is hoped that when the current situation stabilises and the country is allowed to return to some sort of normality a date in Autumn will be looked into accordingly.

Rest assured, all plans are in place and the hard work already done is not wasted thanks to the working party's commitment and determination to ensure that this event will go ahead at some point in the future. Everything is safely filed and ready to resume once the green light is given by the powers that be.

We thank again those who are fully behind the event and for their continued support and pledges to this event, it is greatly appreciated. You are our inspiration! Thank you for your confidence in the working party. Together with your support and backing we are determined, even chomping at the bit ready to kick on as soon as the gates are opened!

Whenever that may be, we will keep you posted and we look forward to celebrating side saddle together with you, one day!

In the meantime, we the Working Party send our very best wishes to each and everyone and we will update you again in due course.

Kindest regards

The Working Party

Area 19 Tea at the Vicarage (POSTED 02/02/21)

Area 19 invite you to Tea at the Vicarage on Sunday 28th February at 2pm, please click here for more information.

SSA Cartoon Competition (POSTED 02/02/21)

Congratulations to all who took part.The highly commended entries from the recent cartoon competition can be seen below:


1. Jennifer Roberts


2. Jane Pryor


3. Belinda Wilkins

SSA Cartoon Competition (POSTED 26/01/21)

Thank you to all who took part in the recent SSA Cartoon Competition and a big thank you to Side Saddle for providing a voucher for the winner. The winner was Belinda Wilkins from Area 8 who captured a tongue in cheek "5 minute call for the Classical Ladies Championship Class". Highly commended went to Jane Pryor (Area 1), Jennifer Roberts (Area 8) and Belinda's second entry. The highly commended cartoons will be posted next week.

SSA Online Equitation Latest Results (POSTED 26/01/21)

Please click for the latest results and the points league from the SSA Online Equitation Series. Score sheets and rosettes will be posted out to competitors, entries are open for the next competition and close 14th Feb at midnight.

MESSAGE FROM THE SSA PRESIDENT (POSTED 11/01/21)

The SSA is an association through which Members make many friends, not just in their own area but up and down the country and internationally. During these periods of isolation I have tried to make an effort to contact people who are alone, especially older people and who are not able to have visitors or have no near family. A phone call - or if they are online an email - can make all the difference to them.

It would be lovely if everyone will think of someone who falls into the above category, not necessarily Members but lapsed Members may enjoy being contacted, especially if they have given up riding and no longer have a horse but are still interested.

Social media has helped in keeping Members connected and in a lot of cases amused. Thank you to all who keep us busy by arranging challenges and videos to keep our humour levels up. We must work together and if anyone has any ideas of things Members can do, competitions etc, then please do contact your Area Chairman who can put it forward to Council to get it up and running.

We have no idea when 'normal times' will return, but by making an effort to abide by the lockdown rules we can, hopefully, end this virus without further delay.

Stay safe, stay well, look after each other and I am sure we all look forward to being able to meet in person rather than Zoom before too long.

Much best wishes to you all and your families

Jane

SSA ONLINE EQUITATION SERIES (POSTED 11/01/21)

We find ourselves back in lockdown again but that may give some of you more chance to enter the SSA's monthly Virtual Equitation competitions which have been kindly sponsored by Henrietta Barton . Members don't need to have a surface to ride on, a marked out arena in a field will do just fine, and there are 2 new 40m arena tests for the Junior Open/Adult Intermediate and Adult Open to ensure everyone can enter regardless of the facilities available to them. Plus there is the Virtual Equitation Points Championship to compete for – points make prizes! The competition is a good way to get practice and valuable feedback to prepare for when our showing life as we know and love it returns to 'normal'.

All the information members need (rules, tips, schedule, entry) can be found at www.justsoequestrianevents.co.uk/whats-on ENTRIES FOR THE NEXT COMPETITON CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT ON 14TH JANUARY

BEF COVID-19 UPDATE 10/01/21

Please click here for the latest British Equestrian update on Covid -19 restrictions

BEF COVID-19 UPDATE (POSTED 21/12/20)

Please click here for the latest British Equestrian update on Covid -19 restrictions

LATEST NEWS - AREA 8 NEW YEAR PARTY (POSTED 21/12/20)

Area 8 are holding their Annual New Year Party online via Zoom on Sunday 17th January 2021 and extend an invitation to all SSA members to attend – please click here for more information.

LATEST NEWS – ONLINE EQUITATION RESULTS (POSTED 21/12/20)

Please click here for the results from month 1 of our Virtual Equitation Series and also the Points Championship league table which will be updated monthly. Entries are now open for the second competition in the series and close on the 14th Jan 2021. If you have any enquiries please contact Pippa Doran: Tel: 07976 362391. Email: just-soequestrianevents@hotmail.com

HORSE SCOTLAND COVID -19 (POSTED 17/12/20)

The latest update from Horse Scotland has been posted on the Showing Council's website and Facebook page, please see the following links for more information:

The Showing Council - Recognising and representing UK Horse and Pony Showing www.facebook.com/theshowingcouncil

DON'T FORGET THE SSA ARENA EVENTING CHALLENGE POSTED 14/12/20

The Arena Eventing Challenge will run from 1st November to 31st March each winter season


PHOTO BY EDWARD DANIELS

AIMS

    • To open up side saddle riding to as many people as possible across as many disciplines as possible.
    • To have a stand alone award for Members taking part in Arena Eventing, riding side saddle, points will be awarded for the completion of each event and the winner will be the horse/pony/rider combination with the most points.
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR RULES AND DETAILS OF HOW TO REGISTER

THE LADIES HUNTER CLASS (POSTED 14/12/20)

Please click here to enjoy the poem written by Mrs Jo Jefferson, SSA Judge and Instructor.

FLASH TO THE PAST - THE TITLE SIDE SADDLE RIDER OF THE YEAR (POSTED 07/12/20)

This article covers Eve Pawelska the 1983 Side Saddle Rider of the Year winner. Please click here to read more

ONLINE EQUITATION COMPETITION - DON'T FORGET TO GET YOUR ENTRY IN - JUST ONE WEEK TO GO (POSTED 07/12/20)

For more information on how to enter please go to www.justsoequestrianevents.co.uk/whats-on

ENTRIES CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT ON MONDAY 14TH DECEMBER

HORSE SCOTLAND COVID -19 (POSTED O1/12/20)

Please click here for the latest update from Horse Scotland

The Side Saddle Association 'Side Saddles' Performance Awards

The Performance Awards are open to all SSA Members and points are accumulated for the performing standards of the horse/pony, rather than the rider. Points are awarded to a horse/pony, based on its own ability to do well under side saddle, across a wide spectrum of activities. The scheme aims to encourage Members to ride side saddle in all events, not just Equitation (which does not count for points). Bonus points are awarded for competing in events and classes affiliated to other Equestrian and Breed Societies. Points are also gained by competing, even if not placed The Competition runs from 1st January to 31st December in any year and is open to stallions, mares and geldings of four years of age and over, competing within the United Kingdom. Horses competing outside the U.K. qualify for the Overseas Championship only. The awards are presented at the AGM and all entries receive a rosette. Why not enter and take part in next year's awards and show the versatility of your horse/pony whilst competing across a variety of disciplines. More details on the categories and how to enter can be found in the Members' Handbook or on the SSA website – Competitions Page - Performance Points Awards.

Kindly sponsored by 'Side Saddles' – The One Stop Side Saddle Shop

Adult Champion 2018 and 2019 - Fantastic Gift ridden by Jenny Murtagh - Hunt

Junior Champion 2019 and 3rd 2018 - Marshland Aero ridden by Moya Payne

 

ONLINE EQUITATION SERIES (POSTED 30/11/20)

Entries are now open for the first competition – for more information on how to enter please go to www.justsoequestrianevents.co.uk/whats-on

ENTRIES CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT ON MONDAY 14TH DECEMBER

SIDE SADDLE EQUITATING POEM (POSTED 30/11/20)

Please click here to enjoy the poem written by Mrs Jo Jefferson, SSA Judge and Instructor.

HELP YOUR FRIENDS AND FELLOW MEMBERS IN THE MANCHESTER AREA (POSTED 30/11/20)

The clean air act in greater Manchester area will effect a lot of riders who own large vehicles and horse boxes. Once the law comes into force anyone travelling through the area could be charged £60 per day. If you bought a horse in this area and you travel to collect it's an extra £60. Travelling from east to west and driving through the area again payment must be made

Here is a link to the Clean air website and the all important consultation questionnaire:
https://cleanairgm.com

BEF COVID -19 Post lockdown update 26 November 2020 (POSTED 27/11/20)

Please click here for latest information from the BEF.

GOVERNMENT TIERS FROM DECEMBER 2nd 2020 (POSTED 26/11/20)

To find out the coronavirus restrictions in your local area, please click here

IMPORTANT NOTICE – SSA AGM 2021 (POSTED 23.11.20)

With the current number of Covid-19 cases still increasing in some regions and the recent sad news of the death toll now going over 50,000 the SSA Council comprising of Officers of the Association and Chairmen of Area Committees have discussed the viability of holding a face to face AGM in March 2021.

Whilst the provision of a vaccine is looking hopeful it is not known how quickly this will go through the various categories of people and it looks unlikely the vast number of the population would have access to a vaccination by March 2021; additionally, we understand there may be the prospect of an isolation period after receiving the vaccine. It looks like there may be the chance of family get togethers over Christmas and New Year which could create another spike with the prospect of a further lockdown thereafter.

Our Members are spread across all four parts of the UK which means at any one-time different categories of lockdown interventions can be in place which in many cases prevent travel out of a specific region, in addition some Members also fall into the vulnerable/shielding grouping and would not be able to attend a large gathering.

Given all these factors Council made the unanimous decision to not hold the 2021 AGM as a live face to face meeting; they are very sorry to be making this decision but consider it fairer for all involved for it to be made now rather than at the eleventh hour.

The Side Saddle Association intends to hold the AGM virtually on the designated date of Sunday March 21st at 11am and will do this using the web-based video conferencing tool Zoom. Further details will be circulated with the AGM papers.

FLASH TO THE PAST - THE TITLE SIDE SADDLE RIDER OF THE YEAR (POSTED 23/11/20)

This article covers Jo Jefferson the 1981 Saddle Rider of the Year winner. Please click here to read more

STUCK FOR IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS (POSTED 23.11.20)

BASEBALL CAPS PLUS PRACTICAL BAGS TO MEET YOUR SHOPPING AND STORAGE NEEDS The SSA has available LED Light Baseball Caps, perfect for dark winter nights at £15.00 inc P&P, Jute Shopping Bags with the SSA Logo on, great value at £8.00 inc P&P plus Stirrup/Kit Bags at £7.20 inc P&P. Click here to download an order form

IMPORTANT UPDATES TO ONLINE EQUITATION COMPETITION

Following Member feedback in respect of access to 20 x 60 arenas we are pleased to announce alternative 20 x 40 tests have been added to the schedule with immediate effect.

Entries are now open – please go to www.justsoequestrianevents.co.uk/whats-on

Please click here for the updated schedule and Rules plus the new 20 x 40 Arena Tests below

Adult Intermediate and Junior Open On Line Equitation Test
Adult Open On Line Equitation Test

BEF COVID -19 Lockdown update 12 November 2020 (POSTED 13/11/20)

Please click here for latest information.

SSA VIRTUAL EQUITATION - FEEDBACK REGARDING ARENA SIZE (posted 12/11/20)

The comments from Members about a 20m x 40m arena test have been duly noted and recognised.

Should the current COVID restrictions be extended beyond the beginning of Dec, we will add new 20m x 40m arena tests to the schedule for the Dec/Jan competition.

LATEST UPDATE FOR SCOTLAND FROM HORSE SCOTLAND (POSTED 11/11/20)

Please click here for latest information.

BEF COVID -19 update 6 November 2020 (POSTED 11/11/20)

Please click here for latest information from the BEF.

