Starting Side Saddle in Britain: Should You Learn Before Buying?
By the SportHorses.co.uk editorial team
Start side saddle with a specialist lesson before buying a horse or saddle. Use that experience to decide whether you enjoy the position and aids, then assess equipment and horse suitability separately. The Side Saddle Association’s undated questions and answers describes learning on trained horses without owning one; confirm availability and arrangements with the provider rather than assuming every instructor offers this.
For a British buyer, the useful distinction is between trying a different way of riding and committing to an entirely new partnership. Keep those decisions apart. A promising advertisement should begin a conversation, not decide the order of your purchases.
Where should you look for your first side-saddle lesson?
Use the Side Saddle Association’s instructor information as a starting point, then ask the instructor directly about suitable lessons. Its undated instructors page explains that listed instructors have taken part in its Grade and Examination process. It also cautions that information about facilities comes from instructors themselves and that pupils should satisfy themselves about appropriate insurance cover. Confirm the latest listing and provision with the Association or instructor.
For a first enquiry, be specific about your experience riding astride, whether you have a horse, and whether you want an introductory session or help with an existing partnership. Ask what equipment and clothing to bring, who will provide the horse, and what the session is intended to establish.
The Association’s undated FAQ says some riding schools and specialist centres have trained horses and ponies for learners. It tells readers to make sure their instructor has an official SSA qualification and is fully insured, and states that anyone teaching on their own horse must have a riding school licence. Use those points as checks when contacting a provider, not as something a directory entry proves by itself.
What should you learn before choosing a horse?
Learn enough to describe what feels manageable and what needs further instruction, rather than setting a deadline for buying. In Your Horse’s article of 3 June 2025, qualified Side Saddle Association instructor and panel judge Robyn Catterall describes first lessons covering position, aids, transitions and changes of rein. She also explains that riders need to become accustomed to using a stick on the right instead of their right leg aids.
That gives you a useful brief for a lesson debrief. Ask your instructor which difficulties came from unfamiliar technique and which, if any, related to the particular horse or equipment. Do not turn one uncomfortable attempt into a verdict on the whole activity; equally, do not treat one enjoyable session as proof that any advertised horse will suit.
Try the riding before buying the picture.
For a November project, make your goal a sequence of decisions rather than a show date. First establish whether you want to continue, then discuss how to assess your own horse or a prospective purchase. Leave competition plans until you have a clearer view of the partnership.
How should you assess a horse advertised as suitable?
Treat “suitable for side saddle” as a claim to investigate, not a complete description of training or rideability. The Association’s undated FAQ says most breeds and types will carry a side saddle and advises that a horse should be confident and happy in its work astride before being introduced to it. Ask your instructor how that guidance applies to the individual horse.
Catterall’s advice in the June 2025 Your Horse article puts emphasis on schooling astride and a comfortable trot, which the rider must sit rather than rise to. She describes having competed on a range of horses, including Thoroughbreds, cobs and Highland ponies. That is a reason to investigate the individual, not a guarantee about a breed.
Use the following as an enquiry framework, not a formal assessment standard:
| What the seller says | What to ask next |
|---|---|
| “Has carried a side saddle” | When, how often and with which rider? |
| “Competed side saddle” | Which activities, and can you see relevant footage? |
| “Easy to ride” | For a novice aside, or an experienced specialist? |
| “Saddle included” | Who assessed it for this horse and its previous rider? |
| “Would suit a new discipline” | Is that demonstrated experience or a suggestion? |
Separate verifiable evidence from judgement. A demonstration and a documented training history can establish what has been done. Whether you feel secure, can ride sympathetically and want to develop that partnership remains an individual decision. Keep your instructor involved, and plan your pre-purchase veterinary examination as a separate part of the buying process.
Why should the saddle be a separate buying decision?
Because a saddle offered with a horse still needs assessment for the intended rider as well as the horse. The Association’s undated FAQ states that a side saddle must fit both in length and width, and advises seeking an instructor’s or specialist saddler’s help before buying. Confirm the appropriate assessment with a specialist before committing.
An old saddle is not automatically a usable one. The same Association guidance says an instructor can check the girthing system and tree, but a specialist saddler needs to make an old saddle safe. It warns against using very old examples with dipped seats and without safety stirrup fittings for riding. A photograph or attractive restoration story should not replace that inspection.
Build a practical order of enquiries:
- Arrange an introductory lesson with an appropriate provider.
- Discuss your goals and existing riding experience.
- Ask for advice on assessing your own horse or a prospect.
- Arrange specialist equipment checks before purchase.
- Agree what further training and reassessment would be sensible.
Our guide to choosing a saddle fitter in Britain offers a broader appointment checklist. For this project, ask specifically about side-saddle experience rather than assuming it from general saddle-fitting work.
What else do first-time riders ask?
Do I need to own a horse first?
No. The Association’s undated FAQ describes trained horses and ponies available through some schools and specialist centres. Ask providers to confirm what they offer before booking.
Must I buy a traditional habit for lessons?
The Association’s undated FAQ says lessons can be taken in ordinary astride riding clothes. Check the provider’s clothing and protective-equipment requirements before attending; do not buy competition clothing simply to try a lesson.
Is a young horse the obvious place to start?
Not necessarily. The Association’s undated FAQ advises waiting until the horse has matured, is fully muscled-up and carries itself well. Discuss readiness with your instructor rather than using age alone as your buying criterion.
How quickly should I expect to progress?
Avoid a fixed timetable. In the June 2025 Your Horse article, Catterall says learning time differs between riders and relates progress to experience riding astride. Ask for an individual plan, not a promised number of lessons.
Keep your buying brief grounded in the riding you have actually tried. For the next stage, explore our horse-buying and training guides with your instructor’s assessment beside you.
