Riding Aside

So firstly I find it really hard to write blogs so I'm hoping you all can bear with me, I may waffle a LOT in this blog but here goes....

Firstly an introduction to me is probably in order. I have been riding since before I could walk, in fact my parents bought me a pony (called Major) when I was probably about 1 or 2 years old. Ever since then I have been hooked. I started off mainly Hunting and Show Jumping and gradually moving into being an extremely keen Eventer by the time I was 14! 

My horse of a lifetime came around when I was about 15 years old. Originally my Mom and I were looking at a more experienced Event Horse however ended up falling in love with a 14.2 Irish Sports Horse by Moores Clover (Remi). Luckily Remi ended up growing to about 15hh, he took me from Novice Pony Club One Day Eventing to winning the Intermediate Pony Club Eventing Championships (both as a team and an individual!) in 2009 and then onto winning a British Eventing Novice in 2010 as well as Top 10 placings along the way. Unfortunately he injured himself in the field at the end of 2010 which ended his competitive career. 

 

(Remi and I at the PC Champs 2009)

Since then I have lost my confidence greatly and now focus on having fun on my family's 'Pet Cob' called Herbie. Herbie has been amazing for my confidence, we enjoyed the 2013/2014 Hunting Season greatly, going out at least twice a month and doing a few SJ competitions along the way! 

 

(Herbie and I competing at Solihull Riding Club in 2013. Photo courtesy of MDP Images ) 

This year I've decided to try something a bit different. Side Saddle riding. 

Now, this wasn't a completely spontaneous decision. I did a bit of riding aside when I was about 12 years old on my 13.2 pony and I LOVED it. My family were traveling around on weekends running Napoleonic Battle Reenactments and Displays at County Fairs with a group of friends. The men would do Tenting Pegging and Skill at Arms displays at the women would do a Side Saddle Quadrille and so it was only natural when I was old enough that I would do a Side Saddle Display alongside! 

However now my aim is slightly different...

Hunting in a Side Saddle on Boxing Day. That is 77 days away. This blog will follow my journey along the route to achieving my aim. I have 77 days to get "Aside Riding Fit" and master the art of jumping up to 2ft9 Side Saddle... 

Last night the Side Saddle I am hiring arrived for a 2 week trial and today I finally got to try it on Herbie. It fits! So tomorrow I am going to lunge him in it before having a mooch around the arena to slowly get to grips with it! 

Lets do this! 

77 days to go! 

LNC. xo