Sidesaddle Believe it or Not

ide Saddles Story and Photos ByS Believe It Or Not! Pie Truono and Jacquelynn Holly

Did you know Titanic had a mechanical side saddle in its First Class Gymnasium?

In 1912 an exercise machine such as this was on the Titanic and other cruise ships of the �me. This photo can be found on page F9 from Dr. G. Zander’s medico-mechanische Gymnas�k Book published in 1892 courtesy of the Smithsonian Libraries.

It has been recorded in the Guiness World Records that Susan Oakes cleared a 6’5” triple bar with Oberon and a 6’8” puissance wall with Atlas in Ireland on Oct 24, 2013. This makes her the world record holder for highest jump by a horse ridden side saddle for both types of jumps

This picture captures the truly amazing Oberon and Susan Oakes clearing a 6’5” triple bar. Photo courtesy of Noel Mullins

DID YOU KNOW? The USEF rules in the Ladies Side Saddle Division require each lady to possess a sandwich case and flask on the offside of her sidesaddle.

It is checked for historical accuracy. The sandwich should be made with white meat, and the bread is required to have the crust removed. The sandwich must be cut on a diagonal and wrapped in linen or wax paper. It is said that wrapping the sandwich in this unique and specific manner prevents the scent of the meal from throwing off the hounds while hun�ng in the field. Tea or sherry are the only two beverages permi�ed to fill the flask. Judges will check these appointments as it is a por�on of the overall ranking within the class.

Stock �es are also a requirement of the Ladies Side Saddle Showing a�re and have an important history as they were o�en used in the hun�ng field in case of injury. Stock �es could be used in a variety of ways including a sling for a rider, a bandage for a horse or even a tourniquet. A stock pin resembling a safety pin should be gold and neatly pinned horizontally. Pie Truono proudly shows the contents of her side saddle case containing a correctly made and wrapped sandwich and sherry filled flask. Here you can see her smartly �ed stock �e and pin. Photo by a friend

Susan Oakes and Altas clear a 6’ 8” Puissance wall for a Guinness World Record. Photo by Noel Millins

Mexican Saddle

Did you know Mexican sidesaddles, known as “albarda” sidesaddles used by Escaramuza Charras, are built unlike any other sidesiddle? The saddles are built on bars, similar to western sidesaddles, but the seat is built up in a sling-like fashion, so the rider is suspended about 6-8” above the tree bars! These saddles are also built with two s�rrups, like an astride saddle. This allows the rider to prac�ce her precise drill maneuvers astride, before compe�ng en�rely aside. Photo by Jacquelynn Holly

English Saddle

Did you know English, Western and Mexican sidesaddles are all rigged differently? English sidesaddles use the billet system, similar to an astride English saddle, but with a tri-fold leather girth, an overgirth and a balance strap reaching from the front nearside to the back offside.

Double rigged Western sidesaddles feature two billets on the nearside and two la�gos on the offside.

Both English and Western sidesaddles are cinched and adjusted on the offside.

The Mexican sidesaddle, however, is cinched on the nearside and features one la�go on each side. EE