PROFILE:

As member number 106 I have seen the Side Saddle Association grow and progress to where it is today. As your President I look forward to seeing yet more growth and progress into the future, but still maintaining the customs and dress of the era into which we step when we ride side saddle.

I have ridden side saddle since childhood, primarily for hunting, but I have also ridden in the show ring and continue to do so. As an instructor, judge and examiner I have met many people, many of them becoming lifelong friends.  

Still a regular rider, I hope to be riding side saddle for many years to come and to encourage and help riders of the present and future to enjoy riding side saddle as much as I do.

Above all, value the time you spend with your horse.

Ms. V. Hood
The Croft, Street Ashton, Rugby, Warwickshire CV23
OPJ. 01788 833714.
Email: vanessahood52@gmail.com

PROFILE:

Having ridden side-saddle from childhood I joined the (Ladies) Side Saddle Association on its formation becoming one of its first 200 members. I was appointed judge and instructor very quickly whilst also riding and competing. I have always been an active Area 5 member serving as Joint Chairman with my mother and on her death I continued on my own for over 18 years.

From 2003 I chaired the JET Committee for 8 years before becoming National Chairman for 3 years in 2011. I am a list 4 BD Dressage Judge.

I have a great deal of current experience in chairing meetings, setting priorities and teamwork through my career as a Headteacher and now as a Chair of Governors.

I believe the Association must continue to maintain the highest standards of riding, teaching and judging whilst providing as many opportunities as possible for people to try riding sidesaddle.

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

PROFILE:

BHS AI Judge
I started riding side saddle as a child in the show ring before the Ladies’ Side Saddle Association was formed, then I became one of the early members.  I competed at county shows all over the country on ponies, hacks and hunters, both astride and side saddle with much success.  I have ridden in the equitation and concours d’elegance classes and done many displays for the Association.  I enjoy my judging on various panels.

I was an Area Chairman for many years and a previous National Vice Chairman. 

My long involvement with side saddle enables me to give experienced and knowledgeable help, advice and encouragement to the members, particularly on turnout.  I hope to promote and encourage the art of side saddle and keep the Association moving forward in the 21st Century.

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 have been General Honorary Secretary since August 2013 and enjoy the varied aspects of the role.

I have ridden all my life and was an active member of the Atherstone Hunt Pony Club, competing at Area level in both the show jumping and eventing disciplines. Additionally I took my BHSAI and stages 1 to 4 and have taught at numerous Pony Club Camps as well as being a Riding & Road Safety Instructor and Examiner. I regularly hunt, team chase and show in ridden and working hunter classes.

Shortly after joining the SSA I started to learn to ride side saddle which has been an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

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.