The American Sidesaddle Association's
PHOENIX
Summer 2015
Martin and Martin by Kimberly Cornelius Restored by Lillian Chaudhary and owned by Joy Hohenshelt
The American Sidesaddle Association 7033 Potts Hill Rd. Bainbridge, OH 45612 Phone: 740-222-0515 info@americansidesaddleassociation.org PRESIDENT
Maggie Herlensky 7033 Potts Hill Rd Bainbridge, OH 45612 740-222-0515 maggieszoo@horizonview.com VICE PRESIDENT Judy Hastings 237 Kuhl Ridge Rd Pomeroy, WA 99347 509-843-1933 fancy_muley@yahoo.com SECRETARY Andee Chapman PO Box 602 Corvalis, MT 59828 740-708-4259 andeechapman@yahoo.com TREASURER Monica Chapman 19777 SR 772 Waverly, OH 45690 740-941-1358, 740-222-6337 mchapman974@gmail.com
THE ASA PHOENIX The ASA Phoenix is the official newsletter of the American Sidesaddle Association, 7033 Potts Hill Rd., Bainbridge, OH 45612. Subscription is part of the membership to ASA. Published four times annually. Printed and mailed copies are an additional $10. Readers are encouraged to submit articles, comments and properly identified photos. We reserve the right to edit all material to be published. Submissions may be made to the Editor: Kimberly Cornelius 2372 Walcot Way Lexinton, KY 40511 email: cornelius.kimberlya@gmail.com Phone: (859) 455-6099 Electronic submission is preferred. If photographs or attachments are too large for email, ask me about DropBox. Copies may not be reproduced (except for one's own personal use) without written permission from the ASA Phoenix and the author. Copyright 2014 The ASA Phoenix and The American Sidesaddle Association. Back issues ofThe Phoenix may be found online: asamembersnetwork@yahoogroups.com.
MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Vicki Pritchard 355 Sunset Drive Chillicothe, OH 45601 740-656-5856 cvp1193@twc.com
ASA Phoenix
Pegasus Parade 201 5 Alicia Sager carrying the ASA Banner, Natasha Raina and Sally Truss. Photo by Brian Semler.
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2015 Pegasus Parade
Best Mounted Group All Photos by Brian Semler
Deb Bidlack, Taryn Homier
Morgan Reeves on Wildcat Nation
Candy Carlson on Khornerstone, dressed as Secretariat
Maggie Herlensky on Red Fern, Cara Fightmaster on Tag, Cheryl Fightmaster on USS Fortunato
ASA Phoenix
L-R: Tianna Cooper, Taryn Homier, Deb Bidlack
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AMERICAN SIDESADDLE ASSOCIATION (ASA) DRESS AND TACK GUIDELINES
Purpose of this booklet: To clarify, update, enhance, and remind us of basic guidelines that are meant to enhance the safety and professionalism of riding aside. Sidesaddle riding is not outdated, educational This booklet is being published in sections in The Phoenix. activities continue, and certified instructors near you Members may print each installment and assemble the continue to hold educational clinics and mentor new entire booklet. riders. The ASA promotes aside riding across all breed and show associations, and in all aspects of Installment #1: Overview and Guidelines, Types of equine enjoyment. ASA also offers a yearly highSaddles, Informal Hunt Seat, Formal Hunt Seat. points awards program for its members, culminating Installment #2: Dressage, Informal Saddle Seat, in the yearly awards banquet that is held in various Formal Saddleseat, and Eventing. Installment #3: locations across the country, hosted in turn by the Western Riding, Endurance and Competitive Trail, and affiliate clubs. ASA purchases insurance for its main Spanish. Installment #4: Period Sidesaddle, parade activities each year; The Louisville Kentucky Renaissance, Costume/Parade, Regional Affiliate Club Derby Pegasus Parade and the Chicago McDonald’s Contacts, References, and Judge/Instructor/Clinician Thanksgiving Day Parade. (JIC) Listing. General Guidelines: Committee Members for this booklet: Maggie Herlensky, These general guidelines are based on the principles President, American Sidesaddle Association (ASA), of aside riding: 1. Always ensure proper saddle and President Southern Ohio Ladies Aside (SOLA), and ASA tack fit. 2. Think in the positive and work toward ease Judge/Instructor/Clinician (JIC); Vicki Pritchard, ASA of participation in all types of equine events. 3. Membership Coordinator; Rhonda Watts-Hettinger, JIC for Ensure traditional correctness of attire and tack. 4. ASA and ASA Board Member; Pat Merkle, JIC for ASA; Work toward being a positive role model and always Judy Hastings, JIC for ASA and President, Northwest Aside represent the ASA in the best light possible. 5. Group (NAGS); Samantha Peterson, JIC for ASA and Conform to show and association rules. 6. Work President, Kentucky Sidesaddle (KYSS); Sue Duncan, JIC toward the utmost in safety for horse and rider. for ASA; Jo Rench, JIC for ASA and Vice-President Side Saddle Sisters of Oklahoma (SSSO); Kim Cornelius, Editor ofThe Phoenix (the ASA newsletter); Kristen Aeh, Becky Pitcock, and Laurie Post, aside experts and ASA members.
