In Reality

It is so amazing to have you all's support and encouragement regarding the show and finding pieces of equipment. It means a lot. After sleeping on it a few nights, and taking my (merely) 5th ride aside, I am at peace with the decision to pass on the county fair this year. Besides the fact that my workload at the office has basically doubled this spring, I think this year has to be the year of the cow pasture. There are only so many directions my mental energies can go. Maybe next year will be the year of the horse show.



If my horse was a seasoned competitor who could hold up his end of the bargain I wouldn't think twice about it. I've had horses who could run through their horse show responsibilites with an untrained monkey strapped to their back, and they wouldn't have given the hog auction or the tractor pull a second glance. Grey has virtually no idea what happens in a show ring and will be high as a kite (he was last time). I can't worry about his manners, and keeping my rein bight on the right so I don't catch my foot in it at the same time. So, either he's going to need to gain a lot of experience in new places, or I am going to have to become proficient riding aside.

So with that in mind, I saddled up for another ride. This was our first trip outside. At first it felt very foreign (it has been months afterall), but I was determined and the longer I sat up there the more comfy I got. Despite obvious flaws in my position, I felt secure and gained confidence by the minute. I did not feel like I was going to slide off, but I have some easily identifiable issues.

The day before, my riding instructor pointed out that I was sitting on the right side of my saddle (astride) and compensating with my uneven weight distribution by raising my shoulder. Pretty much what you see here. Since I suddenly have similar issues both astride and aside, I'm thinking there is some general gardening fatigue going on in my core and/or lower back. When this photo was taken, we were walking, and I was beginning to turn to the right, so that affects the symmetry of the picture a bit, but I need to get my right seat bone back, and more weight in it.

So much for remembering to keep my pelvis upright... I'm dealing with a bit of an uphill saddle here. I tried my new shims today, and they are not sufficient. I had the saddle much more level before. Not to worry, I have a plan. I am happy to report that my horse is patiently humoring me in what he obviously thinks is the dumbest idea I've ever had. I guess the Magnesium and Vitamin B are kicking in. Not to mention the summer heat. I will remember to wear a spur and bring a crop next time.

My right leg position felt like my strong point. I was suprised that my tall (although not tall enough to be fashionable astride) boots seem to be the best footwear choice yet. For the first time ever, I was happy with their height! I also felt quite secure even at the trot and I'm giving my right leg credit for that. I was able to begin thinking about my left leg position. And what I was thinking was that I had to keep my heel in my horse and that was raising my thigh. I'm also struggling a bit figuring out a comfortable and correct spot for my left hand.

Now this looks OK despite the uphill saddle. I can live with this photo.
(Horse still asleep)

This ride really renewed my enthusiasm and I am eager to continue. It went a heck of a lot better than this poor girl's ride. That video came up on my daily Google search. I was thinking "gee, that pinto horse is a saint to put up with her hands." Then I watched his patience wear thin, and at the end he gives her a really good "screw you".

Well Crap

Just when I had decided that I had no desire to show this year, and gone ahead and emptied my checking AND my cash stash on repairing the pasture fence so I can rent it to the neighbor to cover my taxes.... As in I have the money in my pocket ($8 plus change) to get me to my paycheck next week and then.......

The local county fair newsletter came in the mail and my very favorite show has added a Ladies Side Saddle class. So, I added up the cost of black breeches, brown gloves, an apron and a leather girth instead of my string one and figured what I can get away with like riding in my heavy black melton hunting coat and ASTM helmet and a snaffle bit, and it's still more than I can afford. Especially after I pay for the entries. **sigh** Forget the extras like a veil for my derby, a riding cane and a more appropriate flat leather weymouth bridle with bits and long reins. I'm pretty sure I would not be satisfied if I were not appropriately turned out.

I was sort of getting tired of looking at the one single item I've spent the most of my own money on ever (my saddle) sitting on it's rack gathering dust and had planned on starting up again this weekend, but now it seems like a good excuse to say "I've never cantered yet" and forget about wanting to show. Well, I supposed they will have it again next year.

My mother has finished edging my saddle pad (my machine gave out) so I'm looking forward to seeing what my new shim system does for the fit. My Stepdad spent many hours this week getting our outdoor arena in shape and if the weather holds I will be aside on Saturday. Stay Tuned.

Holding Pattern

I 'spose I should blog an update so you all don't think I have either lost interest or become bogged down in a mud puddle somewhere. Actually, the later is a possibility.

I have not ridden aside lately for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I went on a fox hunting excursion a month ago. So, my time, energies, and spare cash were taken up with getting fit, getting packed, and getting outfitted to do that. I had a blast, and one of these days I will take the time to blog about it. Here is a photo my husband snapped of the CotH Hunting Princesses. He was too surprised to take a picture of the fox, which ran within 30 yards of him just minutes before. Then the hounds came blasting through, and as he put it "the cavalry" thundered past, and he realised it might be a good time to take some pictures. Imagine, being surprised at seeing a fox.... we were fox hunting. That's me, upon a white horse, as usual. A very large white horse. The fox led the hounds on a very merry chase that day. I've never seen such chaos. I did see the fox though. Twice. It was a good day.