CANCELLATION OF PERFORMANCE POINTS 2020 (POSTED 11/11/200

Sadly, Council made the decision in conjunction with Side Saddles, the competition sponsor, to cancel the Performance Points for this year. The reasoning behind this being that very few events have been held this year and they are geographically spread, furthermore, Members in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have had restrictions in place for a longer time than those in England, both these factors mean not everyone has had the opportunity to compete on a level playing field.

The Performance Points are planned to run in 2021, all entries from 2021 will be transferred over but no points accrued during 2020 will carry over, all entrants will start the 2021 year on zero points. If you have paid for 2020 please send an A5 size SAE for your 2021 card to: The S.S.A. Performance Points Secretary, Hillside Farm, Alkham Valley Road, Nr Folkestone, Kent, CT18 7EJ.

If you did not enter the scheme for 2020 please consider entering for 2021, it’s a great way of getting out and about riding side saddle across many different disciplines, more details are in the 2020 Handbook and on the SSA website where you can enter online.

The SSA Writing Competition (POSTED 11/11/20)

Please click here to read one of the Highly Commended stories written by B Wilkins from Area 8.

BEF/BHS STATEMENT 09/11/20 (POSTED 11/11/20)

Please click here for latest information from the BEF/BHS.

THE SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION VIRTUAL EQUITATION COMPETITION

In association with Just So Equestrian Events
www.justsoequestrianevents.co.uk

To Be held for 4 months Across the Winter of 2020/21

INCLUDES A VIRTUAL EQUITATION POINTS CHAMPIONSHIP

PHOTO BY EMMPIX

OPEN TO SSA MEMBERS ONLY

  • Entries open on the 15th of each month and close at midnight on the 14th of the following month.
  • Entries open for the first part of the series on 15th November and close on 14th December

Please click here to download VE Schedule
Please click here to download VE Rules
Please click here to download Hints & Tips
Please click here to download VE Points Champs

BEF COVID -19 update 5 November 2020 (POSTED 06/11/20)

Please click here for latest information from the BEF.

The SSA Writing Competition (POSTED 02/11/20)

Please click here to read one of the Highly Commended stories written by M Werrett from Area 16.

The Side Saddle Association Arena Eventing Challenge

The Arena Eventing Challenge will run from 1st November to 31st March each winter season


PHOTO BY EDWARD DANIELS

AIMS

    • To open up side saddle riding to as many people as possible across as many disciplines as possible.
    • To have a stand alone award for Members taking part in Arena Eventing, riding side saddle, points will be awarded for the completion of each event and the winner will be the horse/pony/rider combination with the most points.
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR RULES AND DETAILS OF HOW TO REGISTER

The Side Saddle Association Cartoon Competition 2020

Open to Members only, no entry fee
A maximum of 2 entries per Member may be submitted, entries must be the work of the entrant
Each Side Saddle related cartoon should be submitted as an A4 size document, cartoons may be colour or black/white
The winner will receive a £25 voucher kindly sponsored by Side Saddles.
Entries should be sent by secretary@sidesaddleassociation.co.uk or post to Sally Lane, Hon. General Secretary, please supply your Name, Area and SSA Membership Number

CLOSING DATE 31ST DECEMBER 2020

The SSA Online Picture Show (POSTED 29/10/20)

Please click here to see Part 2 of the Championship Winners photos.

The SSA Writing Competition (POSTED 29/10/20)

Please click here to read one of the Highly Commended poems written by G Hardie from Area 1.

SSA AREA 19 COMPETITION TIME (POSTED 19/10/20)

Design your own Christmas card. It's been a crazy year thanks to Covid, but now's time to think of another c-word – CHRISTMAS! We're looking for your best side saddle picture to star on our SSA Area 19 Christmas Cards. They must be winter or Christmas themed. Photos/artwork must be taken/created by entrant and not subject to copyright. Who can enter: any Side Saddle Association member

How to enter: complete the entry form, pay £4/entry (Enter 3 pictures and the 4th one is free!) Email entry form and photos directly to entries secretary, pay entry fee by BACs – simple!
ENTRIES CLOSE: 30th OCTOBER 2020.
Winner announced: Monday 2nd November Winner receives 50 A5 Christmas cards featuring their picture
ENTRY FORM: https://ssaarea19.wordpress.com/local-side-saddle-events/

The SSA Online Picture Show (POSTED 19/10/20)

Please click here to see Part 1 of the Championship Winners photos, Part 2 to follow next week!

The SSA Writing Competition (POSTED 19/10/20)

Please click here to read one of the Highly Commended stories written by I Smart from Area 8.

BIRTHDAY LIST HONOUR FOR SSA PATRON (POSTED 19/10/20)

The Side Saddle Association Patron, Mrs Jane Holderness-Roddam was one of three of the Princess Royal's Ladies-in-Waiting to be honoured by The Queen in her delayed 2020 Birthday Honours List. Leonora, Countess of Lichfield, Araminta Ritchie, and Jane Holderness-Roddam all serve as Ladies-in-Waiting to Princess Anne, and have all been recognised for their efforts. The three ladies have each become Commanders of the Royal Victorian Order. The Royal Victorian Order is awarded to individuals who have personally served the monarch with distinction. It was created in April 1896 by Queen Victoria, who wished to formally recognise those who had personally served her. Recipients of the Royal Victorian Order are entirely in The Queen's gift and are bestowed independently of Downing Street.

The SSA Writing Competition (POSTED 12/10/20)

Please click here to read one of the Highly Commended poems written by L Graham from Area 12.

The SSA Online Picture Show (POSTED 12/10/20)

Please click here to see Part 2 of the winners photos, Championship Winners to follow next week!

The SSA Writing Competition (POSTED 05/10/20)

Please click here to read the third placed story written by D Parker from Area 12.

The SSA Online Picture Show (POSTED 05/10/20)

Please click here to see some of the winners photos, more to follow next week!

The Side Saddle Association Area 8 Portrait Show – by Belinda Wilkins. (POSTED 05/10/20)

Realising that the 2020 Festival of Horsemanship Side Saddle Area 8 Show was not going to happen, because of Covid 19 lockdown, I decided I would create the show using members' drawings calling it 'The SSA 8 Portrait Show'. It would feature riders from Sussex, Surrey and Kent. Soon the pictures were being sent to me. By making six different rings for classes I was able to put all the amazing drawings into suitable classes. Judges, stewards and spectators were added, plus lorries and other extras. Each time I thought I had finished another member asked to be included and space was found! This took hours and hours to create using Photoshop on my computer. The Portrait Show turned out way better than I could ever have imagined thanks to all who took part with so much detail just using coloured pencils. I really feel it captures a moment in history when everything came to a standstill, habits and costumes hanging unused in cupboards. Particularly special is the rainbow coloured habit in the Fancy Dress Class, honouring the work of the NHS and key workers.

Using the pictures I have also been able to create a picture of just horses and riders which also is a lovely design for tea towels and posters that I am selling, making lovely, original presents. Viewers have fun spotting people and horses they know, each one so carefully drawn! The key is a show catalogue naming all those featured. Profits from sales of these are going towards the National SSA Show 2021. £100 has already been raised. Orders for tea towels, posters and Banners can be made using order form or contact Belinda Wilkins email: festivalofhorsemanshipssa8@gmail.com


Please click here for the Order Form and Design Image (1) and Design Image (2)

The Showing Council

A brief summary of the main discussion points from the recent meeting of the Showing Council can be viewed on their website - please see: http://theshowingcouncil.co.uk/news-item.asp?$=83&o=

The SSA Writing Competition

Please click here to read the second placed story written by J Pryor from Area 1.

THE SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION ONLINE PICTURE SHOW 2020

The results are out – please click here

The SSA Writing Competition

Please click here to read the second placed poem written by J Pryor from Area 1.

British Equestrian COVID -19 update 10 September 2020 (POSTED 14/09/20)

Please click here for latest information from British Equestrian.

The SSA Writing Competition

Please click here to read the winning story written by C Hobson from Area 8.

The SSA Writing Competition

Please click here to read the winning poem written by J Roberts from Area 8

The Windsor Autumn Showing Competition

Entries are currently OPEN for The Virtual Windsor Autumn Series. The Online Showing is FREE to enter, and for the Autumn Series in September the classes range from traditional Show Horse and Pony classes, to Heavy Horse and Private Driving. (Please note, Class 18 is Side Saddle and includes a Best Costume award). All classes are free to enter, and are entered by uploading an image to the entries portal. Horses do not have to be registered with any breed society to compete. Entries are judged by a panel of renowned judges, presided over by Chief Judge Nigel Hollings, who has been judging at top levels worldwide for nearly four decades.

ENTRIES CLOSE ON 4th SEPTEMBER. Thank you to The Side Saddle Association for posting details relating to the show.

The Side Saddle Association Writing Competition

Thank you and well done to all entrants in the Writing Competition. We were very fortunate to have as its judge Carolyn Walters who as many of you will be aware is a panel judge, A instructor and examiner and former Side Saddle Association Rider of the Year. As a lecturer in Creative Writing and a playwright herself she was clearly extremely well qualified for the role. Entries were anonymised before being sent to Carolyn who was extremely complimentary about all of the entries.
The results were as follows.

Poem
1st May Hew See the Sunshine - J Roberts
2nd Horse Aged12 - J Pryor
Highly Commended: - L Graham & G Hardie

Story
1st and best overall entry
Marlowe's Pony - C Hobson
2nd The Lady on the Horse - J Pryor
3rd The Habit - D Parker
Highly Commended: - I Smart, M Werrett & B Wilkins

Winning entries will be published in future communications.

FLASH TO THE PAST THE TITLE SIDE SADDLE RIDER OF THE YEAR (POSTED 24/08/20)

This article covers Sue Turner (nee Bland) the 1980 * 1982 Saddle Rider of the Year winner. Please click here to read more

SSA ONLINE PICTURE SHOW ENTRIES CLOSE THIS WEEK (POSTED 10/08/20)

Only 4 days to go to get your entries in.
Open to all current SSA Members, just one entry fee and you can enter as many classes as you like.
In all classes, Competitors may claim points: 10 for 1st, 9 for 2nd, 8 for 3rd, 7 for 4th, 6 for 5th, 5 for 6th and 4 for completing the Class, regardless of placing. A memento will be given to the Adult and to the Junior with the highest points.

Entries close 14th August, online entries only, please click below to make your entry at My Riding Life: https://www.myridinglife.com/eventdetails.aspx?id=321168

FLASH TO THE PAST - THE TITLE SIDE SADDLE RIDER OF THE YEAR (POSTED 27/07/20)

This article covers Karen Lyles (nee Dudley) the 1979 Saddle Rider of the Year winner. Please click here to read more

THE SHOWING COUNCIL BLUEPRINT (POSTED 20/07/20)

The Showing Council's blueprint to help get everyone back showing has been agreed and circulated to all Member Bodies.

BEF COVID - 19 update 10 July 2020 (POSTED 12/07/20)

Please click here for latest information from the BEF.

THE SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION NATIONAL PICTURE SHOW
(Posted 10/07/20)

This show is open to all current SSA Members, just one entry fee and you can enter as many classes as you like.
If you have any queries please make contact by email to Lottie Parkin: area12treasurer@outlook.com

Please click here for the schedule

Online entries only, please click on the Logo below to make your entries via My Riding Life

BEF COVID -19 update 02 July 2020 (POSTED 03/07/20)

Please click here for latest information from the BEF.

AREA 5 UPDATE (Posted 29/06/20)

The July 5th Pre Champ Show is cancelled.

On August 9th the Area will be running a clinic. Instructor: Vanessa Hood. Location: By kind invitation of Mrs K Byrd at Clifton Park Business Centre, Clifton Road, Stratford on Avon, CV37 8HW.More information and pre booking forms from Area 5 Interim Secretary, Mrs Maureen James. Social distancing measures will be in place. The Sheila Rowland Masters Show due to be held at Moreton Morrell on September 13th has been postponed until 2021.

BEF COVID - 19 update 26 June 2020 (POSTED 29/06/20)

Please click here for latest information from the BEF.

BEF COVID -19 update 19 June 2020 (POSTED 22/06/20)

Please click here for latest information from the BEF.