The aside rider should not seek to stand out in the crowd, but should, with grace and willingness, conform to the accepted showing practices and rules for the specific breed, type, and region. She should be References: thoughtful regarding the goal of promoting the art of 1. Bowlby, Linda, “World Sidesaddle Federation Dress and aside riding, its rich tradition for the independence of Tack Guidelines”, (out of print) women, and the continuing need for equal acceptance 2. Brueckmann, Robin Miller, “Dressage in a Sidesaddle: in all types of equine riding events. Look to Marti Training You to Train Your Horse Aside”, copyright 1991, Friddle and Linda Bowlby’s book, “The Sidesaddle 104 Garden of Eden Rd, Wilmington, DE, 19803 Legacy,” for details regarding all aspects of the 3. Friddle, Martha Coe and Bowlby, Linda, “The Sidesaddle history and correctness of aside riding. In the FriddleLegacy”, available from The American Sidesaddle Bowlby book, a good deal of attention is paid to the Association, cvp1193@twc.com differences between European and American 4. Thomas, Mary L., “The Fair Lady Aside”, available from sidesaddle standards; as well as saddle types, tips for The American Sidesaddle Association, cvp1193@twc.com how to buy a saddle, how to choose a horse, starting a 5. United States Equestrian Federation Rule Book, 2015 horse aside, and trouble-shooting. Look also to “My update, available on-line Fair Lady Aside” by Mary L. Thomas. In her book, 6. Watts-Hettinger, Rhonda, “The Encyclopaedia of the Thomas offers general knowledge of sidesaddles and Sidesaddle” available at sidesaddle5@yahoo.com clothing for riding habits, according to various historic and modern time periods. The Thomas book piques the reader’s interest in the elegance of aside ASA Phoenix
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riding. In Rhonda Watts-Hettinger’s book, “The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of the Sidesaddle,” the author tackles the “A” to “Z” of all the history, dress, tack, and terminology related to the art of the sidesaddle discipline. The advanced sidesaddle rider must have the Watts-Hettinger book. The dressage aside rider would benefit greatly from the Brueckmann book. All of these books are inspirational and pictorially adept at helping the reader understand all the attributes of aside riding.
For youth riders and 4-H, the leaders must certainly emphasize the shared qualities of astride and aside riding. Informal attire requires only the addition of the apron. This minimizes the cost for the new or entry level rider and presents an appearance compatible with astride peers. The aside youth rider will be wearing the same type of clothing that is worn by astride girls in the same events. United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) approved safety helmets are required for 4-H and are also required for all youth entries in ASA and The aside rider must know the rules of the particular club events. The saddle must be fitted to the competition she is entering. She must select the proper affiliate equine, as well as to the rider; thus, saddle renovation tack and attire, and maintain the same standards of may be needed. Finally, the horse or equine should be neatness as her astride counterparts. “Sidesaddle suitably mannered to the task. Be sure the saddle, presence” comes from hours of work, diligence, and rigging, tack, and dress are appropriate to either attention to detail. The above referenced books also Western or English showing. Junior riders may be give good advice about choosing the proper type of to wear braids or ponytails if the breed rules saddle, rigging, and tack to fit the horse, yourself, and allowed allow. The ponytail or braid should not cover the show the task at hand. number that is pinned on the rider’s back, if one is used. Always check with the judges before showing. It may All saddles must be safe. This means that to use a be helpful to give the judge a copy of this booklet. saddle, it must be safely rideable, whether new or antique. In general, antique saddles must be renovated TYPES OF SIDESADDLES by a reputable saddler, and leaping pommels and balance girths must be added. Saddles without leaping The Western Sidesaddle: These saddles are styled for pommels are