SIDE SADDLE

Why you should JOIN the Side Saddle Organiza�on Interna�onal

By Pie Truono ISSO President

Why should you join the International Side Saddle Organization? Well...that is a pretty easy question to answer! The International Side Saddle Organization(ISSO) started in 1974 and is a nonprofit organization with knowledgeable experts and novices all over the globe that are willing to mentor and help others that have an interest in the beautiful art of riding Side Saddle.

Chelsea Rae Devries, Hayden Rogers, Tammie Conway, Sarah McKay and Sophie Kretschmann

ride down past the finish line aside at the Montpelier Hunt Races. Photo courtesy of Liz Callar.

Many of our members have gotten their starts or helped others in the quest to ride in the most femine style of riding an equine. You could be part of an exceptional group of people that are passionate about preserving the history of the unique style of women (and some men), riding in this way. Who knew there would be this much to learn about this small niche in the equestrian world? It really doesn’t matter whether you like the physical aspect of riding and disciplines within such as western, english, charra, fox hunting, jousting, or your interests lie in learning about the boundless history of everything side saddle from the fashion, to the social graces that are steeped in this riding world. Maybe you are intrigued by the side saddles themselves, which are incredible pieces of history that have so many untold stories within a history that is so rich, it may take you back in time when life was simpler.

The International Side Saddle Organization is dedicated to supporting and educating people all over the world about this very riding style. Our board of volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes to plan and provide as much information and resources to each individual member. The board plans and holds clinics, shows, meetings, fundraisers and provides sponsorships, and contests all while cherishing this special historical way of equestrian riding.

Members have exclusive access to our electronic magazine, Aside World, created each quarter by our dedicated secretary. Aside World includes articles and classifieds that circulate to all of our global members. Joining ISSO is a catalyst to connecting with members and experts so you may explore any facet of the sport regardless of how small or large of a detail.

Laureen Bartfield is picture perfect in her gorgeous vintage Victorian riding habit while posing with her beautiful Mustang Miles. Photo by Jen Stevenson for Paws and Rewind

Sarah McKay and Terry Clore’s Clifford demonstrate side saddle at the Montpelier Hunt Races Photo by Linda L. Volrath

CJ Giacomini shared her amazing OTTB Melo with fellow ISSO member Sara Brown at Camp Leaping Horn 2021. Photo by Jennifer Stevenson for Paws and Rewind

for the FUTURE with GGT FOOTING

Building a successful program begins with a solid foundation. In 2004, Cindy Cruciotti founded Serenity Farm Show Stables in Elizabeth Colorado. Her mission statement exemplified her basic fundamental vision to develop a faith-based program built on quality, integrity and stability.

To provide each individual the opportunity to accomplish all of their riding goals

To provide a fun, safe environment with knowledgeable professionals who are dedicated to the development of both horse and rider = STABILITY.

And finally, above all else, to honor our faith and commitment to Christ, and through that faith, show respect and compassion to our horses, to ourselves and to all of those around us

= QUALITY.

= Integrity.

A�er 20 years of unprecedented success, Cindy and her Serenity Farm team, comprised of top young professional and grand prix rider Kelli Crucio� VanderVeen and seasoned professional Kelli Clevenger, made the unanimous decision to relocate to Wellington, FL.

“Building our new loca�on in Wellington/Loxahatchee was a dream that was finally came to frui�on,” Cindy explained. “We have been traveling to WEF for the winter circuit for the past 12 years and now, with God’s help we have decided to make it our permanent home.

When we were in the planning stages of our new facility, it was crucial that our new stable be built on the same founda�on that had carried us to this point. The arena was to be the grand center piece of Serenity Farm Show Stables Florida and we all adamantly agreed that GGT-Foo�ng was the only company capable of providing all of the necessary components to meet our needs. Quality, stability and integrity were the fundamental ingredients to the GGT foo�ng and that is essen�al to our program and to the future of our success.”

The completed GGT-Foo�ng arena is one of the largest private arenas in Wellington, measuring 150’ x 220’ with three layers of foo�ng, felt and drainage rock respec�vely. Na�onal sales manager Cynthia Kea�ng shared with us for this ar�cle how excited she and GGT-Foo�ng are to have been able to assist Serenity Farm with this project. “The sport is coming to a point where the compe��ons are so technical that professionals need to prac�ce at home the same way that they would at the show. The limi�ng factor with so many professionals is the surface in which they train on. With GGT-Foo�ng they can now bridge the gap between compe��on venues and at home training.”

Cindy’s training philosophy focuses on the development of both horse and rider through in-depth flat work and gymnas�c training combined with elements of courses suitable to each individual’s level of experience. It is impera�ve that a rider and a horse be educated in a quality training environment so that they understand the ques�ons that a compe��on will ask. One of Cindy’s favorite explana�ons is that our work at home is our “homework”, and the compe��on is the “test.” “Just like when we are in school, studying the material prepares us for taking the test. If our homework is correct, and we study the right material then the test is a success. The tests are designed to show us in what areas we need to study more. When we have mastered one grade, then we move on to the next. Skipping a grade, will at some point show up as a weakness. This goes for the horses as well as the riders.”

With this in mind, a solid pla�orm in which to study is cri�cal to the safety and development of the horses and of the riders. A perfect partnership between GGT-Foo�ng and Serenity Farm Show Stables provides this irreplaceable environment that creates a wonderful founda�on for our future stars.