FLASH TO THE PAST - PAST WINNERS OF THE TITLE SIDE SADDLE RIDER OF THE YEAR (POSTED 22/06/20)

This article covers Jane Williams (nee Rackham) the 1978 Saddle Rider of the Year winner. Please click here to read more

WHY NOT JOIN THE SSA - (POSTED 15/06/20)

The Side Saddle Association is dedicated to promoting and protecting the skill, sport and education of riding side saddle. Originally formed as the Ladies Side Saddle Association in1974 by Valerie Francis and Janet Macdonald it has regional areas covering all of the United Kingdom as well as overseas members in many countries.

Through its clear systems and standards for riding, instructing and judging the Association seeks to maintain the highest levels of all aspects related to side saddle.

Members ride a significant range of types and breeds of horse and pony which are often in their second careers and take part in a wide variety of disciplines from showing to Arena Eventing and team chasing. The Association offers members a number of distinct classes including Equitation.

With the partial lifting of lockdown restrictions now allowing for some activity with horses for participants, coaches and venues many SSA Instructors are available for teaching again and Areas are looking at setting up clinics. If you have always wanted to try side saddle why not use this downtime to have a go. A list of SSA Instructors can be found on the Help & Advice page of the SSA Website and a list of Area Contacts on the Areas page.

STATEMENT FROM THE SHOWING COUNCIL (POSTED 15/06/20)

An additional meeting was held on Wednesday 10th June, at the request of some of the Member Bodies. The objective of this meeting was to allow Societies and Associations to get together and specifically discuss the creating a possible "operational blueprint" of how any kind of shows and events could take place, should they be allowed to, in the coming weeks or months, meeting all Government Guidelines. It was a very positive and helpful start to what could be a really supportive process and The Showing Council will continue to be there to help and assist these organisations in any way it can. The next steps are for those present to go back to their respective Boards and Councils and seek support to take this initiative forward. Some have already made that decision to work together on this area; we remain hopeful it will be supported widely.

It was recognised openly that a united approach to this challenge was important and that the competitor/ owner / producer / exhibitor / show secretary etc. should know what to expect if shows did go ahead at all. It was the intention a Working Group would form on the back of this meeting to begin to share information and develop a "blueprint".

FLASH TO THE PAST - PAST WINNERS OF THE TITLE SIDE SADDLE RIDER OF THE YEAR: (POSTED 08/06/20)

This first article covers Jo Bates (nee Morgan), the inaugural winner of the Side Saddle Rider of the Year title.
Please click here to read more

BEF COVID -19 update 1 June 2020 (POSTED 02/06/20)

Please click here for latest information from the BEF

POLISH SIDE SADDLE CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Polish Championship Show planned for 20 & 21 June 2020 has been cancelled, it is planned for the event to run in 2021.

BEF COVID -19 update 21 May 2020 (POSTED 22/05/20)

Please click here for latest information from the BEF

FLASH TO THE PAST - Marking the 30th Anniversary of the National Side Saddle Show (POSTED 18/05/20)

Thank you to Patricia Drake and Dale Atkinson for lifting this story from the archives. Please click here to read

A LITTLE DISTRACTION FROM THE LOCKDOWN NUMBER 2 (Posted 18/05/20)

Thank you to Bettina Keil, one of our Members from Germany for sharing these interesting links

A “half-english”side saddle - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8NXfp7pLsw&t=3s

A traditional Spanish  “Jamuga” - side saddle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3P46Iny5kU&t=11s

BEF COVID-19 update 15 May 2020 (POSTED 15/05/20)

Please click here for latest information from the BEF

BEF COVID-19 Update 12 May 2020 (POSTED 13/05/20)

Please click here for latest information from the BEF

A FLASH TO THE PAST (POSTED 12/05/20)

In 1997 Sussex Lusitanos took a group of 40 members of the UK Side Saddle Association to visit the Lisbon Show. Five leading UK side saddle riders also went, taking their own saddles. They accepted a 5-day challenge to prepare and perform a short display on borrowed Lusitano horses at the Show. It was an impressive achievement, executed successfully and with style. It also paved the way for their return visit, the following year, to ride with at the 1998 Golega Fair.

The riders pictured below are Amanda James, Paula Keeley, Helen Lawson, Claire Lewis and Sherene Rahmatallah.

Article with kind permission of Sussex Lusitanos

Statement to SSA Members 29 April 2020

Please click here for an update to Members from the Side Saddle Association

BEF Member Body Statement 28 April 2020

Please click here for latest information from the BEF

CANCELLATION OF THE NATIONAL SIDE SADDLE SHOW
7/8/9th AUGUST 2020

In the light of the present situation with Coronavirus the Side Saddle Association has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 National Show. It is incredibly disappointing for everyone who helps to organise and run the show, our sponsors, trade stand holders and for all the competitors, their friends and families.

Please note we have already booked Addington for 2021 The National Show which will take place on 6th, 7th and 8th August 2021.

Area 12 Virtual Show

Entries close 30 April 2020. Click here for schedule or follow link https://www.area12ssa.co.uk/schedules/

A LITTLE DISTRACTION FROM THE LOCKDOWN: PORTRAIT OF A SIDE SADDLE FROM 1894

Thank you to Bettina Keil, one of our Members from Germany for sharing this interesting link giving a short portrait of a 1894 side saddle from J. M. Mayer, Munich https://youtu.be/qrQ7DqrZLug

British Equestrian Federation update 14 April 2020

Please click here for latest information from the BEF

British Equestrian Federation update 2 April 2020

Please click here for latest information from the BEF

British Equestrian Federation Vaccination update 2 April 2020

Please click here for latest information from the BEF

British Equestrian Federation Update 27.03.20

Please click here for latest information from the BEF

British Equestrian Federation Update 24.03.20 (Guidance on Care of Horses)

Please click here for latest information from the BEF

British Equestrian Federation Update 23.03.20

Please click here for latest information from the BEF

IMPORTANT UPDATE ON COVID – 19 STATEMENT

The Side Saddle Association take seriously their responsibility to contribute towards the containment and control of COVID-19 and fully support the Government recommendations around social distancing, non-essential travel and public gatherings. The Association therefore requests that no SSA activities take place until further notice. Issued 23/03/20.

INTERNATIONAL WEEKEND 2020

In light of uncertainties as to when equestrian activities will be able to safely resume in the UK the International Celebration Weekend has been postponed until 1st & 2nd May 2021. The SSA is grateful to Aintree for allowing the transfer of all outgoings made to date into the 2021 booking.

AREA 12 DISPLAY AT SOUTHWELL RACECOURSE 8th MARCH

"Members of Area 12 and Area 5 took part in a fantastic parade at Southwell Racecourse today as part of 'International Women's Day'. A highlight of the day was Sky Sports presenter, Hayley Moore, changing into a habit and top hat and parading with the Ladies, riding Hazel Allin's Ashton Flight. Hayley then dismounted and interviewed Hazel and all the riders which went out live to over 200,000 Sky viewers. The Ladies return on 5th May for the Countryside Evening. "


The Showing Council Volunteer Award 2019

As part of their annual awards The Showing Council has a category for The Volunteer of the Year Award with nominees put forward by the Member Bodies. For 2019 The Side Saddle Association nominated Cath Marchbank in recognition of her time as a long standing Area Chairman and her input to the SSA in general including Promotion Activities, Displays, Seminars, Grade Tests and Exams, Fund Raisers, Saddlers Days, the SSA National Show, Have a Go Days, Fundraising, Sponsorship, Hospitality, Meet and Greet as well selling raffle and tombola tickets and the list goes on and on. Cath was shortlisted and attended the recent presentations, sadly she did not win the award. Cath is pictured with her commemorative rosette.

LIFETIVE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

At The Society of Master Saddlers Presentations on Monday 3rd February 2020 Richard Godden was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding services to side saddle training.

Chase me Charlie

As part of the Gala Display on Saturday 2nd May 2020 there will be a "Chase Me Charlie" jumping competition with a first prize of £100 and the SSA High Jump Trophy; entry numbers will be limited. Click here to Download Information (PDF)

SSA Announce International Celebration Weekend Details

Click here to Download Infromation (PDF)

British Equestrian Federation Responds to EHV-1 Outbreak - correction

10 Jan 2020
The British Equestrian Federation responds to EHV-1 outbreak The British Equestrian Federation acknowledges the diagnosis of a case of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) at an equestrian centre in Hampshire on 8 January 2020. The Federation supports the actions of the centre, who have ceased all activity, including cancelling shows and hire bookings, until further notice. The Animal Health Trust has issued advice stating that all horses who have recently visited the centre are immediately isolated for a period of 14 days and that owners seek veterinary advice regarding clinical monitoring and laboratory test clearance. EHV-1 is a contagious disease that can be spread through direct and indirect contact, with the virus surviving in the environment for several weeks. Clinical signs include a high temperature, coughing, nasal discharge, lethargy and loss of appetite. Severely affected animals can display neurological symptoms, and pregnant mares can also suddenly and unexpectantly miscarry their unborn foal.
The BEF recommends that owners remain vigilant for signs of the virus, maintain excellent biosecurity and consult with their vets if they are concerned

The Showing Council Unsung Hero of the Year

You are invited to nominate your "Unsung Hero of the Year"; someone who has gone out of their way to help you in 2019. Maybe someone drove out of their way to rescue you when your horsebox broke down, or gets up early every show morning to travel with you to shows as an unpaid groom?

Please send your nominations, together with a brief synopsis saying why you are nominating this person, and send to info@theshowingcouncil.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/theshowingcouncil/

SYLVIA STANIER, L.V.O. (1928-2019)

It was with great sadness the Side Saddle Association learnt of the death of the renowned horsewoman Sylvia Stanier . A true horsewoman, Sylvia Stanier excelled in many fields of equestrianism, not least in side saddle riding. She rode H.M. Queen's 'Burmese' in training sessions and dress rehearsals for Trooping the Colour for which she was awarded the honour L.V.O. (Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order). Apart from her talents with horses of many types in a practical sense, she also wrote several books including a revised work of Mrs Houblon's Side Saddle, The Art of Lungeing, The Art of Long Reining and Classical Circus Equitation with H.J. Lijsen.

An early member of the Ladies Side Saddle Association, she hosted Annual General Meetings at her home and was a helpful and inspiring instructor, both in Great Britain and Ireland where she was based for many years. Her wisdom and knowledge of all things equestrian and side saddle will be greatly missed and sympathies go to her family and all her many friends.

The SSA Area 5 Committee invite you to raise a toast to our late President and dear friend Roger Philpot

Saturday 3rd August 2019
Immediately before the Ride Off
The National Side Saddle Show
Addington Manor Equestrian Centre

AREA 5 PRE-CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW

Due to unforeseen circumstances Area 5 have had to change the venue of their Pre Championship Show on Saturday July 6th, the show will now be held at Clifford Chambers Business Park, Clifford Road, Stratford On Avon CV37 8 HW.

Side Saddle Association International Celebration Weekend 2-3 May 2020

An amazing international occasion, a weekend celebrating 45 years of The Side Saddle Association including Ridden Displays, Performances, Glamour and Sparkle Ball, International Seminar/Conference, Shopping Village, Saddlers' Corner, Aintree Racecourse and Museum tour and much more. Free Entry for spectators both days. Schedule and Programme will be published in 2020. Ball tickets on sale nearer the date. Overseas visitors most welcomed. Keep up with the news on our Facebook page - Side Saddle Association International Celebration Weekend

FREE SPIRIT HORSE MEMORIAL APPEAL

Back on 24th July 2016 a side saddle display was given by Area 12 Members to support fundraising for The Free Spirit Horse Memorial Appeal (FSHM). The event was sponsored by Laura Dempsey, a master saddler and maker of side saddles. Fund raising over the last few years culminated in the creation of a life-sized bronze statue acknowledging the horse's unfaltering service to mankind. "Free Spirit" was unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Sunday 19th May 2019.

