Most horses take to side saddle very easily but a horse with a good front ~ that is, head, neck, shoulder and wither ~ will carry a side saddle better than one with poor conformation.  The most important thing is that the horse is supple, calm and obedient, in all respects a suitable ride for a lady, and that is what the Judge in a Side Saddle class will be looking for.
 

Sarah Gault riding Lady Astor~
a polished performance.

Some points to consider are:

¨      Good shoulder and wither to help keep the side saddle stable

¨      Good length of back and strength through the loin~ a side saddle rider sits further back than when riding astride

¨       Free moving with smooth, even paces and straight action~ it helps if the trot is not too elevated as well!

¨      Light mouth and good head carriage

¨      Natural balance

¨      Calm, willing temperament

¨      Well mannered and obedient

In short- perfect!

Another thing that should be taken into consideration~ finding a side saddle wide enough to fit a big Warmblood type horse can sometimes be difficult, since most of the old side saddles were made for smaller, more lightly-built animals.  

Unless you are in the happy position of being able to afford a custom-made side saddle with an extra wide tree, a medium thoroughbred or thoroughbred cross can be easier to find a side saddle for.   

Eve Ainscow with Pretty Pink,
 Helensville Horse Expo, 2004~
five weeks broken in and 2 days under sidesaddle!
(Picture courtesy of Warmbloods Out West.