I made my habit from the SuitAbility pattern. I made it from a Navy colored wool blend. I lined it with a hunter green satin. I love it! I think I spent around $100 total. There are pictures of me on their website. I didn’t put weights in the bottom and its something I need to do. I’m the 2nd horse down (the tall bay horse). You can see it was flapping in the breeze a bit in one of the pics.
[QUOTE=SidesaddleRider;3805738]
That could easily be taken care of, you know… ;)[/QUOTE]
I actually have some serious and detailed questions about the body mechanics of riding sidesaddle. I’d love your input and that of other ss riders.
Perhaps a separate thread? If it’s something y’all would like to talk about I’m all ears.
horsepix - lovely photo. What do you use to weight it? Drapery weights?
JSwan,
Asolutely, ask away! (either here or a new thread)
[QUOTE=SidesaddleRider;3805797]
JSwan,
Asolutely, ask away! (either here or a new thread)[/QUOTE]
Ok - you asked for it. 
[QUOTE=JSwan;3805791]
horsepix - lovely photo. What do you use to weight it? Drapery weights?[/QUOTE]
Yes. Or pennies. 
Question
What is the most comfortable outfit to wear when trying sidesaddle for the first time?
Breeches and plain jodphurs, with half chaps, tall boots, or other?
Either breeches and tall boots (if they aren’t too tall, otherwise the right boot will interfere with you bending your knee properly), or breeches and half chaps (just remember to flip your right half chap so the zipper doesn’t scratch the saddle).
You should never wear jeans when riding in a sidesaddle, and full chaps are too bulky.
Used Habit?
Does anyone know (other than the Middleburg Tack Exchange) where I could find a used habit for sale or is anyone interested in selling theirs? MTE has a few but they are tiny, looking for something that fits a 10-12 ladies. I have been taking ss lessons and enjoying for the past year but would really love to show this spring and want to start getting ready! Thanks all!
Check ebay. A gal on one of the sidesaddle groups just listed hers. Sorry, don’t know the size, though.
Where to shop
I’d check out sidesaddle heaven. I bought a whip from them and was absolutly delighted – the price was right, questions were answered promptly, and the whip was excellent quality in excellent condition. Now if only I could ride sidesaddle:winkgrin:
Ditto on sidesaddle heaven. Sue Tobin is wonderful; I got my saddle from her and she was extremely helpful both before and after the purchase.
[QUOTE=linquest;3826323]
What is the most comfortable outfit to wear when trying sidesaddle for the first time?
Breeches and plain jodphurs, with half chaps, tall boots, or other?[/QUOTE]
Don’t laugh - but I am learning how to ride aside now and the answer to your question is low boots and stirrup pants!
Just butt. Just saw ‘sidesaddle’ and had to pop in…but it looks like all the questions have been covered.
For comparison though - I am an overly frugal aside rider, and my “cheaters way” of getting a show habit was to alter a hunt coat that fit me, and sew an apron in a closely matching fabric. It cost me less than $150, and will work for all but appointments classes. Of course I have no photos of me formally dressed, but here’s a “fun day” with my scandalous sage apron.
Patched together habit
Thanks Mrs. Cowboy, I was actually thinking about doing that. I won’t be showing sidesaddle at anything really serious or upper level. I was wondering if that would work, especially if I went really conservative. Just might give it a try!
[QUOTE=equusvilla;3699255]
Where did you get yours? New - Used?? What did you use it for - hunt, show, parade?? How much did you spend?
Thanks![/QUOTE]
My Mother, a hell of a seamstress, made mine. I gave her a friends custom made skirt and she created a pattern to fit me from that- this was back in 1976. Mine was informal for local showing- bowler, brown tweed jacket and solid brown skirt. I’d have to dig around for what few photos of that I have around here.
I posted a link recently that had vintage habits for sale.
http://www.fieldandcountryantiques.co.uk/index.php?osCsid=8b666399ddc1431a28a396ada1fb473f