While I was in Virginia I spent a glorious afternoon shopping at the Horse Country tack shop, and I bought some nice saddle shims to put in the side saddle pad that I am sewing. That should increase my shimming options. The sewing project is at a standstill because I want to put the pad under the saddle, ON the horse before I edge it to check the shape. The reason that hasn't happened is that....

Secondly, I am simply dealing with too much mud and white hair right now to even think about bringing my precious antique out of the living room. Let me know when shedding season is over and the mud has dried up. I'll come out of hiding. Seriously. I wipe my tack down after each ride but still.... Where does all this dirt come from? And why won't it come out of the stitching? Why is my horse's head so dirty? They just don't make a properly shaped toothbrush to clean all the nooks and crannies. I am a meticulous person. I like all my stuff to look new and shiny like it just came out of the box. Even my mud boots. Do you realise how much extra time that takes in March and April? About 10 minutes a day, plus an extra hour a week.

Thirdly, my horse has Spring Fever. Is it really fair to deny him the roadside gallops? No. Is it wise to attempt these aside? NO! I can't even lead him down the barn aisle without due caution. But don't you worry. We will be right back at it before too long.

Tiny note on saddle fit...

My taller, skinnier, younger sister was just here to have me, of all things, repair the butt seams in two pairs of her scrubs which she had split out while crouching down to handle dogs at the vet hospital where she works. I had her sit in my side saddle on the premise that she has never seen one, and she should try it and see how it feels. Secretly, I wanted to see just how big a difference 40 pounds really makes. It fits her skinny butt with inches to spare. In fact, it rather flatters her. I'm sure she would look very elegant. Grrrrr.... I did mention, while I was sewing the seams, that one thing I could safely say I had not done in awhile is split out my pants seams. But it was a hollow victory.

This past week I was reading The Art of Side-Saddle by Rosamund Owens. On page 37 she writes... "The prevalence of 17" or 17.5" saddles (American measurements 21" or 21.5")goes to show that our forebears were, on the whole, rather larger than we are. I was recently offered a Champion and Wilton side-saddle, as modern as they come, scarcely used, but when I inquired the measurements, I was told 19.5"! (23.5" American.. and where is this treasure now?) On asking how large the owner had been, I was told, 'well she was a well built girl'."

I imagine when Ms. Owens says "large" she was referring to the fact that the cultural ideal of a woman's figure has changed over the years, and in the early 20th century, curvier figures were in vogue. I seriously doubt, that in the previous generations, the women were any taller or leggier. I have looked and looked and cannot find any scientific data on the average height and weight of women. But I imagine, on the whole, the 21st century norms are far higher for both.

That outstanding tidbit aside, no pun intended, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It can often be found on used book or auction sites, and no side saddle fancier's library should be without it.

That's why they call it a Horse SHOW

I've been day dreaming about showing aside, and thinking what I would wear. My horse is a Saddlebred Country Pleasure hunter. Basically, a hack horse, no jumps. He could also be a nice lower level saddle seat pleasure horse if shod a little longer and if I get him into a double bridle (not his favorite). We've only gone to a show once in the 6 years we've owned him, since I'm just not that competetive anymore. But, the country fair in the next county over is a very nice show. When I can be bothered to show, it will be that one. It's lovely with lots of big shade trees, and tons of country atmosphere. It is part of a tri-state circuit for Saddlebreds and Morgans, and last year it was voted people's choice best show for that circuit.










This show has a lot of "open" pleasure classes, so rather than show aside in the breed hunt seat division, I would probably target the Open Ladies Pleasure class. Open Road Hack would also be an option, but I'm not going to assume at this point that either an extended trot or a hand gallop will be in my repetoire, especially in a ring full of horses since Road Hack is a pretty popular class. What could be more appropriate than Ladies Pleasure aside? The best part is that I wouldn't have to look the part of either a modern hunter or a saddle seat horse. I could go a little vintage and stick to the broader style of "english" show hack or what we would have called a "bridle path hack" 30 years ago.

Whether I am showing under hunt seat rules or saddle seat rules, I have the choice of either a pelham bit or a double bridle. I can also use a derby (bowler) under either division. So I was thinking a nice cutaway habit in dark grey with a grey derby and a canary vest and a men's tie. I'd use a flat leather bridle with a pelham, and then add a little bling with a retro ribbon browband in a conservative color, maybe something like this in charcoal and creamy yellow to match my habit and vest.

