Getting into the Habit~ Showing under Sidesaddle, English Style!

This page gives some basic information about showing under sidesaddle in the English tradition.  Western Sidesaddle has its own rules and classes which are not covered here.

The Rider’s Turnout

To some people, the code of etiquette for sidesaddle turnout may appear to be going to extremes, but for the true sidesaddle enthusiast, high ideals are a must.  Elegance, neatness, and tidiness are the three essentials for everyone who rides sidesaddle, and the rules about what may be worn with what are strictly governed by tradition.

The habit (which is the name given to the skirt and jacket) can vary considerably, but should always be "of sober hue"~ usually black or dark navy, or sometimes dark charcoal grey.  Nowadays it is usual to wear a plain coat similar to a dressage jacket but with a slightly fuller skirt and a cutaway front which allows it to fit neatly over the rider's right thigh, over a fitted waistcoat of either Tattersal check, or plain cream or canary fabric.   The jacket may have one vent or two; one, two or three buttons at the front; and the hem must just reach or cover the edge of the saddle but not be so long as to touch the horse's back.  Velvet collars are only appropriate for hunt members in the hunting field.  The habit skirt is actually a backless “apron” shaped to fit snugly over the right knee and thigh, and worn over breeches of the same colour.  The hem of the apron should cover the right foot and hang parallel with the ground about 2" (50mm) above the left ankle.  To hang properly an apron must have a heavyweight lining and a good deep hem.    This outfit is much safer to ride in than the old-fashioned full-skirted habits which were sometimes liable to catch around the pommels.

The lady's gloves should be brown or buff washleather, never black, and if a tie is worn it must be of a dark colour, usually blue~ black ties and black gloves are traditionally signs of mourning and so are incorrect.  Buttonholes and jewellery are also incorrect and should not be worn.

Sarah Gault riding “Sweet Afton”~ 
correct  turnout for a Royal Show.

(Photo Courtesy thompsonphoto@xtra.co.nz)

The New Zealand Side Saddle Association has available a handbook of Judges’ Guidelines which sets out in detail all the standards of turnout for both horse and rider, and also lists the classes in which side saddle riders may compete.

A lady may wear a black safety bowler hat with the collar and tie, but she may choose to wear a silk top hat (not a dressage topper) for a Royal or Championship show.  If so, a plain hunting stock must be worn instead of the collar and tie, with a plain gold or silver bar stock pin.  Whether a bowler or a top hat is worn, a plain veil is required, neatly fitted over the hat brim and face, and pinned securely at the back.  The rider's hair must be fastened in a neat bun at the nape of her neck~ and if she has short hair, then a false one must be worn!

Long black boots, preferably leather and always well polished, with a single blunt spur or spur band on the left heel, and a riding cane or whip not more than 39" (1m) in length complete the elegant picture.  The riding cane should match the horse's tack in colour.

For Working Hunter classes and informal shows, Ratcatcher dress may be worn.  This consists of a habit of a suitable tweed material, worn with a collar and tie, a black or brown bowler with matching veil, brown gloves and black or brown boots.  Brown boots should be worn with a brown bowler and black with black.

The dress code for Junior Riders differs slightly: they are not required to wear a veil or bun, but their hair must be very neat and tidy.  If ribbons are worn, they should be black, dark brown or navy blue.  Instead of a bowler or top hat, junior riders wear a velvet hunting-style cap, and a spur is optional.  The maximum length of a Junior Rider's whip or cane is 36" (76cm).  Very young riders may wear jodhpur boots but the jodhpurs must not show under the habit.

For jumping, both adult and junior riders are required to wear an approved safety helmet, and the habit apron is optional.

The costume classes however, are great fun and give everyone a wonderful opportunity to let their creativity run loose~   from Mediaeval costume, complete with hennin and veil, to Edwardian elegance, every side saddle rider relishes the chance to dress up to the nines!

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The Horse’s Turnout

It goes without saying that your horse must be very clean and tidy to go with the elegant rider he is carrying.  

The emphasis here will be not only on how well presented your horse is, but also how well the side saddle fits and whether it is safe.  The basic principles are that it 

• must be safe for the rider and 

• must not be painful for or injure the horse.