BRADGATE PARK TRUST

The Side Saddle Association supported the Bradgate Park Trust at Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, on Saturday 18th May 2019 for their Old John Tower - Special Public Viewing Day.
The aim was to raise awareness of the story of Kitty Cox, wife of the 7th Earl of and nod to her love of horses and links with Old John Tower and especially with the racecourse they had built around the Tower at Hunts Hill.

Old John is the distinctive tower and arch overlooking Bradgate Park and is Leicestershire's most familiar landmark. The Folly stands some 690 feet above sea level and was built in 1784. It has commanding views across Leicestershire and surrounding counties. When a favourite family retainer was killed by a collapsing bonfire during birthday celebrations, the existing prospect tower was adopted as his memorial. The tower is only open as part of the Country Parks guided walks programme.

SSA Members  Leila Marvin, Emma Brown, Laura Elliot and Tanya Guest were joined by former member Kelle King to help promote the Tower being open and to raise awareness of the historical provenance of the racecourse around the Tower and support the launch of Bradgate Park loose leaf tea.

At 10:30 horses and riders made their way into the Park and towards Newtown Linford Car Park to the Conservatory Tearoom Garden for cup of tea and photo shoot to launch the new loose tea range....one is called The Rather Marvellous Kitty Cox.

The riders then hacked on to the Visitor Centre before heading up to the Old John Tower at noon.

After a photoshoot the riders then headed on to the old racecourse where they enjoyed riding around the track with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

PHOTOS BY KIND PERMISSION OF LEICESTER FOREST EAST PHOTOGRAPHERS

AREA 19 MEMBERS RIDE IN THE 500TH KIPLINGCOTES DERBY

Area 19 members Gill Greenwood and Sharon O'Rourke -Kilburn rode in the 500th Kiplingcotes Derby on the Yorkshire Wolds on 21/3/2019 and gained lots of media attention including a pre and post race interview with the BBC.

The race is a most surreal and ephemeral event.  Indeed one of the organisers called it  a 'Brigand' of a race , as when you arrive at this isolated  stretch of road  before 9am , there is nothing there , and at 2 pm again all has gone , except the wooden sign post , saying the  Kiplingcotes Derby 1519 , England’s oldest horse race and many hoof and foot prints .

Rules are few:
The race must be run on the 3rd Thursday in March.
All riders must be weighed in before 11 am.
The race must be run between 12noon and 2 pm.
The winner wins £50 and the second place receives the entry fees of everyone (£4.00) per horse.
Riders must not strike their opponents.
The race must be run every year or it will cease (so on the few occasions, like the snow in 1947, foot and mouth in 2001, a lone rider and their horse have ridden the course).

The weather this year was stunning, blue sky, warm with a little breeze with fantastic views across the Wolds; and you really could believe you were stepping back in time. Once everyone had arrived at the start it was s a fairly quick turnaround, a drop of the flag and the runners were off.

Gill said afterwards “We completed it, we were not last, both horses are safe and sound after the event and were complete heroes/heroines, they looked after us so well and were so well behaved”.

PHOTOS WITH KIND PERMISSION OF DAVID SHARP & ANNE CHAMBERS

2019 AGM

The 2019 AGM was kindly hosted by Mrs Helena Hogarth at Hogarths Hotel, Solihull on Sunday 17th March.

91 members and guests attended. After the formal meeting Patron Mrs. Holderness- Roddam presented the points Trophies from the 2018 National Show followed by the 2018 Performance Points  and SSA “Farriers Fortune” Hunting Buttons.

After a delicious lunch Area 4 Member Miss Philippa Kemp-Welch gave an excellent presentation
“ Riding 140 miles in the land of the blue skies” which gave a fascinating insight into her experiences during  her recent BHS ride in Mongolia.

CLARISSA DAWSON

Many of you will be aware about 18 months ago Clarissa Dawson, long term Area 5 Member, Instructor and Examiner contacted a very rare form of leukaemia and tragically she lost her fight for life on Saturday 9th March.

Her funeral will be at 11am on Monday 1st April at the Oakley Wood Crematorium (North Chapel), Bishops Tachbrook, Leamington Spa, CV33 9QP, all are welcome. If you intend to attend could you please notify Clarissa's brother Geoff Dawson at gdawson@metronet.co.uk of your intended attendance, it would be a of considerable assistance in helping to assess numbers.

EQUINE FLU UPDATE MARCH 2019

The SSA advises all competitors to follow the guidelines issued by the British Equestrian Federation during the current equine flu outbreak: www.bef.co.uk

CONCOURS INTERNATIONAL D'EQUITATION EN AMAZONE JUNE 2019

Please click here for information about the show at Le Haras National du Pin in France in June 2019 including Programme. Timetable, Tests and Rules.

AREA 19 2017 PERFORMANCE POINTS WINNERS DAY OUT

The Area 19 Members (otherwise known as The Three Musketeers)  who were winners in the 2017 Performance Points awarded at the March 2018 AGM had a get together recently along with their newest member Sharon O'Rourke- Kilburn ( aka d'Artagnan ).

Gill Greenwood and Storm were Supreme Performance Champion and Adult, Dressage, Versatility and Age Aside Champion. Izzy and Danny Greenwood scooped Junior Champion and Junior Hunting Champion and Rosie 28 years young and Penny Sarginson took home the Newcomers Champion and 4th overall in the Adult section.

Penny was able to invite the winners to Boynton Hall near Bridlington by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Marriot, to have their photos taken at the amazing house whose origins go back to the time of William the Conqueror.

After the photo opportunity the members finished the day by riding around the estate and coming back over what they now call the snowdrop bridge.

Sharon O'Rourke - Kilburn’s husband took the photos and was incredibly patient with some very needy side saddle ladies (and gent).

Quorn Hunt Opening 2018 Meet

Emma Brown gathered together side saddle hunting stalwarts and on foot supporters at the Quorn Opening meet to celebrate the late Roger Philpot's life and his love of hunting. All the riders were immaculately turned out and followed Roger's motto of "Kick On Girls " and in the case of Roger Edmunds "Kick on Boys"!


PHOTO KIND PERMISSION OF NICO MORGAN

With the on foot supporters wearing either flat caps or habits the pre meet get together in the horsebox park was a most sociable event with much reminiscing about Roger. People travelled from far and wide including Berkshire, Wales and Yorkshire with the biggest distance travelled accolade going to Berit Hoffman who flew out of Germany that morning looking resplendent in her habit. Pictured is Berit with Anne Dolbey Jones, Area 6 Chairman.

FROM GLAMOUR TO GHOUL!

After joining the "Kick On Girls" at the Quorn Opening Meet on 26 October to celebrate the life of Roger Philpot and looking beautifully turned out and elegant Area 5 Member Jennie Daniels and Tilly the Cob proved their versatility and took part in Arena Eventing at the Dallas Burston Polo Ground on 28 October and won the prize for the best Halloween costume.


PHOTOS KIND PERMISSION OF NICO MORGAN & EDWARD DANIELS

Quorn Hunt Opening Meet Friday 26th October 2018

Emma Brown and her side saddle hunting stalwarts will be celebrating Roger Philpot's life by going hunting and following the motto "Kick On Girls " at the Quorn Opening Meet.

There will be bacon butties and tea /coffee in the Horsebox park from 9.15 am and there will be a photographer there to capture the gathering. Please come along and support the event and feel free to wear your habit or a flat cap in memory of Roger.

Further details are available from Emma Brown Tel: 07771 984823 Email: emmacb6969@yahoo.com (Please let Emma know in advance of your attendance to give the caterers an idea of numbers)

Europ'Amazones - June 2019

The President-Organizer of Europ'Amazone has circulated the message below:

Europ'Amazones cannot be cancelled 2 consecutive years! Preparing the competition for 22 & 23 June 2019, and on the principal that it's better to prevent than to cure, the organizer invites those considering participating to vaccinate their horses against rhino/equine herpes by following the following health protocol - first injection before end of September 2018 ; second injection 1 month later (= end October) and the third injection :  6 months later (i.e. end April 2019) which means they will be immunised in time for the competition. This is not obligatory but is strongly recommended. 

AREA 6 GRADE TEST/ EXAM DAY

The Area 6 Grade Test/Exam Day planned for 30th September has been postponed until further notice.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROGER PHILPOT

Dear All,

I have been requested by the family of Roger Philpot to make the following announcement.

The forthcoming funeral of Roger Philpot is to be a family affair only.

Originally the family had wanted to honour all Roger's friends in their wish to attend. However, the enormity of numbers coupled with the shock of losing Roger so unexpectedly is proving far too much for an event of this magnitude to be arranged in such a short time scale.

The family have been overwhelmed and taken great comfort in the messages of support that they have received from members of the Side Saddle Association who Roger gave so much of his time to.

There will be a "Celebration of Life" at a later date where the family hope that Roger’s many friends will be able to join together to embrace the life of this truly remarkable man.

May I respectfully ask you to honour the families wishes for privacy at this time.

Any queries please contact me on my email address: ginnyoakley@yahoo.co.uk

With kindest regards,
Ginny
Ginny Oakley Pope SSA Area 5 Chairman

NATIONAL SHOW NEWSFLASH – 26TH JULY 2018

Class 6, Open Novice Dressage, the test that needs to be ridden is actually Nov 37a (2017) and not Nov 37 (2007). Carvery ticket sales for the Saturday night are still available for sale, please order online via the National Side Saddle Show website www.nationalsidesaddleshow.co.uk or contact the Show Organiser: Mrs Charlotte Excell-Outram, Show Organiser: Email: admin@nationalsidesaddleshow.co.uk Tel: 07713 167778

GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATIONS (GDPR)

Members to enable the SSA to keep sending you information please return ASAP your MEMBERS OPT IN/CONSENT FORM WHICH WAS issued with your Spring Newsletter.

National Side Saddle Show 2018

Please note Full Members, Associate Members and Junior Members are eligible to enter and compete at the National Championship Show. Temporary membership is only available for non SSA members who wish to enter the HOYS class 75. Judge change: Classes 1, 5 and 8 will now be Judged by Mrs K Marsden.

CANCELLED - CONCOURS INTERNATIONAL D'EQUITATION EN AMAZONE

The event planned for 16 & 17 June 2018 at Le Haras National du Pin in France has been cancelled, the next event will be on 15 – 16 June 2019.

EUROP'AMAZONES 2018

IF YOU ARE INTENDING TO COMPETE AT HARAS DU PIN ON 16 & 17 JUNE PLEASE NOTE THE INFORMATION BELOW:
Equine flu vaccination is obligatory in France and passports showing up to date vaccinations must be shown for checking before the horses are unloaded (as on entry forms). Temperature may be taken. There have been cases of rhinopneumonie in the region so vaccination against this is advised, but is not obligatory, for the competition. As it is 7 weeks to the event, if people wish to have this vaccination for their horses they do have time to have both injections done (4 weeks apart).

More information can be found on the following link: https://www.ouest-france.fr/normandie/saint-lo-50000/concours-equestre-saint-lo-un-protocole-contre-l-epidemie-d-herpes-equin-5731415

URGENT MESSAGE FOR MEMBERS OPTING FOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENCE

Due to the impending General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR) some email account providers have set a limit on how many emails can be sent in one batch within an email account and also how many emails can be included in the bcc section of the emails. This has a major impact on how the SSA send out information to those members who have opted for online discount. The Spring Newsletter, National Show Schedule and other documents have been emailed out on 8th May 2018, however a large number of email addresses have rejected the emails. The Association is urgently looking at how best to solve the problem but this may take some time so in the meantime all documents can be found on the Members Only Section on the SSA website.

S.S.A Member Parades at The Cheltenham Festival

Area 5 Member Lizzie Harris took part in the Retraining of Racehorses Parade on the opening day of the Cheltenham riding Wild West who had been in training with Jonjo O'Neil.


PHOTO BY SOPHIE PETTIT

The Southdown & Eridge Side Saddle Dash at Godstone, Surrey On 15 April 2018

DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT & PHOTOS HERE

Side Saddle Dash 7 April 2018

DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT & PHOTOS HERE

2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The 43rd Annual General Meeting of The Side Saddle Association was held on Sunday 18th March 2018, at Hogarths Hotel, Dorridge, Solihull by kind permission of Helena Hogarth. 62 intrepid members made it through the inclement weather having travelled far and wide form across the corners of the UK.

DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT & PHOTOS HERE

Area 4 Member Wins Saddlery Competition

The Society of Master Saddlers held its annual saddlery competition on Monday the 5th of February 2018, at Saddlers' Hall, London. The side saddle class comprised of 6 entries and the worthy winner was Coralie Chung, an Area 4 Member from Newmarket. Coralie is pictured with her winning saddle and also at the presentation of awards with S.S.A. President, Mr. Roger.Philpot.

Jane Harper Wins at Olympia

Congratulations to Area 5 member, Jane Harper, who won the Ridden Veteran Championship at the Olympia Horse Show riding her own Crimewave.

The Side Saddle Association - Rider of the Year Format

The Side Saddle Association is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all those who are affected by the activities of the S.S.A. and continually strives to meet its obligations in terms of horse welfare and rider safety in line with other leading equestrian bodies.

Over the last 30 years Equestrian Science, Technology and Information have been drastically developed and progressed, for example in the interest of horse and rider welfare, safety standards have been improved over the years. It is paramount that the S.S.A. continues to progress forward along with the other equestrian disciplines.

At the October 2017 meeting Council discussed the format of awarding the Adult Rider of the Year title at the National Show. It was decided that the scoring format followed in 2017 would remain the same for 2018, but there would be some changes to the performance immediately prior to the announcement of the winner whereby the top four riders will be invited to showcase their skills following a set programme.

Further discussion will take place at the February 2018 Council Meeting and a shortlist of formats will be drawn up; later in the year all Members will be invited to vote on which format they would like to see implemented to determine the Rider of the Year in 2019 and beyond.

AREA 11 JUNIOR MEMBER AT THE FRODSHAM CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Jana Carney is pictured riding her magical Unicorn 'Jacko' at the Frodsham Christmas Festival.
Click here for more information

THE POLISH SIDE SADDLE CHAMPIONSHIP 2017

The International Side Saddle Show and 13th Polish Championship took place on 7th and 8th October 2017 in Janow Podlaski Arabian Stud, which situated is in east part of Poland. 16 riders competed in different classes. Click here for more information

THE INTREPID TRIO FROM AREA 19 TAKE PART IN ENDURANCE AND HUNT RIDES IN EAST/NORTH YORKSHIRE

Gill Greenwood, her son Danny and fellow Area 19 member Penny Sarginson have had a busy summer out and about side saddle. Click here to find out more

BIT ON THE SIDE AT BLENHEIM

The Bit on the Side display team gave their usual entertaining display at the Blenheim Trials. Click here for more information

DIANAS OF THE CHASE QUALIFIER

The Quorn Hunt are holding a Dianas of the Chase Qualifier at their Hunter Trials on 8th October.
Click here for more information

AREA 4 OUT & ABOUT

Area 4 has had an active summer of events including displays at Palace House, Newmarket, home of The National Heritage Centre of Horseracing and Sporting Art.

Click here for more information

SIDE SADDLE DISPLAY AT CHATSWORTH COUNTRY FAIR

Areas 11 & 12 joined forces over the weekend of 2nd & 3rd September 2017 to give two excellent displays in the delightful landscape of Chatsworth House, Derbyshire.

LAUREN ALLIN WINS RIDER OF THE YEAR 2017

Congratulations to Lauren from Area 12 for taking home the Rider of the Year Accolade for 2017.
Click here for Lauren's story

Congratulations to the following 2017 Side Saddle Riders of the Year:

SOCIAL MEADIA POLICY REMINDER

As you are aware the Side Saddle Association (S.S.A.) introduced a Social Media Policy in 2017 (see 2017 Handbook page 2) and after some recent events it is felt pertinent to remind Members of the S.S.A.’s expectations in relation to the use of social media.

The S.S.A. recognises the importance of the internet and various social media sites and the role which social media plays in the lives of people, albeit some more than others.  Whilst it is recognised that the S.S.A. cannot and has no desire to control posts made on a Member’s personal page, they can and indeed will, within the confines of the Social Media Policy, react to any post that is deemed to be offensive, defamatory, threatening, unseemly or damaging to the name of the S.S.A. or any of its Members.

As a S.S.A. Member, National Officer, Area Officer, Instructor or Judge, you should not post any information or comments which may be perceived to be derogatory, prejudicial or detrimental to the reputation and interests of the Association or its Members, or that may be attributed as being the opinion of the Association whether this be at Area or National level.

Please be mindful of the spirit of the S.S.A. and conduct your use of social media accordingly.

5th July 2017

Area 19 Members

Area 19 members have had a fun start to the year – please click here for more information

A DAY OF SIDE SADDLE COMPETITION WITH A DIFFERENCE

Manor Grange Stud Show Centre's Annual SSA fundraiser 'A Day of Side Saddle Competition with a Differences held on 15/04/17. Seven pairs competed in the Day with a Difference competition, which spanned dressage, showjumping, barrel racing, Champagne Challenge and a Versatile Horse course. Both team members rode a dressage test and jumped (over poles on the ground for some newer combinations and veteran horses), while each team could play to their strengths and put their most suitable horse up for the remaining sections.

Please click here for more information

The Southdown and Eridge Hunt Inaugural Side Saddle Dash

The Southdown and Eridge Hunt Inaugural Side Saddle Dash was held at their Point to Point on Sunday 9th April 2017 at Godstone in Surrey. In addition Area 8 Members gave a display which included traditional and historical costumes. The dash was run over a distance of approximately 7 furlongs and the winner was Chloe Gunn from Area 12.

Please click here for more information

Dexter's Latest Adventures

Darkly Dreaming Dexter from Area 5 was delighted to win the Side Saddles Performance Points Best Gelding at the S.S.A. AGM and posed with his trophy for his fans. To read more about Dexter please click here.

S.S.A. President

Following the retirement of Mrs. R. N. James as President after 10 years in office we are pleased to welcome Mr. R.L. Philpot as President of the Side Saddle Association from 1st April 2017.

VALERIE MILLWOOD

Members will be saddened to learn of the death of the Association’s Vice President, Valerie Millwood, on 23rd March 2017.

Born into a family of Funeral Directors in London, she was brought up with horses, as the firm specialised in providing horse drawn hearses drawn by black horses with plumes.   Taught and mentored by the late, great Count Robert Orssich, considered to be the finest and most elegant horseman in the show ring, Valerie became very well known producing and showing hacks, cobs, ponies and arabs in the 50s, 60s and 70s. 

Valerie specialised in teaching side saddle when the art was in decline (before the formation of the Association) and produced many displays and musical rides in costume featuring side saddle riders.   She won the Riding School Teams class at the Richmond Horse Show in the mid 50s, all three riding side saddle, she flanked by her two small pupils, the Slater-Hunt sisters.  She once said winning that class probably gave her the greatest pleasure of her showing career.

Valerie was one of the first to join the Association in 1974, and has been involved with it in many ways since then.   She served as Area 8 Chairman for a record 21 years and was well known for running a tight ship, no small detail ever escaped her.   Her Area 8 Christmas lunches and AGMs were always very social occasions, and a great dog lover herself, the dog shows held at her house in aid of the Area were always well attended and the greatest fun for canines and humans.

It was through Valerie that the Association were invited to stage Invitation Showjumping and Concours d’Elegance classes in the main ring at the Windsor Horse Trials, where for many years our Members were able to compete.   In addition, she also persuaded Hickstead to put on a Costume Concours d’ Elegance class and the Horse of the Year Show to re-introduce Ladies Hunters to their programme.

Valerie was a judge on many equestrian panels including Ponies UK, The Arab Horse Society, National Pony Society, and the British Show Hack, Cob & Riding Horse Association (now The British Show Horse Association) of which she was made President in 1998 and on her retirement, a Vice-President.

Valerie was an instructor of the art of side saddle par excellence, the number of successful riders she taught are countless and include several Riders of the Year and Junior Riders of the Year.  She was always very generous with her time and knowledge and is in no small part responsible for setting the standards whereby the Association is held in high regard within the showing world.


http://britishshowhorse.org/imagesMCL/valeriemillwood1-29032017163429.jpg

 

 

 

The Association sends condolences to her family and to Thea.

MJ

AREA 5 GRADE/ EXAM DAY

Please note the Area 5 Grade Test/ Exam Day planned for July 2017 will not be taking place.

THE SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION AGM

The 42nd Annual General Meeting was held on Sunday 19th March at Hogarths Hotel by kind permission of Mrs Helena Hogarth.

Please click here for full report
Click here for more photos
Click here for Performance Points results
Click here for recipients of The Farriers Fortune S.S.A. Hunting Button

SIDE SADDLE DASH 12TH MARCH 2017

The Bicester with Whaddon Chase Point to Point at Whitfield Racecourse, Brackley, on Sunday 12th March was the setting for a Ladies Side Saddle Dash.

Please click here for more information

The National Equine Forum 2017

The National Equine Forum was held on 9th March 2017 and this year Government officials, vets and equestrian industry leaders shared their knowledge and drove debate on some of today’s most pertinent equestrian matters. In the lively topical slots the impact of Business Rates were assessed, the impact of the growing threats of strangles and Equine Herpes Virus were discussed and the replacement to the Horserace Betting Levy examined. Also hot off the press the Thoroughbred Health Network was formally launched as a UK-wide initiative. In addition the programme included Brexit’s potential impact on the horse industry, the central equine database, tack, bits and welfare, and Changing Lives through Horses.

We are delighted to announce that our President Mrs. Maureen. James was joint runner up in the prestigious Colin Spedding Award.

Sir Colin Spedding was the founding chairman of the NEF and chaired the event for 20 years until shortly before his death in 2012. He ensured that representatives of all areas of the equine sphere were made welcome to the Forum and that topics of general interest and concern could be discussed openly and without rancour. His aim was to allow the equine world to consider and then speak with a coordinated voice on matters of the moment. The award was introduced in 2013, in his memory. 

The award is presented annually to an outstanding and as yet unrecognised individual or organisation that has made an important contribution to the equestrian world. The three nominees for the 2017 award were fire and rescue expert Jim Green, side-saddle authority Maureen James and equine veterinary nurse Bonny Millar. The winner was Jim Green.
Photos by kind permission of The National Equine Forum and Craig Payne Photography.

Download Further Information

SMS NATIONAL SADDLERY COMPETITION

The Society of Master Saddlers held its annual saddlery competition on Tuesday the 7th of February 2017, at Saddlers' Hall, London. Class 11 was a Side Saddle made on a new tree or completely refurbished old tree, to include the stirrup leather (no iron) . the criteria was that it must be all leather with a serge panel or Wickham pad and must be the sole work of the entrant. Entries were judged on quality of craftsmanship and suitability for purpose. There were six entries and the top three  placings were as follows: 1st prize Sue Slade, 2nd Helen Reader and 3rd Coralie Chung and the SSA trophy went to Sue Slade. Congratulations to Sue on her win and to the other placed competitors too, all of the top three are Side Saddle Association Members.

CHRISTMAS CAROL HUNT RIDE

Photo Courtesy of Dr Susan Hills

Area 19 Members Gill and Danny Greenwood joined their local hunt just before Christmas for A Christmas Carol Ride. The ride was for 3 hours around the Staintondale country and raised over £400 for the air ambulance.

Hunting on Boxing Day

Photo Courtesy of Herald and Gazette

Area 19 members Gill Greenwood , her son Danny and fellow member Penny Sarginson went to the Boxing Day meet at Malton with the Middleton Hunt.

SSA Area 8 New Year's Party

The social event included a  film show by Belinda Wilkins showing side saddle activities in the area, this year the theme was newcomers, juniors and hunting. In addition Rayna Matthew's gave a talk on the 'Magic of Costume'  which was amazing. Please click here for more information.

SIDE SADDLE DASHES

Both the Bicester & Whaddon Chase and Southdown & Eridge Point to points are holding Side Saddle Dashes this year. For more information see the Events Diary.

