sidesaddle purchase

[Coyoteco]

I bought a sidesaddle at a yard sale last week. I don’t know anything about them and the seller didn’t either. It’s very old, has a seat that has a lot of stitching on it. It has tooling and a tiny covered, trapadero stirrup.

I saw one picture of a Victorian Hunt Saddle and thought it could be one of those, but it could even be a western one, I suppose, as it has some leather rossettes on it and has that little western stirrup. The rigging seems more western than English. I simply have no idea.

I have pictures online but can’t post them here. I could probably put them on my facebook account this evening, or if anyone wants to see it could post a link.

The leather that shows is in reasonable condition, expecially for its age. I think the tree is sound. The stitching and metal fasteners (screws or nails) are tight. The stirrup leather and the rigging are all very fragile.

I haven’t measured it yet, though I did find a website that explains how.

I’ve read a little on these forums about sidesaddles, but not enough to know what kind it might be. I don’t see a manufacturers name, but may not have look at the right place.

I was thinking that I could make it sound for riding and play with jumping in it as I think that would be a lot of fun. But, then I learn that there are western sidesaddles as well as English. I think it’s quite pretty.

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[Anselcat]

Here is a good website with pictures of various types of sidesaddles, and good information on sidesaddles in general:

http://hundredoaksinc.com/overview

[Coyoteco]

Oh, thanks! I’d seen that websdite, but not that specific page. It would indicate that mine is probably an “American sidesaddle” with an American sidesadde tree. It’s pretty and in good enough shape to fix up, but the bad part is that this site also says that these were not made for jumping, which is the only reason I wanted a side saddle.

[buck22]

its not safe to jump in a side saddle that isn’t reinforced for jumping, you can easily break the tree I’m told.

The best way to find out is to ask someone knowledgeable, they’ll know by the style if its likely to be reinforced or not. The only sure fire way to find out if the tree is reinforced for jumping however is to xray it or take it apart and see.

Marti at hundred oaks is very knowledgeable and very happy to assist.

Be sure the saddle fits your horse at least reasonably well before riding it, an ill fitting side saddle can be extremely painful to the horse, and do check it carefully that the billets are sturdy, and you have a balance strap.

good luck! I’m just getting into side saddle myself!

[Brigit]

If I could see some photos of the saddle I might be able to give you some insight. Send me a private message with a link to your facebook account if you’d like and I’ll have a look.

It sounds like a really interesting saddle from the sounds of the stitching on the seat and other details!

As for jumping sidesaddle, yes it’s true that you really shouldn’t jump sidesaddle unless the tree is reinforced. You’d hate to break the tree. I’ve tried jumping sidesaddle a few times and I always end up with a REALLY sore back,(Which means I’m probably not doing it quite right, plus my mare is a big round jumper) so don’t feel too disappointed if you can’t jump in it! lol

Check out the Sidesaddlery as well, they have a bunch of saddles on there that might give you a clue to the history on yours.

[Coyoteco]

I sent you a link to my flickr account. The saddle pictures are on the second page.

I haven’t put it on my facebook yet.

Anyone who wants to see pictures can have the link.

I’m interested to hearing your thoughts on the saddle.

Jumping in one is probably a good way for me to come back in multiple pieces lol, but it’s still a bit diappointing.

[Brigit]

[QUOTE=Coyoteco;5026293]

Jumping in one is probably a good way for me to come back in multiple pieces lol, but it’s still a bit diappointing.[/QUOTE]

You’d be really suprised at how secure the saddles are. I never felt like I was going to fall off when I was jumping, I just had trouble staying forward long enough and had a slight “whiplash” effect on my lower back. Yeowch!

[Coyoteco]

lol, I really want to try jumping in one.

[sadlmakr]

Yours sounds like a really old one.
I’d love to see a picture of it.
Most of those old ones were not designed to jump in.
The best ones for Hunting are the Old Name English sidesaddles. They were made to use in the Hunt Field.
There was a custom the Young Ladies did back then, to dress up in her very best riding habit and go for a “Walk through the Park”. To be seen by the young men who would go to the Park to see the young women.
The sidesaddles they used were often very ornate. Especially in the Deep South. I had a sidesaddle from Natchess Tenn. that was covered with tapestry. Very beautiful. But it was as I mentioned a saddle for A Walk through the Park.
Modern sidesaddles ( from 1900 to 1950) were designed for Hunting and are iron re-enforced inthe gullet to withstand the impact of landing after a jump.
Most of the Asian imports from today are not stressed for jumping.
So if you do want to learn to jump in a Sidesaddle you will need to get one of those English made designed for jumping.
Fit is very important for both horse and rider with sidesaddles.
A good instructor is essential so you do not end up with a sore back.
As I think you found out.
Kind regards, sadlmaker

[Coyoteco]

Sadlmakr, I’ve been discussing this with Brigit. She’s thinking - and I think she’s right - that it’s a catalog saddle from the very late 1800’s. It’s very light in weight and I’m quite sure it’s not a jumping side saddle - and I certainly wouldn’t want to break the tree. I can send you a pm with a link to the pictures.

[sadlmakr]

I 'd love to see it. KR’sm, sadlmakr