So as not to offend officianados of hunt seat style by adding "bling", I would probably lean a little towards saddle seat style and not braid his mane or trim his tail, turning him out instead, like a country pleasure Saddlebred. A ribbon browband might be a little out of date in saddle seat, but still acceptable by traditional standards. You buy one, or get a kit to make your own at the linked website.

But if I am feeling very stylish, I can also shoot for a costume class, and go completely vintaage. I loved Michelle's linen habit seen here . Which is very similar to one of my very favorite linen habits.

I mean, why dress up like everyone else? That's why they call it a Horse Show!

Although I am a big fan of the discipline, I've never been a big fan of Saddle Seat attire. I do love formal 3 gaited with the top hats and ribboned pants, but unless you spend more money on your habit than I usually do on my horse, you usually look like you're wearing your Daddy's hand me down Sunday suit.

Above I am showing a Walk Trot horse for a friend in a suit Mom made for me. I loved that chestnut top hat, and recently sold it to Julie from Riding Aside for her outfit.

I've always said if I had a really nice horse, so I wouldn't look like a dork, I'd go retro and show in flared johdpurs and a straw hat. Now that looks elegant....

Hot to Trot

The weather took enough of a break for my side saddle enthusiasm to renew. I loaded the car, did my stretches and headed out. I think I've found a new muscle. As far as I can tell, it's called the gluteus medius. It's not used to stretching, and it's not happy. It ached and cramped all night, but is limbering up pretty well now. My abductors and adductors are a little sore, but they have nothing to complain about since they have to work at the gym almost daily and should be prepared. I also have a sore rectus femoris. In other words, the back of my right thigh burns right above my knee. I'm editing to add a bit, as the day wears on... my right seat bone made a tender mooshy spot in my fat, and my right calf is tight.

The good news is, my balance, hips, and shoulders seem to be taking care of themselves fairly naturally. Apparently, I'm not at immediate risk of falling off. The bad news is, I have no more control over my lower legs than usual, and it has been decades since I worried about equitation. I think I did much better with my right leg, but it required about 80% of my concentration.

I started out with a little walking, but that is getting boring and my horse needs some exercise. The saddle still feels like it is twisting left. I kept tightening the balance strap, and it took three tries to get it back to the hole it belongs on. I put a weight tape on Grey last week, and he is up at least 50 pounds since Christmas, but he took the balance strap with no complaints. Once I felt confident that the saddle was staying put, albeit a little wonky feeling, we moved on to the trot.

I concentrated on pulling my right ankle back and pointing my toe, and it's amazing how that secures you to the saddle. I feel pretty easy as far as balance, and began asking Grey to move out more. He was a little startled to actually feel the whip for a change.

But, as you see in the above photo where I snapped him and he scooted, my left leg doesn't stay under me well. This is NOT an issue exclusive to aside riding. I also concentrated on not sitting back on my pockets, which helps with the overall saddle fit. In fact, I've been practicing that during the day at my office. The difference in square foot coverage of a fanny when you straighten your back and tip your hips is remarkable.

Kathie, who sold me the saddle, recommended before she even shipped it that I find a corset to ride in. I've been shopping the internet for them a bit (actually kind of fun) and figured I might as well get something I might use even if it doesn't help my riding. So, since I don't have a corset to ride in yet, I dug out my old lower back support and wore that. I do think it helps.

Also, I feel more secure circling right than left. I don't know if this is my balance or my horse's. I am really looking forward to spring so I can get outside and ride in a straight line.

Her Majesty, Mrs. Brown

If I get too discouraged with the challenges of saddle fit, and never achieve a level of proficiency aside, I suppose I could take the route of the elderly, mourning Queen Victoria, so aptly played by Dame Judy Dench in the movie Her Majesty Mrs. Brown..

... and simply be led about on a pony. In the movie, we are treated to scenes of the Queen being led out each day by her cheeky Scottish servant Mr. Brown, when she would sit aside on a horse and read her daily letters. I watched this movie when it was first released back in 1997. I thought of it again just this past weekend while creating the Critical Situations post. In light of it's side saddle references, I think it deserves some attention. And, if side saddle isn't enough, I found that it was Gerard Butler's first movie appearance. I don't remember his character at all. I think this demands rewatching!

In the movie, John Brown gets quite familiar with the Queen and quite cheekily coaxes her out of her mourning and insists she get out and ride each day. In fact, their relationship was quite well known, even scandalous as rumors abounded that they were in fact secretly married. The Queen looks rather dowdy in the photograph below...

... but leave it up to Landseer to class up the scene with this lovely painting.

Of course, the Queen did not always have to be led out on a pony. The drawing below shows her schooling a horse over jumps in a riding school at Windsor.






And below is a statue of her in front of St. George's Hall in Liverpool

Naturally, a Queen would have a well trained and prepared mount and would not likely encounter a Critical Situation. Somewhere I read that when Queen Elizabeth II was still riding aside in ceremonial functions, her horse was taken out and galloped for several miles in the morning before appearing in the parade or other ceremony.