SAFETY HATS FOR 2017

Correctly secured Skull Caps/Riding Hats that meet one of the following Current Safety Standards MUST be worn by all Junior Riders and Adults where indicated in the competition rules: All PAS 015; VG1; ASTM F1163 04a onwards; SNELL E2001; AS/NZS 3838 2003 onwards. In addition the new BS/EN standard will be allowed, once approved with the finalised number being advised in due course. Please note that from the 1st January 2017 the list of standards no longer includes BS/EN1384: 1996 or 2012 (or prior year suffix).  The new European standard will be allowed once finalised and will be advised in due course.

S.S.A. PRESIDENT SHORTLISTED FOR PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL EQUESTRIAN AWARD

The Side Saddle Association President Mrs Maureen James has been shortlisted as one of the final three for the Sir Colin Spedding Award 2017.

The winner will be announced at the British Equine Forum in London on March 2nd.The Side Saddle Association are very proud that Maureen's achievements over many years have been recognised in this way and wish her luck at the presentation next March.

Please click here for more information.

Front Cover Fame

Area 6 Member and Junior Novice and Young Rider Champion 2015, Seren James, has now achieved fame on the cover of Horse and Hound dated November 24th 2016 www.horseandhound.co.uk

Shown astride on her new pony Zebedee, they are taking a hedge when out with the South Pembrokeshire.  Zebedee is clearly aptly named and was bred by Seren’s Grandmother, Val Rees, who is a long standing SSA member.”
 
Seren is pictured right on her way to victory in the Junior Novice and Young Rider Championship. 2015 (Photo courtesy of Emmpix)

Haddon Training

Haddon Training is an Ofsted Grade 1 “Outstanding” training provider that deliver 100% work-based Horse Care Apprenticeships at Level 2 and 3. The apprenticeships are fully Government funded educational programmes for 16-23 year olds who meet the eligibility criteria. For employers, Apprenticeships are a great way to train your staff to your standards! Depending on your location, you could be eligible to apply for Government AGE Grant of up to £2,000 to help you employ an Apprentice. For further information, please click here.

www.haddontraining.co.uk

International Side Saddle Show & Polish Championship

The Polish Side Saddle Championships combined with an International Side Saddle Competition took place on the 1st and 2nd of October in Lewada Zakrzów. Side-saddle riding in Poland has been growing in numbers over the last decade, and 24 riders from three countries ( Great Britain, Czech Republic and Poland)  took part in the event. The two-day competition consisted of 16 tests . 

Virginia Bulawa – Dziarmaga  Polish Jumping Champion (left) and Aleksandra Adamczyk Polish Dressage Champion (photo Rozalia Bachula)

Please click here for more information about this event

Visit to The Museum of The Horse

Sixteen members and guests visited the Museum of the Horse and Sally Mitchell Gallery at Tuxford in Nottinghamshire  on Sunday 9th October 2016.

A private tour of the museum with the founder, Sally Mitchell, was greatly enjoyed by all. The tour was both very informative and interesting and time sped by. At the end of the tour the party moved next door to the Chilli Petals Café  where they enjoyed a sumptuous afternoon tea.

AUSTRALIA – Wendy Tidbold "the last of their kind"

Wendy Tidbold, one of the SSA’s Worldwide Contacts from the Queensland Side Saddle Interest Group has recently featured in an article in the Australian Women’s Weekly titled The Last of Their Kind. The article focuses on Wendy’s work as a saddler. Click here to find out more.

HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW – LADIES SIDE SADDLE HORSE OF THE YEAR CHAMPIONSHIP

Congratulations to Esther Rostron, the 2016 Side Saddle Rider of the Year who was second in the Ladies Side Saddle Horse of the Year Championship. Esther was riding Seabourne Silent Valley owned by Mr Garry Merton. The class was won by Jayne Ross riding Hello Dolly.

2016 Total Impact Ladies Show Horse Championship

Congratulations to Georgina Steele from Area 8 who won the 2016 Total Impact Ladies Show Horse Championship riding Colbeach Mark of Distinction.

Please click here for results.

FREE SPIRIT HORSE MEMORIAL APPEAL

The 24th July 2016 saw A side saddle display in support of The Free Spirit Horse Memorial Appeal (FSHM). The event was sponsored by Laura Dempsey, a master saddler and maker of side saddles. The display consisted of three superbly presented horses and their riders:  Rachael Barker, Kirsty Heathcote and Amanda Chatfield with commentary provided by Lottie Parkin.

The team provided a hugely enjoyable and informative display. Also present on the day were Ambassador Tiffany to Miss Lichfield, Councillor David Salter and Peter Armitage from Royal Mail. A cheque for £2,000 was donated by Caldecott Riding School and Laura Evans. Laura wanted to fund raise in memory of a beloved Pony ‘Jack’ from Caldecott riding school who sadly had to be put to sleep earlier this year. Laura completed a sponsored jump and individually raised £250. Laura said ‘Just knowing a horse is life changing, we need to remember their lives’. ‘Horses mean the world to me and need to be remembered’. Many thanks to those who supported the event; we raised a further £1075 towards the FSHM.

For more information about FSHM please click here

WANTED: National Side Saddle Show Organiser

Please Click Here for more Information

The 2016 Side Saddle Riders of the Year

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 is the ultimate aim and pinnacle of their season.

Congratulations to the following 2016 Side Saddle Riders of the Year:

The Adult Side Saddle Rider of the Year – Esther Rostron riding Mrs J Birkby's Kyano
Reserve Adult Side Saddle Rider of the Year - Lauren Allin riding Mrs Hazel Allin's Ashton Flight
3rd – Carolyn Walters
4th – Chloe Gunn

The Adult Amateur Champion - Esther Rostron

The Horse of the Year - Kyano

The Adult Intermediate Side Saddle Rider of the Year – Amelia Bevan riding her own Rougemont.
Reserve – Laura Gray

The Adult Novice Side Saddle Rider of the Year – Rachael Forkings riding her own Parry Lad
Reserve – Pippa Booth

The Junior Open Side Saddle Rider of the Year – Mary Goodridge riding Ms A Torode's Waverhead Ted
Reserve – Ellie Ironmonger

The Junior Novice & Junior Novice Young Rider Side Saddle Rider of the Year – Violet Barton riding Mrs J Barton's My Last Bob
Reserve   - Harriett Birkby

Saddlers Side Saddle Fitting Training Workshop 19th September 2016

Please click here for more details.

Area 9 Grade Test/ Exam Day

Please note the Area 9 Grade test/Exam day set for 19th August 2016 has been cancelled, it is hoped it can be rescheduled next year.

Area 5 – Take part in the "Park Life At Compton Verney Weekend

SSA

Area 5 were honoured to be asked to put on a display at the beautiful Compton Verney in Warwickshire on 25th June 2016. Compton Verney is an independent national art gallery and a 120 acre 'Capability' Brown landscape located nine miles from Stratford-upon-Avon.

Please click here to find out more about this event.

Social Event at The Museum of The Horse

You are invited to join us at an Autumn Social Event On: Sunday 9th October 2016 commencing at 1.30pm At: The Museum of The Horse/Sally Mitchell Gallery, Market Place, Tuxford, Nottinghamshire NG22 0LA.

DOWNLOAD INFORMATION HERE
DOWNLOAD MUSEUM OF HORSE HERE
DOWNLOAD BOOKING FORM HERE

Area 4 News

Area 4 were blessed with near perfect weather at their recent annual Summer Show and Garden Party where a surprise presentation was made to the S.S.A. President Mrs. R. N. James.

Click here for more information

Good luck to the British Team

Good luck to the British Team who will be competing at EUROP' AMAZONES 2016, the International French Side Saddle Show on 18th and 19th June. The team comprises of Claire Lewis, Sarah Hislam, Paula Keeley, Julia Izzard, Kathleen Botting, Rachel Lambert and for her first time Junior Member Lily Williams-Musitano.

Area 5 Flying the Flag

Area 5 had an action packed PR programme for the first weekend in June. Friday night, 3rd June, saw a display with six riders and horses/ponies for the newly formed Milton Keynes Riding Club, Saturday saw five different riders  displaying at the Kenilworth Show in two separate displays in the Main Arena and then three riders from the Friday night display were joined by three Members from Area 12, to give a display in the Main Arena at The Rutland County Show and then later in a smaller arena.

Click here for more information

SSA Member Jane Bird wins veteran section at Hertfordshire County Show

Jane Bird of Area 5 rode her horse Norman Jennings (aka Storm) side saddle in the Veteran Classes at the recent Hertfordshire Show. Storm  came first in his age group and second in the Championship Senior Horse.

Click here for more information

Finish Line: Area 12 Are Tough Mudders!

Five Committee Members from Area 12 (Zoe Bateson, Sally McKenna, Mary Tonks, Kerry Harrison and Alex Molesworth St Aubyn) and a friend called Adam! took part in the "Tough Mudder Half" at Belvoir Castle on 14th May 2016 to raise funds for Area 12.

Click here for more information

National & Regional Side Saddle News & Reports


The German Side Saddle Derby, Aachen, 2016

The German Side Saddle Derby tentatively planned for September 2016 has been postponed to 2017. Further information will follow in due course.

SSA Show Affiliation Officer Required

The Side Saddle Association is seeking a Show Affiliation Officer to commence duties on 1st October 2016

Click here for more information

SSA Area 5 Judges & Instructors Seminar

On Saturday 16th April Area 5 held a Judges and Instructors Seminar at Moreton Morrell College in Warwickshire. The focus of the Seminar was an interactive day looking at how the rider can affect the side saddle and how the side saddle affects the horse and the rider depending on its fitting.

Click here for more information

SSA News

On Saturday 23rd April 2016 Side Saddle Association Members Bruce Langley-McKim (Area12) and Victoria Nicholls (Area 5) took part in the foxhunter section of the new Silver Spur Hunt Race

Click here for more information

SSA Area 4

Area 4 have had an active start to the 2016 season with a St George’s Day Tea Party to celebrate HM Queen Elizabeth’s 90th Birthday,  a Clinic plus a Teach-In and Qualifier with lots more events planned.

Click here for more Tea Party information - Click here for Area 4 Activities

SSA Members Lead in The Winner of the Topham Chase at Aintree

Morgan Schive from Area 8 and Amy Bryan-Dowell from Area 11,led in the Topham Chase winner Eastlake, ridden by Barry Geraghty on the Thursday of the recent Grand National meeting.

SSA

Click here for more information

Area 11: The Grand National Horse Catching Team

Area 11 was proud to be invited as horse catchers at the three day Grand National Meeting at Aintree culminating with the great race itself on 9th April.

They are left to right Gemma Mullin, Chloe Edgar, Simon Grimble (Chloe's partner), Charlie Allen Amy Bryan-Dowell and Shirley Oultram. Charlie's horse, Harry is 25 and was retired after he had finished his duties for the Grand National.

Area 12 Summer Show 29th May 2016

£100 to Supreme of Show – click here for more information

SSA 40th AGM

The 40th AGM was held on Sunday 20th March at Hogarths Hotel, Solihull by kind permission of Mrs Helena Hogarth. 103 Members and friends attended the event comprising of 84 Full Members, 6 Juniors and 13 Visitors with 71 sitting down for lunch. Please click here for more news about the AGM.

For details on the Hunting Button Recipients 2016 please Click here

SSA Member at Kildare Hunt Club March 2016

Area 21 member Robyn Catterall took part in a Performance Hunter Show run by the Kildare Hunt Club. Ten side saddle riders took part in the class. Robyn was 5th riding Ballytoher Sabrina. The course consisted of 12 hunting obstacles including hedges, ditches, walls, wire and gates up to 1m.

THE NATIONAL EQUINE FORUM 2016

The National Equine Forum (NEF) is held annually and is the only event of its kind in the UK to bring all sectors of the equine industry together under one roof to discuss topical and controversial issues. This year the Side Saddle Association was represented by Janet Senior, Chairman, Sally Lane, Hon. General Secretary and Angela Wells, Chairman Area 8.