suitable only for historical reenactment and security. Used for Western Pleasure with no rugged use anticipated, because these antiques comfort show, and actual ranch/farm work, they fall into can be dangerous when put to actual use. Additionally, classes, two categories: saddles that are not properly renovated and fitted to the The Western Pleasure Sidesaddle is built on a western horse can sore the horse’s back, and worse. The ASA’s bar tree, but without the heavy construction and Judge/Instructor/Clinicians (JICs) are located in the appearance of the stock sidesaddle. A leaping horn is affiliate ASA clubs, throughout the country. Saddle required. The shape of the skirts, flaps, and the degree fitting is one of their specialties. of decoration can vary. All Western saddles are with western style cinches. The saddle may be In general, contemporary attire, as worn by any proper equipped leather or leather with suede or fabric seat. The rider, can also be used by the aside rider with only the all underside may be leather, sheepskin, felt, or addition of the apron skirt in matching or harmonizing fabric. Usepanels only western style safety stirrups. Balance color. Aprons must be of heavy fabric, interfaced or are preferred. hem-weighted to lie smoothly. The hem must be level straps Western Stock Sidesaddle is a heavy-duty saddle and horizontal to the ground. There are apron pattern The built on a reinforced bar tree, double-rigged, and suggestions available from the American Sidesaddle suitable for ranch work. It may be all leather or leather Association members, contact suede. The leaping horn is required as it replaces maggieszoo@horizonview.net. Formal clothing for the and swelled fork in the astride western saddle. The stock aside rider is called a riding habit, a fairly consistent the sidesaddle may have round or square skirts; and it has set of clothing that is traditional to aside riding. Check dees, carriers, latigos to secure riata (lariat), hobbles, individual breed guidelines and local event club rules slicker, etc. Theorskirts may be lined with sheep wool, for the use of accessories (hat type and gloves, etc) felt, or leather. All western stock sidesaddles must have which are the same as used for astride riders. western cinches and western style safety stirrups and balance straps. ASA Phoenix
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The English Sidesaddle: Variants of this saddle are used for modern hunt, saddle seat, and dressage. The saddles are styled for stability, ease of posting, and some are designed for security when jumping. There are three categories of English sidesaddles: The English Hunt and/or Park Sidesaddles may be of cutback or non-cutback style; however, cutback is preferred for a better fit. The Park sidesaddle is usually not reinforced for jumping; whereas the Hunt saddles have a fork tree that is nicely reinforced for jumping. These two types of saddles must have a balance assembly and a smooth stirrup, of a break-away type/quick-release assembly. The saddle may be of plain leather or a combination of leather, doeskin, or suede. The leaping pommel and fixed head can be of narrow, medium, or wide width. The underside may be leather, linen, or serge. There can be no tooled leather on the saddle. Hunting saddles are equipped with D rings for breastplates, flasks, and sandwich cases. The English Pleasure Sidesaddle may or may not be cutback. It can be either a two or three-pommel variety, but it must have a leaping pommel and balance assembly. The saddle must be of plain smooth leather or leather with suede. The underside should be plain smooth leather or fabric. These saddles are not suitable for jumping. The Combination Sidesaddle is built on a western bar with English exterior. Brands such as Whitman, Steele, Comal, and Skyhorse all fall into this category. They are not suitable for jumping. The western bars allow the saddle to fit a wider variety of today’s broader horses. Off-side saddles are made so that the rider’s legs are on the right side of the horse, rather than the usual left side. These reversed saddles were constructed for ladies who had some type of infirmity, such as a painful hip or knee, or some such condition that would make right side leg positioning painful.
