This document provides information and guidelines for the judging on common side saddle class formats.

Suitable for both competitors and judges.

 

Judges should always have their riders start on the right rein. The ride should include more on the right rein in all the paces.

Because of the position of the riders legs and the drape of her apron on the horses left side, it is much easier to judge the free movement of the horses neck and shoulders while observing the combination from the uncluttered right side.
 
Canter to the right is much easier to ride when "aside" than canter to the left.

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BEST PRESENTED SIDE SADDLE HORSE & RIDER: 

• Full traditional 'turnout class' appointments are not required - a correct habit with an "apron" ( safety ) skirt is still required. 

• Competitors will be asked to walk, OR they may be asked to both walk and trot so that the hang of the apron safety skirt may be assessed. This will be done "counter clockwise." 

• Presentation of the riders’ mount will be assessed

• An overall impression of smartness​ of horse and rider

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WALK  / TROT:

• Competent to walk and trot both reins

• Horse and rider must complement each other 

 

 

SIDE SADDLE MOUNT:

• Open to horses of all types: Hack, Riding Horse, Hunter, Cob & Heavy

• A walk that is long, free and ground covering 

• A trot with scope, and lightness. No paddling

• The canter should have a smooth 'rocking chair' look

• Mounts should not be mechanical​​

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SIDE SADDLE RIDER:

• Riders should be poised, elegant, straight and supple

• Rider should be free of tension and stiffness

• Riders will also be judged on horsemanship

• The overall appearance should display a picture of elegance

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SIDE SADDLE UTILITY:

• This class is similar to the working hunter; however, ALL horse types are welcome

• Two drums and jacket where rider will pick jacket or item up and place onto the second drum

• Demonstrate the ability to jump a small jump

• Judges may ask for a one-handed section

• A hand gallop which is smooth and easy going

 

 

SIDE SADDLE WORKING HUNTER:

• Horses must be of hunter type

• Demonstrate the ability to jump over a small course of jumps – if only one jump supplied, the judge may choose for riders to jump both ways

• Judges may ask for a one-handed section

• A hand gallop which is smooth and easy going

• A full gallop may also be asked for.

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HORSE TYPES:  HACK/PARK HACK - RIDING HORSE - HUNTER 
 

 

SIDE SADDLE HUNTER:

• Horses must be of a true hunter type

• Judges may ask for a one-handed section

• Judges may ask for a lengthened canter

• A hand gallop which is smooth and easy going

• A full gallop may also be asked for.​
  
   

SIDE SADDLE RIDING HORSE:

• Horses must be of a true riding horse type

• Riding horses sit between hacks and hunters, offering a balance of quality and substance

• Movement should be straight, long, and flowing, without extravagance

• A hand gallop should be smooth, controlled, and effortless

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SIDE SADDLE PARK HACK & HACK:

• A park hack is generally 14.2hh to 15.2hh

• A hack is generally over 15.2hh

• Horses must be of a true hack type

• An ideal park hack or hack side saddle mount should show elegance, presence, gaiety

• Free moving and not mechanical

• Exaggerated knee action is not desirable

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OTHER CLASSES MAY INCLUDE:

• Best Paced & Mannered

• Side Saddle Pleasure 

• Side Saddle Lead Line

• Side Saddle Pony / Side Saddle Galloway

• Side Saddle Pairs - Traditional option: x1 aside & x1 astride OR modern option: both aside 

• Turnout - “Formal class” - correct appointments required & scoring sheets for judges to be provided

• Concours D'Elegance 

• Period Turnout