PROFILE:

I first rode side saddle at an early age, am a long-standing Area 4 Life Member (637) and have been actively involved in many roles, at Local and National level for many years. These include: an Area Committee Member and Treasurer for 28 years; running Sidelines for 10; raising funds for the SSA competitions; a Vice Chairman for 10; running Show Affiliations; producing Newsletters and Publications; travelling the UK and abroad promoting side saddle with displays, etc.

Over the years, my involvement with the National Show has been extensive, having performed most tasks involved. It is an important part of the SSA calendar, giving Members the opportunity to get together, compete and share side saddle knowledge and experiences.

A Panel Judge, Instructor and Examiner, I have been lucky to meet many Members, in the UK and Overseas. I believe you learn something every day and have enjoyed doing so, often recalling the words of my early mentors who taught me so much and whose words of wisdom I hope I am continuing to share.

I have been privileged to work alongside so many people, some now lifelong friends, with the joint aim of promoting the tradition and art of Side Saddle riding. I will continue to help, support and assist the SSA and Members in any way I can.

Miss Henrietta Barton
Church Side Farm, West Leake, Loughborough,
Leicestershire LE12 5RF. 01509 856025 / 07748 256307.
Email: bhbarton@tiscali.co.uk

PROFILE:

Side saddle and the Side Saddle Association have been part of my life for many years, I have ridden ponies, hacks and hunters and competed in the SSA classes. Judging for other showing societies all over the world and the Side Saddle Association has provided me with wide-ranging experience.
I enjoyed being an Area Chairman for 15 years and a National Vice Chairman for 12 years and serving on many committees, equestrian and non-equestrian I have gained valuable experience.
The Association must continue to promote this elegant art of riding and still maintain the high standards of instructing and judging.  We need more Members, riding or non-riding as there are so many opportunities in our Association today.  We are all welcoming and friendly and each year new competitions and ideas are formed, but input from the Members is invaluable and we are always pleased to hear from you.

Penny Clarke
Acorn House, 2 Oak Way, South Cerney, Gloucestershire GL7 5XX.
Tel: 01285 641614 / 07849 698467
E-mail: clarkepenny1@gmail.com

PROFILE:

I started riding side-saddle when I was 18 and was immediately hooked, joining The Side Saddle Association, initially in Area 11 very soon afterwards.
I quickly took the view that anything that I could do astride, I could do side saddle and before long was competing in everything from equitation and showing to jumping, team chasing and dressage. Over the years, I became more focused on showing and alongside the equitation classes, I’ve also shown horses both side saddle and astride, fulfilling my dream of competing in the Ladies Show Horse class at HOYS.

I became a SSA Instructor and Judge in the early 1990s, and judge on other panels too, including SHBGB, UK Ponies and Horses, TSR.

I’ve been a committee member, annd a former Area Chairman of Area 14. Teaching side saddle is my passion and I love to see the next generation of side saddle riders coming through. I really enjoy getting people started on their side saddle journeys and then progressing through the levels.

Mrs. S. Anderson
52 Glassdrumman Road, Ballynahinch, Co. Down, N. Ireland BT24 8TW.
Tel: 028 9263 9321 / 07801 559366.
Email: shirley9263@mac.com

PROFILE:

I have been fortunate to enjoy riding most of my life, starting with riding school ponies as a child then hunting and now showing, working hunter and side saddle. 

I was at the forefront of successfully reinvigorating side saddle in Northern Ireland, first as Area Secretary and then Area Chairman. It has been very rewarding seeing the Area grow with the standard of riding, saddlery knowledge and turnout skills benefitting all.

The Side Saddle National Show is a highlight in my year and, as a keen amateur dressmaker, I adore the costume class.

I have made many wonderful friendships on my side saddle journey and would like to promote the many benefits of Association membership to riders and non-riders alike.

PROFILE:

I have been a member of The Side Saddle Association for over 30 years and have competed in all disciplines at all levels, both sideways and astride.    I do not come from a “horsey” background so consider myself extremely lucky to have been given so much help and guidance over the years which enabled me to follow my dreams and achieve so much. 

Having reached the ultimate goal of becoming Rider of the Year, I am now a judge and totally relish the opportunity and importance this role brings.   I wish to encourage riders to be the best they can whilst ensuring standards are maintained.   I am also keen to ensure the Association remains open to all, welcoming and friendly. 

       
Having had so many happy memories through the Association, I am now honoured to be Vice Chairman and will do all I can to ensure I do this role justice.

PROFILE:

I feel incredibly lucky and very honoured to have been given the role of Honorary General Secretary, and I am absolutely delighted to be joining you all.

I spent three wonderful days at the National Show, which was the perfect opportunity to meet so many of you and begin getting to know the Association. Everyone was so welcoming, friendly and encouraging, and I came away feeling even more excited about becoming involved and am already looking forward to the 2027 Show.

I was also incredibly grateful to everyone who spent time talking me through the role and sharing so much helpful advice and information. Their guidance was invaluable and has given me a much better understanding of what lies ahead.

My background is primarily in showing native ponies, particularly Fells and Highlands. I was incredibly lucky to have spent 23 years showing Highland and Fell ponies for the late Queen, as well as providing her with her own riding ponies, one of whom was the very special Emma. Although I have scaled down considerably, I still have a couple of youngsters that I hope to show for His Majesty the King.

I actually started out riding show ponies as a child, and although I did ride side saddle once or twice, I certainly wasn’t anywhere near as elegant as the ladies I watched at the National Show! Having seen everyone riding so beautifully, I think it is safe to say that I could have done with a few more lessons!
I am also lucky enough to sit on a few judging panels and am a member of the Judges Selection Committee for the Showing Register, which I thoroughly enjoy. I feel that it is important to educate, encourage and support up-and-coming judges.

There is certainly plenty to learn in my new role, but I honestly cannot wait to get started! I am very much looking forward to meeting more of you over the coming months, getting to know the SSA and its Members, and doing everything I can to support this very special Association.

PROFILE:

In June 2016 I was privileged to have been offered the position of Honorary Treasurer to The Side Saddle Association. Prior to this, I worked for twenty two years as Director and Company Secretary of a construction company where I was responsible for all office duties, finance, book keeping and payroll. In addition, between 2009-2012 I held the position of Honorary Treasurer for my local hunt - The Rockwood Harriers, a very similar role to that of the Treasurer of The Side Saddle Association, albeit on a smaller scale.

I am married with two daughters and live in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. I rode as a child and was a member of Wentworth Pony Club. After leaving school I didn't ride again until in my late thirties and since then have focused mainly on hunting. Working for The Side Saddle Association has given me the opportunity to become involved with this elegant and classical equestrian discipline, allowing me to mix work with pleasure.

Hon. General Secretary (as above)

Hon. General Secretary (as above)