historical reenactment with safety walkers present. It is possible to purchase a custom-made reproduction of a usable antique saddle or one can still purchase a saddle that dates to the period between 1880 and 1920. These turn-of-the-century saddles, if used, must have a leaping head for safety, a feature that was invented during that time period. Fitting an old saddle to a modern horse is very tricky and can make the use of the saddle impossible. Your local JIC can assist you in deciding whether or not special padding and other precautions can be taken. INFORMAL HUNT SEAT ATTIRE AND TACK
Informal Attire: Hunt seat attire is a blend of contemporary astride and traditional aside apparel for actual field use. It is essential to check the club rules and to know what the astride riders are wearing. You want to conform in appearance. The aside rider may wear a habit of matching apron and coat or jacket, depending on the event and blending with what astride riders would wear. Sometimes frock coats are acceptable, and sometimes a coat and apron may be of contrasting colors, including a tweed or plaid jacket. The fabric should be wool suit fabric or washable fabric in hot weather. Light-colored linen habits are appropriate summer wear. The apron must always match or harmonize nicely with the jacket or coat. The apron must hang level, touching the ankle bone of the left foot when the rider is mounted. Of course, the right foot must be completely covered. Accessories include a hunt crop (or rarely, according to the club, a riding cane), which is optional according to the choice of the club. A single blunt spur is appropriate but optional to the aside rider, and a sandwich case is not necessary for informal classes. Boots must be brown or black leather, with or without tops, and should harmonize with the clothing. If the boots have tops, the tops be of patent leather. Breeches should be of a Period Sidesaddles: These are antiques; and because of should color to match closely with the apron. Buff colored or the sometimes fragile nature of the saddles, extreme white breeches are usually not acceptable. The coat consideration is needed for choosing one and for its may be 1, 2, or 3 button style. It may have 1 or 2 vents ongoing care. Few saddles from before 1850 remain, the back. In all cases, the jacket length should allow and those that do, are usually not suitable for riding on in it to touch the back of the saddle. Longer contemporary today’s wider modern horses. Rarely, some antique jackets are acceptable if used by the astride riders. The sidesaddles may be used today after careful and hat may be a bowler with a hat guard, according to the complete rebuilding and re-covering, but great care preference of the astride riders, taking region and breed must be taken for the safety of the rider and for the into consideration. A regular hunt cap, as listed in comfort of the horse. The oldest saddles do not have a class the USEF rules is acceptable, but safety hunt caps are leaping head for the security of the rider, and these required for jumping and for over fences. Safety hunt antiques are generally for display only, or careful ASA Phoenix
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caps are required for all junior riders (age 18 and under) for all their informal classes and events. Gloves should be of dark brown leather. A white or conservative colored ratcatcher shirt, worn with choker, is the least formal acceptable shirt. A white hunt stock tie should accompany the shirt, unless the club allows a colored tie. For a more British informal look, the shirt can be a white soft-collared shirt with a 4-in-hand tie. Check with the club. A vest is optional, not usually worn in the summer, and plain white, yellow, or buff colored unless you are a member of the hunt club or have been invited to wear their vest color. Jewelry consists of a plain gold safety stock pin, placed horizontally. Small unadorned stud earrings and a lapel pin (if you are a member or have been invited by the club to wear the lapel pin) can be worn, if desired. Informal tack: A breastplate is optional; but if used, must be of English type. The martingale is not permitted except over fences. The type of martingale, running or standing, must conform to the class rules. German martingales are only acceptable in open jumping classes. For tack, the bridle must be contemporary hunt, appropriate to the class entered. All straps must be in their keepers. The bit should be appropriate to the breed class and its use in the field. The saddle, if at all possible, should be of English cutback type; however, conservative pleasure saddles that are off-side, are acceptable for riders with a physical handicap. An English pleasure style saddle is best on the flat and a hunt saddle is required for over fences. No western or period saddles are permitted. The white or buff-colored saddle pad should contour exactly to the saddle and not be visible. The girth must be of triple fold leather, without elastic, and without girth cover, and must not be shaped. There must be a balance girth, either separate or stitched Break-away safety stirrup is required.
