Ride Aside

I can not put into words how privileged and grateful I am to have had the absolute pleasure of having Nexus as my partner for side saddle this last year. Right up until I decided to retire him at Easter Fest he had something to teach me every moment I spent with him.
I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face every time I rode home and all the prizes he won last year were the icing on the cake.
He came out of the arena of his last class with his ears pricked and looking a million dollars, what more can I ask for. .massaro thank you for letting us share this journey together and letting me keep him to spoil and love as he grows old gracefully.

Such an enthusiastic bunch of pony campers at Aragon Stables . They were fascinated seeing a side saddle for the first time. I was provided with 3 super ponies which meant each child could have a short ride. A few had never ridden before they came to the camp but very game to give it a go. With the quality of the ponies, instructors and facilities I would definitely recommend Aragon Stables for any pony mad child.

Nexus doing what he loves best. He didn’t need much encouragement in the jump off! He was speedy and did some brilliant turns to come 3rd in the Stadium Eventing

3rd in A2 and an unlucky pole down in the jump off in Championship class

Nexus’ winning round at KEP Leg 1. We have formed an incredible trusting bond with our partnership and this round felt amazing. It was Jasmine’s first jumping show and after having a rodeo session in the warm up she went in to the arena and got on with the job. Couldn’t be more pleased with her. Looking forward to starting our side saddle journey together.

This is one of the disciplines I miss the most, Team Chasing. A team of 3 or 4 riders go hell for leather round a course of XC fences. It is judged on the fastest team home with the clock being stopped after the third rider goes over the finish. Hence why having a team of 4 is better in case one wipes out! We were called the ‘Leg Over Ladies’ and the only team to compete side saddle. It certainly got the adrenaline pumping 😁

Michele DuPlessis-Hay on her beautiful Vador.

She has her own side saddle which she has ridden her past horses in but with Vador being a tricky horse she quite rightly waited until she felt the time was right.

I was so impressed with them both. Michele has a wealth of side saddle knowledge and I’m excited to see what the future holds for her and Vador under side saddle. He was a bit suspicious at first but soon realised it wasn’t so bad.

I love looking back at old photos. My granny sent over some Horse & Hound magazines and there was an advert for a child’s side saddle. They are not easy to find so I quickly phoned the seller and my mum brought it out in her suitcase. From then on all she wanted was to compete and hunt on the side saddle.

Our first elementary together Champagne Tour Series done and dusted and can’t wait for the next one. We had to warm up next to the SJ so he was a bit put out when I took him down to the dressage arena! He felt absolutely amazing winning both classes with 66.6% and 65%. The judges comment on the test sheet made me giggle 🤭. Thanks Marianne Conlyn for the side saddle dressage lesson, you’ll be happy to know my circles were much better!

I’m really hoping to get to ride side saddle in graded classes here in SA. There used to be a rule saying side saddles were permitted but unfortunately it was taken out. I will try to get it reinstated when applications for rule changes can be submitted. Hannah is also keen to compete Ambrose and I have another very good dressage rider that has also ridden side saddle so hoping there might be 3 of us. No pressure Michele!
Tomorrow I am doing my first ungraded Elementary test side saddle at Eaton Farm. Looking forward to getting back between the white boards.

Side-saddle rider and multi-talented gelding cut elegant picture at Hartpury