Sidesaddle Battle

By February 1, 2011

The American Sidesaddle Association, an Ohio-based nonprofit corporation, is asking the American Quarter Horse Association to change their rules and allow sidesaddle riders to compete aboard their American Quarter Horses.

Although women have been showing in sidesaddles for well over a hundred years and many breeds allow or even welcome riders showing their mounts under sidesaddle tack, the American Quarter Horse Association forbids riders from showing their horses aside. This doesn’t only affect AQHA owners, but other stock breeds that take their cues from the AQHA and follow their rules. Many 4-H and open horse shows follow the AQHA guidelines, which means many sidesaddle riders miss the chance to show aside as a result of the restriction.

Showing aside isn’t something women only do for fun. Many riders are able to continue riding and showing after an injury only after making the switch to riding aside. And riders whose religion forbids them from wearing slacks, jeans or pants are able to honor their beliefs while riding aside.

Native costuming is a popular sub-discipline of sidesaddle riding.

In the past, there’s been a fear that sidesaddle riding is unsafe, uncomfortable or even dangerous. Sidesaddle enthusiasts disagree. “Contrary to some rumors, it does not cause injury or pain to the horse or rider,” said one. “Women have ridden aside safely for centuries, and many women feel more secure in their properly fitted sidesaddle than they do in an astride saddle.”

The American Sidesaddle Association is seeking public support as it attempts to convince the AQHA to change the rules to allow sidesaddle riding. The ASA is also asking Quarter Horse owners who ride aside or show in open shows aside to send photos and information on their achievements aside to the AQHA.

Commenting on the proposed rule change, ASA president Jennifer Williams said, “Many women enjoy riding aside, and it is a shame they cannot show off their horses and skills at AQHA shows. I’m hoping the show committee will change the rules. It is a great chance to show off how versatile the American Quarter Horse is and to teach people about riding aside.”

For more information on the American Sidesaddle Association, visit http://www.americansidesaddleassociation.org.

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