The Best Side-Saddle Experiences in the World
Side-saddle, once the standard way for women to ride, almost died out by the mid-20th century. A determined revival movement led by the UK Side Saddle Association has restored it as a competitive and recreational discipline. Below are the principal venues where side-saddle is taught and ridden today. All on the map.
Side Saddle Association, UK
The principal global organisation. Annual gymkhanas, clinics, and side-saddle exam progression. Visits welcome.
US Side-Saddle Society
American counterpart with regional rallies and educational events.
Hunt Field, England
Several English hunts welcome side-saddle riders; the hunt field remains a traditional venue.
Vienna — Spanish Riding School
While primarily traditional dressage, Vienna includes side-saddle exhibitions in special programmes.
Sweden — Sidsadel Society
Active Swedish side-saddle community with annual events.
Australia — Australian Side Saddle
Active Australian community with regional events and clinics.
Spain and Portugal
Iberian classical riding traditions include side-saddle (the Spanish montar a la amazona). Several centres demonstrate.
Hungary — Lipica Tradition
Lipizzaner-bred horses suit side-saddle work; some Hungarian centres demonstrate.
Argentina — Doma Vaquera
Some Argentine and Uruguayan estancia traditions include side-saddle riding by women.
Side-saddle clinics
Multi-day clinics teach the proper position and technique on schoolmaster horses. The Side Saddle Association calendar lists annual events.
Tack and dress
Modern side-saddles are mostly leather, with the rider's two right pommels. Traditional habit (jacket, apron skirt) is worn at most competitive events.
Suitable horses
Side-saddle requires a horse trained to be still while mounted and not to react to the rider's leg on one side only. Several Iberian and warmblood schoolmasters are kept specifically.
Booking and progression
Most side-saddle lessons start on a schoolmaster horse. Progression takes weeks to months for confident position; competition takes years.
Explore on the map
All venues mentioned above are pinned on the interactive map. Use it to plan a visit, compare regions, and find centres near your travel route.