of a recognized hunt club that has different livery colors. The habit lining must match in color; and overall, the habit must be well-tailored. The coat must conform to regulation, having one, two, or three buttons, two back vents, and either cutaway or shadbelly with canary points. The coat collar must be of the same color and fabric as the coat, unless you are a member of a club that has a variation on this. The coat should just touch the back of the saddle. The apron should touch the left ankle bone; and, of course, the right foot should be covered at all times. The hem must be level from front to back, and of heavy fabric, usually weighted to remain in place at speed. The shirt is a long-sleeved white ratcatcher, upon which is worn a plain white hunting stock tie that has been neatly tied and correctly fastened horizontally with a plain gold safety pin. A plain white, yellow, or buff-colored vest must be worn unless you are a member of a hunt club or have been invited by them to wear their colors. The hat must be a four and a half inch high hunting silk top hat without adornments. For traditional appointments, a black veil may be expected by the club. It is worn over the hat and face, must have an elastic top, and must fit over the hat brim and under the chin. Protective helmets are required for over fences and for all events for junior riders. If the helmet is of traditional black velvet, the ribbons must be sewn up, unless the rider is qualified to wear them down. Buttons must also comply with the club livery and be black bone on a black coat and black on a blue coat. The vest should have brass or bone buttons. Please note that livery colors (the colors of the specific club) can only be worn if you are a member or if you have been formally invited to wear these. In that case, the collar of the jacket and the vest can be of the livery colors. If you are a member or have been formally invited to do so, you may wear the hunt button, engraved with the hunt emblem. Gloves must be of heavy brown wash leather. FORMAL HUNT SEAT ATTIRE AND TACK Rain gloves of yellow, buff, or white string should always be carried in the off-side billets with the thumbs Formal (Formal English) Attire: Appointment classes in and the fingers forward, just showing in front of the require formal attire. Other astride classes may require saddle flap. Jewelry is not permitted except for formal hunt attire, and the aside rider must comply. essential finger rings, such as wedding and Hunt boots are of plain black calf leather without tabs, engagement, and small plain stud earrings for pierced zippers or laces. Colored tops are not permitted. Field ears. Your hair must be done in a bun at the nape of boots are not acceptable. The garter is optional and your neck. A hairpiece for a false bun is needed for must be plain black if worn. Breeches must be the those with short hair, and of course, it must match the same color as the habit, and the habit must be of rider’s natural hair color. Boutonnieres are not melton wool or other suitable weight cloth. Dark blue permitted. or black is acceptable unless the rider is a true member Continued on page 16 ASA Phoenix
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ASA 2015 Award Banquet Announcement Hosted by Chicagoland Ladies Aside (CHICA) in Chicago, Illinois JUNE 25-28, 2015
ITINERARY Thursday, June 25, 2015: Plan to arrive in the afternoon so that we can relax and visit together. We will have an informal educational event that evening at the hotel, given by Diana Kocunik and Maggie Herlensky. Flights: Be sure to get your air tickets at least 5 weeks in advance of travel and book on-line for value. Try all major airlines that service your area and remember to check arrivals into both O’Hare and Midway. Southwest Airlines into Midway is usually less expensive. Share any good deals you may find with other ASA members who can attend the banquet weekend. Driving: There are no mounted events being offered for the weekend; so travel is easier without horses. Driving with a group ofASA members to share the expenses is a great option, especially if you are located in the upper middle of the country. Try to have a car buddy to share expenses. If you would like to contact other ASA members from your area or along the driving route, the member list is available from Vicki Pritchard, cvp1193@twc.com . Train (Amtrak): All Amtrak lines have a daily into Chicago, except for the Cardinal Line from WDC through Kentucky and Ohio. That one arrives in Chicago Thursday and leaves Saturday at 6PM. The Cincinnati/Chicago train is about $98 round trip with available parking for your car in Cincinnati. That is very affordable and needs to be locked in asap to get a cheap rate. Go on-line at Amtrak.com. Hotel: Make your reservations at the Comfort Inn and Suites, 111 N Broadway, Aurora, Il, 60505-2662, Phone: 630-896-2800. This hotel shares a parking lot with the Amtrak station. Maggie and Vicki have reserved two suites, each with 2 queen beds and a fold-out couch. If you contact Maggie soon, you can stay in one of those spots and split the cost ($149 for the first night and $179 after that. Make your hotel reservations at least 5 weeks prior to the weekend event, sooner if possible. Sightseeing trips will originate from here.
What to pack: For the banquet, if you have it, wear a period type costume or riding habit because there will be a costume contest; otherwise dress semi-formally. All other activities are casual for shorts or jeans. Bring comfortable walking shoes. Friday, June 26th: There will be sightseeing tours, followed by the banquet. The banquet will commence at 6PM, at the Bally Doyles restaurant, which is within easy walking distance of the hotel. Dinner will be a buffet. Awards for those members who are present will be given at the banquet, and samples of the awards that are to be mailed out to members who are not present, will be on view on the awards table. The members who are present will vote on ASA officers for the coming year, based on nominations sent in from the members. Saturday, June 27, 2015: In the morning we will again sightsee in Chicago. Things high on the list include a boat tour of the city, the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and the museums. We should wear comfortable, casual clothes and good walking shoes. Have a sleeved over-blouse for the boat tour. At 6PM, the Ohio and Kentucky girls, if traveling on the train, need to be on the Amtrak train to head back to Cincinnati. MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS FOR TRAVEL AND HOTEL. PLEASE LET CHICA KNOW THAT YOU WILL BE ATTENDING THE AWARDS BANQUET. CONTACT Diana Kocunik, email: Makeart2@yahoo.com Phone: 630-842-6653 ASA Phoenix
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