The side saddle must fit the horse correctly from side to side and must not impede the horse's shoulder. It must not press on the horse's spine anywhere, and must be centred and straight.  It must be fitted with either a quick release stirrup bar or a safety stirrup iron of appropriate design, and the stirrup must be 2cm wider than the sole of the rider's boot at the widest part.  The leather girth and balance strap must be correctly fitted, and if a full balance strap is used, the girth must have a keeper at the centre to stop it slipping off and pinching the horse's belly.  The saddle lining should be of clean serge or linen, and if whitened, the whitening must be freshly and lightly applied and not old or flaked.  If a numnah is used it must be clean, well fitted, and unobtrusive.  

Martingales, boots and bandages are not permitted.  Cruppers may be used on ponies but must be correctly fitted.

The bridle should match the side saddle in colour, and have a plain browband and noseband, with plain, plaited or laced leather reins~ eventing reins are not acceptable for turnout or flat classes but may be used for jumping.  The reins must be of sufficient length but not so long as to catch on the right knee or toe.

If the rider is wearing a top hat and stock, then a double bridle or pelham with double reins must be used, otherwise a snaffle bridle is acceptable.

 
Shirley Collie, with “Top Gear”
(Photo Courtesy Elizabeth Charleston)

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Side Saddle Show Classes

Best Turned Out Combination

This class is judged on the correctness of turnout of both horse and rider.  The class is asked to line up and the judge inspects each combination.  Correct turnout is governed by the age of the competitor and the style of hat worn.  The competitors may be asked to walk or trot so that the hang of the apron may be assessed.

Concours d'Elegance

The judge is looking for the most elegantly matched horse and rider.  Though the quality of the horse's paces, riding and turnout may bear on the judging, the most important point is the overall impression of elegance conveyed.  There is no close inspection for turnout, and generally no individual workout required.  The class is worked on both reins at walk, trot and canter.

Best Paced & Mannered

This class is judged in very much the same way as an astride Paced & Mannered, with the emphasis being placed on smooth paces and impeccable manners.  No consideration is given to age, breeding or conformation of the horse.

Best Side Saddle Mount

The judge will be looking for a horse with a good shoulder, a smooth, free-going action that does not jolt the rider, and impeccable manners~ in short a safe, comfortable and obedient ride for a lady.  Breeding, conformation, age or size are not considered.  The class will be asked to walk, trot and canter on both reins, and the competitors may be asked to give an individual workout as well.

Extended trot in the workout

Best Side Saddle Rider

The judge will be looking for a poised, elegant rider, straight and supple, with her weight evenly distributed and hips and shoulders square to the front.  The rider must be supple, free from tension or stiffness, her arms following the natural line of the body, with her hands held either in her lap or on either side of the right knee.  The class will be asked to walk, trot and canter on both reins, and the competitors may be asked to give an individual workout as well.

Unity Class

The Unity Class is sometimes used to combine Turnout, Best Horse and Best Rider in one event.  Judging for this class is on the same criteria as for Turnout, Best Side Saddle Mount and Best Side Saddle Rider classes.  Riders will be asked to give a workout either as a group or individually, or both.

Judging a Class

Side Saddle Equitation

It is the rider not the horse who is judged in all equitation classes.  Each competitor's saddle and turnout will be inspected.  The competitor then rides a set test in a dressage arena.  Horses must be 4 years of age or over and, in the opinion of the judge, have manners suitable for carrying a side saddle.  Sex, breed, and conformation are not taken into consideration.

Side Saddle Equitation ~ Jumping

This class is ridden over a course of 6 fences, not more than 50cm high for Novice or 80cm high for Open.  Marks are awarded for the rider's position and presentation of the horse to the fence, and correct style of both horse and rider over the fence and on landing.

Riders must wear an approved safety helmet for all jumping classes, and an apron is optional.

Side Saddle Jumping

As well as the classes described above, some shows will include a Pairs class in  the schedule.  This class requires a pair of horses, as well matched as possible in appearance and paces to be ridden together, usually one astride and one under side saddle, although both may be ridden aside.  Judging is usually on the same criteria as Paced & Mannered, and takes into account the overall appearance of the pair.

"Pairs"