Equusaside - I really enjoyed reading that article you shared. I will take every precaution before I buy a saddle - that is for sure! I think I have enough good references that will not lead me astray when I do decide to buy one.
My daughter bought me a book entitled Side Saddle For Beginners. She told me it was an early Christmas gift…but I guarantee that once it gets here, it will be well read way before Christmas!
This is an interesting thread. I stumbled onto it when I was searching Google for sidesaddles.
Yes there are Western sidesaddles and also off side sidesaddles and also reversable sidesaddles.
I have a Western tree for a 21 inch off side sidesaddle. I have a tree from an 1898 reversable sidesaddle also.
There are many interesting sidesaddles still out in old barns and sheds.
they can be reworked to be used again.
Even if they have broken trees often they can be repaired or at least the fittings and
leaping horns and bases can be salvaged off them.
I recently bought an old Western that was open in the back and the seat was made suspended out of leather off a rim of wood on iron.
It was done that way to kee the horse’s back cool.
Get in touch with any of the sidesaddle groups and get some advice from the more seasoned riders. You will need a mentor to help you get the right saddle and get to the meets and events where you can get acquainted wit others in the sport.
It will save you alot of trial and error.
Most horses don’t mind the sidesaddle as long as it fits them and doesn’t pinch their withers.
It is alot of fun and easy on the body. Our grandmothers knew what they were doing. They just had everyone fooled into thinking it was hard to do.
It’s not.
Regards,
sadlmakr
I realized a nightmare last Saturday night when I had to put my wonderful Saddlebred mare down. She was almost 22 years young and I showed her until she was 20. This was the mare that I was going to trust to help me learn side saddle. My heart is just broken… Apparently she had a growth in her intestine that completely cut off the blood supply to her small intestine. I have never witnessed a horse colic so quickly and so severly. Thank God I was there and was able to get her to the vet quickly…otherwise she would have suffered a horrific death
I’m so sorry EV 
Godspeed to your mare.
Oh that’s terrible! I’m so sorry.
How is your corgi doing?
Thank you for the kind sentiments. My heart is still so sore. I felt as though I was wearing a mask on Thanksgiving with a smile on it… I miss her so.
KC the Corgi is doing so much better. He now responds to his name and moves as though he is no longer in pain. Mentally though he is still a bit off.
OMG! I bought a sidesaddle! It is an early 1900’s C&W and I purchased it after what felt like a million e-mails with the owner…Only one worry - It may be too narrow to fit my boy - but if it is, I will look into doing a possible trade or put it on consignment with one of the side saddle brokers.
Edited to add: “My Boy” is the rescued Saddlebred Gelding I just received transfer papers on. His name is Chastain and although I do not know this horse as I did my Blondie - I am very excited to make the journey of learning with him.
Now - back to the saddle -
It is not a forward seat - good for me since I am only interested in showing and flat land riding …but looks to be in beautiful condition for its age. Pretty sure it will need to be reflocked though…
Thank you ladies for all of your wonderful advice!
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