The forum is recognised in the horse world as an outstanding opportunity for networking with the leaders of the industry. It included an audience of invited members of the key disciplines and interests in equestrianism, and this year was attended by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal and a Government Minister. The Side Saddle Association delegates were invited to be presented to Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal along with other select groups.

The aim of the National Equine Forum is to inform, educate and help the industry to speak with the united strength of one voice on topical matters affecting the current and future management and wellbeing of the horse. Principal vets, welfare officials and equestrian industry experts were under the spotlight to discuss equine health, welfare, legislation, behaviour, competition and veterinary science.

The programme was educational and thought provoking and included a Chief Veterinary Officer Panel Discussion, an update on EU Animal Health Regulations and a presentation on Behaviour in all Working Equids. In the lively topical spots amongst others Celia Marr, Chair of the Horserace Betting Levy Board Veterinary Advisory Committee and editor of the Equine Veterinary Journal explained why God helps those who help themselves, Tony Tyler, Deputy Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare spoke on Just a Matter of Proportion, Prof Derek Knottenbelt presented Always Consult the Professional and Natasha Adkinson, International Para Dressage Athlete talked about Tweeting for Tokyo.

Can you help find a lost pony?

Please click for more information - www.ponypromise.com

The Society of Master Saddlers Annual Saddlers' Competition

The Society of Master Saddlers Annual Saddlers' Competition was held on Monday 8th February 8th 2016.This year the S.S.A. was represented by Vice President, Elizabeth Turner. Please click here for more news about the event.

Area 12 taking to the mud to fund raise!

On May 14th 2016 at Belvoir Castle five brave Area 12 committee members and one member will take on the Tough Mudder course, this unique challenge will test them to the limit! All sponsorship and donations will be welcome. Please click here for more information.

Area 5 Members out on foot!

Area 5 held their annual "On Foot" Rally on Sunday 7th February 2016. To learn more about this event please click here

SSA MEMBER PROMOTES SIDE SADDLE RIDING IN JAPAN

Rieko Kikegawa, a Life Member of the Side Saddle Association since 1994 recently took part in a Side Saddle Demonstration to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Niigata racecourse.

Click here to Download full details

PRACTICAL BAGS TO MEET YOUR SHOPPING AND STORAGE NEEDS

We have available Jute Shopping Bags with the SSA Logo on, great value at £8.00 inc P&P.
The Stirrup/ Kit Bags are still available at £7.20 inc P&P
There are a few Side Saddle International Celebration Weekend DVD's left at a special offer price of &8.50 inc P&P, this is the last chance to  have your own copy of the action packed activities at Aintree as the DVD is a limited edition and no more will be produced. For multiple quantities please contact the Hon. Gen Secretary for P&P prices

SSA

All proceeds to the SSA. Click here to Download an Order Form or contact the Hon. General Secretary

DIANAS OF THE CHASE CUP 2015

The Dianas of the Chase side saddle cross country race was held for the third time on 29th November at Ingarsby Hall, Leicestershire.

The race was won by Millie Stewart-Wood; however the Side Saddle Association was well represented in the field of fourteen who tackled a challenging course of 14 fences across two miles of prime Quorn hunting country.

Four S.S.A. Members finished in the top six and our congratulations go to Pippa Booth (Area 5) who finished 3rd, Beth Jacomb (Area 4) 4th, Laura Elliott (Area 5) 5th and Sarah Byrne (Area 10) 6th. Congratulations to Sarah Byrne who also won the best turned-out rider sponsored by The Old Hunting Habit.

CHARITY SIDE SADDLE RACE

Wincanton Racecourse hosted the historic first side saddle race at a Jockey Club Racecourse in a charity partnership with the Southern Spinal Injuries Trust and the "Dianas of the Chase" race series on Sunday 25th October 2015. Click here to Download

Congratulations to Laura Dempsey

Congratulations to Laura Dempsey, Area 5 member and Side Saddle Specialist on her appointment as President of The Society of Master Saddlers.

The Horse of The Year Show 2015

Several Side Saddle Association Members competed in the Ladies Side Saddle Horse of the Year Championship at The Horse of The Year Show with Area 4 Member Amelia Bevan scooping 4th place.

The Side Saddle Association

To read more please click here

Saddlers Workshop

The Side Saddle Association hosted a Saddlers Side Saddle Fitting Training Workshop on Monday 28th September 2015 at Moreton Morrell College and Pittern Hill Stables in Warwickshire.

Please click here for more information.

Hunting Corner

We have introduced a new section called the "Hunting Corner" to the members Only page. The new section will feature information about forthcoming side saddle meets, hunting reports and other hunting related news. To keep the page current and interesting please send your hunting news, reports, stories, photos and other information to the Hon. General secretary.

BSHA Total Impact Equestrian Ladies Show Horse Championship

The BSHA Ladies Show Horse Championship was held at the British Show Horse Association Championship Show at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre from 11th to 13th September 2015. Congratulations to Georgina Steele who was the highest placed SSA Member. The top placings were:
First - Hallmark ridden by Fay Ludlow
Second - Courtland Royal Fair ridden by Michelle Underwood
Third - Colbeach Mark of Distinction ridden by Georgina Steele

Display at The Munnings Museum

Area 4 were invited to give a display to support a special exhibition at The Munnings Museum at Dedham, Colchester.
The exhibition was about Lady Munnings, wife of the artist, which featured photographs and paintings of her on horseback.
The Museum wanted to add something more to the visitor experience and the display led by Clare Simper was enjoyed by the visitors to the event.

Saddlers Side Saddle Fitting Training Workshop

The Side Saddle Association invite you to a Saddlers Side Saddle Fitting Training Workshop on Monday 28th September 2015 to be held at Moreton Morrell College Moreton Morrell Warwick Warwickshire CV35 9BL (Sat Nav postcode: CV35 9BP)

DOWNLOAD INFORMATION HERE

Opening Ceremony of the European Championships at Aachen

Members of the Side Saddle Association took part in the Opening Ceremony of the European Championships at Aachen on Tuesday 11th August 2015. Looking a picture of grace and elegance the riders did the Side Association proud, well done to them all. More news and pictures to follow.

Side Saddle Assocation

Area 14

Area 14 recently provided a display at Berrington Hall – click here to find out more.

SSA Member Georgina Hulme wins Reserve Supreme Champion

Side Saddle Association Member Georgina Hulme wins Reserve Supreme Champion at the recent National Palomino Society Show.

Click here for more info

SSA

Ragwort

Your help is needed again! The British Horse Society launch Ragwort Awareness for 2015 on Tuesday 7 July 2015 to coincide with the current growing season. Click here for more information

Turnout

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

Riding Sideways at British Dressage Team Quest

On 13th June 2015, four intrepid ladies entered the British Dressage Team Quest Competition at The College of West Anglia Cambridge Campus. Click here to find out more

International Side Saddle Weekend 2015

Click here for news from the International Side Saddle Weekend held at Aintree

SSA AGM 2015

The 40th Annual General Meeting of The Side Saddle Association was held on Sunday 22nd March 2015 at Hogarths Hotel, Solihull by kind permission of Mrs Helena Hogarth. 100 Members and their guests were present.

After the meeting National Show Trophies were presented along with The Ralph James Memorial Trophy which was awarded to Caroline Steggles, pictured below receiving the trophy from President, Maureen James.

SSA

The 40th Annual General Meeting of The Side Saddle Association was held on Sunday 22nd March 2015 at Hogarths Hotel, Solihull by kind permission of Mrs Helena Hogarth. 100 Members and their guests were present.
After the meeting National Show Trophies were presented along with The Ralph James Memorial Trophy which was awarded to Caroline Steggles, pictured below receiving the trophy from President, Maureen James.

The Billette Mackie Scholarship was awarded (in abstentia) to Kim Johnson and Sponsor Phyllie Robertson of “Side Saddles” presented awards to the Performance Points Winners.

SSA

Pictured above left is the array of awards for the Performance Points winners and right with Gillian Greenwood and Phyllie Robertson is Samantha Wilson receiving the Supreme Championship for points won by her horse Nirvana Tywysog.

SSA

A presentation was also made to retiring Vice-Chairman Yvonne Huber.

Following lunch a Question & Answer session was held which enabled the Members to ask questions about a wide variety of topics which resulted in an interesting and information exchange.

SSA Trophy Steward

The SSA are seeking a Trophy Steward to manage the Association's Trophies awarded at the National Side Saddle Show, please click here for more information

SSA Members off to Aachen

Flying the flag for The Side Saddle Association are Members Caroline Wilkins, Lauren Allen, Hazel Allen, Claire Lewis, Chloe Gunn, Samantha Boxall and Robyn Catterall, who are off to take part in a Side Saddle Display at the FEI European Championships Opening Ceremony in Aachen on 11th August 2015. They will be joined by Heidi de Ruyver (Belgium), Susan Oakes ( Ireland) and Rebecca Holland (UK). Up to 50,00 spectators are expected for what will be a spectacular ceremony with a focus on the history of Horseshows in Aachen which included side saddle classes in the 1920's and 30's.

The 2014 Performance Points Winners

The 2014 Performance Points Winners have been announced, congratulations to Supreme Champion Samantha Wilson riding Nirvana Tywysog click here for more results

Congratulations to Clare Barnett

Clare Barnett, Area 10 member wins Side Saddle Competition at The Society of Master Saddlers, National Saddlery Competition - click here for more information

The London New Year Parade 2015

Being involved with the Side Saddle Association for well over 15 years has enriched my life, provided new experiences, gained friends and also a pair of godsons. However, this new year was probably my most surreal side saddle experience yet.

I can’t quite remember exactly when (or indeed if) I actually said yes, but something must have been agreed, as I found myself heading down to London at the end of December. Kirsty is one of those friends that makes up her mind to do something, and then does it. Often though this doesn’t just involve her, and it invariably sees me involved with some sort of grooming/towing/childcare activity at random locations throughout the country along with Galloglass an 18hh shire/tb cross.

Galloglass (or Big Gee) belongs to husband Mark, but was purloined several years ago when Kirsty decided that she was going to learn to ride side saddle. Since then he has taken part in many shows and events. Having reached the grand old age of 20 years, Kirsty decided to retire him after the 2014 National Championships.  This however has led to a string of bucket list/swan song retirement activities for the pair which I am sure will extend well into 2015 (and probably beyond).
The latest retirement activity was to take part in the London New Years Day parade. Until last September, I wasn’t even aware that this existed, or what it involved, but thanks to Kathleen Botting, Kirsty got wind of it, and we were soon booked to participate! The section which we were part of was organised by Caroline Marsh, and featured the All The Queens Horses Team.

Disaster nearly struck when the gear box went on the Discovery, but thanks to Rachael Barker and the loan of “Thomas” we were able to make our rendezvous of 9am on New Years Day at Stratton Street right outside the Mayfair Hotel. Due to being parked nose to ramp, it was virtually impossible to unload until you absolutely had to, as there was no way to get your horse back unless you had a side ramp. Luckily Big Gee is a very biddable character, and stood like a rock whilst we dismantled the partitions in the trailer so we had room to get him plaited and spruced up.

The LNYDP features a myriad of participants, from horse and rider, Mods and scooters, to vintage steam vehicles. These appear making their way through the streets of London in between marching bands from all over Europe and the USA. The video links that we had been sent explaining the format, and what was involved absolutely did not prepare you for the atmosphere and the noise when the marching bands started warming up. The sound rolling between the high rise buildings, echoing down the street into the trailer was unbelievable, particularly when they started drumming. Gee raised his head and flicked his ears, but otherwise was quite unperturbed.

After a briefing we were asked to have our horse and rider ready for 11.30. After taking him for a walk up and down the street so he could have a good look around, we started to tack up. Just before 12 All The Queens Horses team were assembled and ready to go. The horses were absolutely brilliant, apart from a couple skitting around at the very start; it was amazing to see how unfazed they were. Kirsty was lucky enough to be paired up with Kirsty Austin, who was dressed in a beautiful costume habit, and whose horse was equally as settled as Big Gee.

