How to Excel At Being Average

Sidesaddle riders have always fascinated me. As a little girl I would imagine galloping over fields and fences with my hair and skirts flowing. It's possible I was born in the wrong century! So, when our local riding club - Cherwell Valley - started to put on sidesaddle taster session with the amazing Ginny Oakley, I leapt at the chance. Before these taster sessions Ginny asks about your horse type and shape, and your own shape and height, and takes along a saddle that may suit you and your horse. To start, you ride astride to warm up. This is important for your muscles and for your pony's muscles and state of mind. You don't want to be getting on wonky for the first time on a whirling dervish. Once warmed up, Ginny takes you to one side and fits a saddle to your horse. Because sidesaddles have a balance strap coming behind the girth, it's important to make sure your horse will accept this before getting on. So, once the saddle is in place you lead your horse