Showring/Competition​

Focus on 'informal turnout'​

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By the Australian Side Saddle Community.

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Australia’s side saddle community faces distinct challenges compared to the UK and USA, particularly regarding the accessibility, availability, and affordability of the “correct” attire and tack. 

For many Australian riders, side saddle is just one of several disciplines they participate in. This often makes it difficult to invest in specialized gear that may be expensive or hard to find locally. 

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Because of these factors, some flexibility in competition turnout is necessary. This approach helps make side saddle riding and competing accessible to as many riders as possible, while still honoring the tradition and spirit of this elegant discipline. 

 

 The Australian Side Saddle Community.

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QUICK TIPS:  

 

· Shop smart: 
You can often find ties, vests, and even riding jackets at secondhand or thrift stores — a great way to keep costs down. 

 

· No cut-away jacket? No problem! Try this instead! 
Simply fold back the front flaps of your regular jacket and pin them in place to mimic a "cut away" style. 

 

· Vest fitting issues? 
Try using “false” vest tails that pin inside your jacket instead

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ENGLISH FORMAL / TURNOUT CLASSES:
A stricter adherence to traditional side saddle appointments is expected. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of Fitzwilliam girths, the exclusion of items such as black gloves, and other traditional requirements in order to preserve the integrity of historical side saddle turnout. Formal appointments do vary across their designated classes. 

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The guidelines outlined below apply to both Western and English riders, with specific reference to informal ( English ) turnout only. They align with our mission to make side saddle competition in informal classes as accessible and inclusive as possible

 

Files for download for competitors, judges & event organisers 

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