The parade took us down Mayfair, past The Ritz Hotel, alongside Trafalgar Square, down Whitehall, past Downing Street and into Parliament Square. Of course, we didn’t see most of this, or really appreciate where we were, as the streets were lined with crowds of people, cheering and waving flags and you couldn’t see much of the landmarks. After reaching Parliament Square, we split up from the main parade, and took a right hand turn and rode down to Horse Guards. This gave us a fantastic opportunity to have photographs taken in front of an amazing backdrop. The area is completely open, and it wasn’t long before we were being swamped by foreign tourists wanting photographs alongside the horses. Big Gee very quickly realised that these were not “horse” people and had great fun giving a huge snort just as the photographer was pressing the button, and watching people flee in terror.

After a short break, the ride made its way up the Mall, for another photo call outside the gates of Buckingham Palace, before a canter up the sand track alongside Green Park. Being one of the first groups to go, the parade was still taking place as we made our way back to the trailer, two hours after we had set off.

New Year

What an amazing opportunity to take part in something really very different, create some fantastic memories and meet more lovely people. A truly fantastic day, and if you have the sort of horse that would cope with it, something that I recommend you consider doing. Thank you to Caroline Marsh, Kathleen Botting, Sophie Brown, Kirsty Austin, Rachael Barker and everybody else involved!

It looks like Galloglass may have the longest build up to retirement ever, as a certain somebody has been looking up hotels for this year!

Lottie Parkin. Area 5.


Ladies Side Saddle Horse of the Year Posted: December 2014

The Ladies Side Saddle Horse of the Year is replacing the Ladies Hunter class. The final of this new class will be held at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show. The class will be open to Hacks, Cobs, Maxi Cobs and Riding Horses, as well as Hunters, registered with the British Show Horse Association, ridden side saddle by a lady.

The Side Saddle Association

The aim of this new class is to encourage greater participation in the class and to make it appeal to a wider audience. The Championship and its qualifiers will remain under the administration of the British Show Horse Association, and horses will be judged according to their type, conformation, manners and their suitability to be ridden side saddle.

If you have a Hack, Cob, Maxi Cob, Riding Horse or Hunter and want to take part in this new and exciting class check out the British Show Horse Association website britishshowhorse.org/ for more information or the Horse of the Year Show website www.hoys.co.uk A qualifier for this class will be held at the National Side Saddle Show at Addington Manor on Saturday the 1st August.


Atherstone Hunt Meet Posted: December 2014

The Atherstone Hunt kindly hosted a Side Saddle Meet at Ibstock on Saturday 13th December 2014. After a cold, crisp start a bright sunny day developed and a good field including two intrepid side saddle riders were in attendance. A good day ensued with the field on the move and getting plenty of jumping. It is hoped that this will be an annual event and more side saddle riders will join the field next season for an action filled day.

The Side Saddle Association
Thank you to Mick Smith and family for the photos.


New Sponsors for BSHA Side Saddle Championship Posted: November 2014

Started in 2013 with the aim of furthering the showing of Hacks, Cobs and Riding Horses side saddle, by increasing the awareness and appreciation of side saddle show production in both our own Association and the Side Saddle Association this championship, originally sponsored by iPura, has gone from strength to strength with over 30 SSA qualifying classes, alongside those run by the BSHA.  The BSHA is delighted to announce that Sara Egan of Total Impact Equestrian has taken on the sponsorship for 2015.

Sara Egan and her partner Andrew van Oostrum who is senior master of the Staff College & Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Drag Hunt began their online business Total Impact Equestrian in 2012 catering for the show and sport horse competitor, and including a bespoke range of tack designed exclusively by Jayne Ross in the best English leather for the show ring. Many a professional and amateur alike are to be seen in the ring with the custom Hunter/Cob bridle adorning their horse. 

The business has grown roots this year by opening a shop in a beautiful rustic converted stable in the village of Eversley in Hampshire, with a full range of show products from Top Hats to Tack Lockers, Shampoo to Show Rugs, all available in store and on line. The shop also sports a lovely ‘preloved’ department where you can find smart boots, jackets and other show/hunting wear.

Sara herself is no stranger to the show ring, having shown Hacks and Riding Horses, M&Ms and Sport horses to County Level, and is the proud owner of former HOYS Supreme The Philanderer on whom she now hunts and does dressage. She previously worked for Guy Landau and Carol Bardo before opening her own livery yard and the show and sport horse kit business so is well placed to know what’s hot and what’s not in the ring.

Sara and Andrew have a three year old daughter who shows and hunts her section A on the lead rein and is very keen to contest the show pony classes next year. Andrew is already on the lookout for a tiny side saddle!

Sara says 'we are really excited about having the opportunity to put something back into the sport we love. Good luck to everyone competing and we look forward to seeing you all at the BSHA Championships which is our favourite show'


Side Saddle Riders In The Hunting Field Posted: November 2014

15 side saddle riders, pictured below at the meet, graced the field at the Cheshire Forest meet on Saturday 15th November 2015.

The Side Saddle Association
Thank you to Sally Nicholson for the photo.

Over 20 riders riding aside added to the elegance of the Quorn Opening meet on Friday 24th October 2014. Pictured below is part of the photo call line up from the meet.

The Side Saddle Association
Thank you to Lydia Robinson for the photo


Your Horse Live Posted: November 2014

The Side Saddle Association took their stand to the Your Horse Live Event at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on the 8th & 9th November 2014.

The activity was headed by Shirley Oultram and Cath Marchbank who set up the stand and stayed for the duration of the event. Alongside Shirley and Cath the stand was manned with a support team comprising of Jackie Banks, Claire Brown, Katy Downing, Lisa Lane and Sally Lane

Side Saddle Show

The Association attracted a lot of interest with well over 300 people visiting the stand with many expressing an interest in taking up the art of Side Saddle riding and joining the Association.

Thank you to everyone on the stand who worked so hard in making the event such a success by being so welcoming and helpful to the visitors and so creating a positive profile for the Side Saddle Association.


Saddlers Forum Posted: November 2014

The Side Saddle Association recently hosted a Saddlers Forum to bring together interested parties to discuss the challenges facing the ongoing development and participation in the elegant art of side saddle riding.

The forum was attended by SSA Officers, Specialist Side Saddle Saddlers and Suppliers. All were in agreement that there is a growing interest in side saddle riding and therefore an increased demand for saddles. More saddles are needed and while Members have a passion for the old, traditional saddles there is a growing market for new saddles.

Side Saddle Forum

An exciting development is the production of a new side saddle tree by Vale Brothers Limited in conjunction with Rob Jenkins. The Saddlers in attendance were excited by this development and are looking forward to making saddles using the new tree. Additionally the Saddlers wanted to work more with the Side Saddle Association to learn the rider perspective especially in relation to the fitting and balancing of saddles and it was agreed that the SSA will look at setting up some Saddle Fitting Training Days. Other ideas to promote the use of new saddles and to develop a stronger partnership between the SSA, Saddlers and Suppliers were discussed and other initiatives will develop across the coming months and a meeting with Saddlers will continue on at least an annual basis.

The forum was a positive event concluding with a pledge from the SSA, Saddlers and Suppliers to work together so the preservation, promotion, safety, horse welfare and ongoing development of side saddle riding could be ensured.


Honorary Newsletter Editor Posted: November 2014

The Side Saddle Association is pleased to announce that Louise Graham, a Member of Area 12, has taken on the role of Honorary Newsletter Editor. Louise has been a long term supporter of the Association and as well as being an active competitor she is also on the Association Judges' Panel. Louise is Editor of the Equestrian Life Magazine and we look forward to her using her knowledge and expertise to produce an interactive and engaging newsletter for our Members. Details of the next editorial dates will be circulated soon, however in the meantime if you have any articles that you would like to put forward for the next edition Louise's contact details are:

The Rosary, Syerston, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG23 5NE. Tel: 01636 525341. Email: l.v.graham@btinternet.com

Finally we would like to take this opportunity to thank Sophie Campion, the retiring Honorary Newsletter Editor, for all her hard work during her time in the Editor's seat.


Claire Brown shares the experiences of the SSA Members who recently rode at Aachen Posted: October 2014

In October, myself and five other very enthusiastic SSA Members made the journey to Aachen, Germany to compete at the German Side Saddle Championships. The Deutsches Damensattel Derby is held in the incredible Albert Valle Halle in Aachen. The FEI European Championships are being held in Aachen next year so you can imagine how amazing the facilities are!

The Side Saddle Association

We were made to feel very welcome by Show Director Bettina Keil; and Nadine Hengen was brilliant sorting out all the International riders. Eleven nations were in attendance which just goes to show how strong the side saddle revival is. Myself and Caroline Wilkins took our own horses whilst Ester Turner, Paula Keeley, Kelle King and Sylvia Kolodziej borrowed horses.

The Side Saddle Association

Phyllie Robertson brought along the "Side Saddles" trade stand which caused a lot of interest and was a great place for us British ladies to congregate!

The classes were mainly dressage, dressage to music, dressage to music with costume and both costume and classic concours d'elegance. Most classes had either two or three judges and they included Liz Turner who had travelled over from Cornwall. There were also some historic cavalry renactments in between the side saddle classes which the audience thoroughly enjoyed!

I can most definitely recommend a visit to Aachen. It is amazing to ride at such a beautiful place with a very special atmosphere. The German team were great and nothing was too much trouble to ensure their overseas guests had an enjoyable time. The Riders Night Dinner on Saturday evening was a lovely touch with great food, it was buzzing with the talk of side saddle and the day's competition. I can't thank our hosts enough for this amazing experience and we are thoroughly looking forward to next time!

Claire Brown – Joint Chairman Area 14.

The Side Saddle Association



Sealed Bid Auction for Stallion Nominations Posted: October 2014

Go to Events Diary to find out more.



Is there a Side Saddle in your Attic? Posted: October 2014

To ensure the continuation of side saddle riding more side saddles are desperately needed. Do you have, or know of, any side saddles not currently in use, or simply left lying around in your attic, tack room, barn or garage?

The Side Saddle Association is proud of its achievements in ensuring that the elegant art of side saddle has been sustained and developed into the 21st century, and will continue to promote the dignity and versatility of side saddle riding to a wide audience. The Association remains the leader in the art of side saddle riding in the UK, and indeed worldwide; to maintain that status, an ongoing supply of side saddles for our members is of paramount importance.

Side Saddle Association
The aim of the Association is to uphold the tradition of side saddle riding, not only for the next generation but for generations to come. We must protect our heritage; but without side saddles we do not have a future.

The Association fully appreciates and understands that Granny's/Great Aunt's side saddle may be a treasured possession or is of sentimental value, but if it is not being used, perhaps you would consider bequeathing, leasing or selling it to one of our Areas or an individual member? Our members are prepared to pay a fair price and will unreservedly cherish and take pride in using and/or owning it, so please don't be afraid to entrust your valued side saddle to the next generation!

If you have a side saddle and want to contribute to the survival of this wonderful and elegant art of riding, then do not hesitate to contact the Association:

Ms Sally Lane, Hon. General Secretary, The Side Saddle Association. Mobile: 07442 504071
Email: secretary@sidesaddleassociation.co.uk

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CURRENT LIST OF SADDLES


 

The Side Saddle Association TROT TO THE TOP
THE SHOWING COUNCIL SOCIAL MEDIA STATEMENT

In line with the BEF, The Showing Council takes a zero-tolerance approach to those responsible for, and responding to, social media posts which are in any way considered hurtful or harmful to a Member Body or any members associated with us.

We all have a duty of care for our equine partners and those associated with them as we act as guardians for their equine and human welfare.

Executive Board March 2023

SSA NEWSLETTERS

The editorial deadline dates are:
14 March & 11 Aug
Please send any notices, news, views or stories with supporting photos if applicable to
Email
l.v.graham@btinternet.com, or the SSA Hon.
General Secretary: secretary@sidesaddleassociation.co.uk
Alternatively post your information to:
Ms S M Lane Hon. General Secretary The Side Saddle Association The Lodge Glebe Farm Broughton Astley Leicestershire LE9 6PG

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Glebe Farm
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Leicestershire
LE9 6PG
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