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The American Sidesaddle Association's
PHOENIXSummer 2015
Martin and Martin
by Kimberly Cornelius
Restored by Lil l ian Chaudhary and owned by Joy Hohenshelt
The American SidesaddleAssociation7033 Potts Hill Rd.Bainbridge, OH 45612Phone: 740-222-051 5
info@americansidesaddleassociation.org
PRESIDENT
Maggie Herlensky7033 Potts Hill Rd
Bainbridge, OH 45612740-222-0515
maggieszoo@horizonview.com
VICE PRESIDENTJudy Hastings
237 Kuhl Ridge RdPomeroy, WA 99347
509-843-1933fancy_muley@yahoo.com
SECRETARYAndee ChapmanPO Box 602
Corvalis, MT 59828740-708-4259
andeechapman@yahoo.com
TREASURERMonica Chapman19777 SR 772
Waverly, OH 45690740-941 -1 358, 740-222-6337mchapman974@gmail.com
MEMBERSHIP COORDINATORVicki Pritchard355 Sunset Drive
Chillicothe, OH 45601740-656-5856
cvp1193@twc.com
THE ASA PHOENIX
The ASA Phoenix is the official newsletter ofthe American Sidesaddle Association, 7033Potts Hill Rd., Bainbridge, OH 45612.Subscription is part of the membership toASA. Published four times annually. Printedand mailed copies are an additional $10.
Readers are encouraged to submit articles,comments and properly identified photos. Wereserve the right to edit all material to bepublished. Submissions may bemade to the Editor:Kimberly Cornelius2372 Walcot WayLexinton, KY 40511email:cornelius.kimberlya@gmail.comPhone: (859) 455-6099
Electronic submission ispreferred. If photographs orattachments are too large foremail, ask me about DropBox.
Copies may not be reproduced (except forone's own personal use) without writtenpermission from the ASA Phoenix and theauthor. Copyright 2014 The ASA Phoenix andThe American Sidesaddle Association.
Back issues ofThe Phoenix may be foundonline:asamembersnetwork@yahoogroups.com.
ASA Phoenix Summer 2015 2
Pegasus Parade 201 5
Alicia Sager carrying the ASA Banner, Natasha Raina and Sally Truss.
Photo by Brian Semler.
News from Northwest AsideGroup
by Emily Bergstrom
Northwest Aside Group (NAGs) started offtheir year of parades in April with the AsotinCounty Fair and Rodeo Parade held in Asotin,WA. The girls had a great day, and the weathercooperated well for the event.
In May, they headed to Spokane, Wa for theSpokane Lilac Festival. The weather was a littlerough in the beginning, but the sky cleared andwas dry for the parade. NAGs won first place inthe Novelty Costume division. All the girls hada fun time, and the crowd was cheering loudly.
2015 Pegasus Parade
Best Mounted GroupAll Photos by Brian Semler
ASA Phoenix Summer 2015 9
Deb Bidlack, Taryn Homier
Candy Carlson on Khornerstone, dressed as Secretariat
Maggie Herlensky on Red Fern, Cara Fightmaster on Tag,
Cheryl Fightmaster on USS Fortunato
L-R: Tianna Cooper, Taryn Homier, Deb Bidlack
Morgan Reeves on Wildcat Nation
ASA Phoenix Summer 2015 10
AMERICAN SIDESADDLE ASSOCIATION
(ASA)
DRESS AND TACK GUIDELINES
This booklet is being published in sections in The Phoenix.Members may print each installment and assemble the
entire booklet.
Installment #1 : Overview and Guidelines, Types of
Saddles, Informal Hunt Seat, Formal Hunt Seat.
Installment #2: Dressage, Informal Saddle Seat,
Formal Saddleseat, and Eventing. Installment #3:
Western Riding, Endurance and Competitive Trail, and
Spanish. Installment #4: Period Sidesaddle,
Renaissance, Costume/Parade, Regional Affiliate Club
Contacts, References, and Judge/Instructor/Clinician
(JIC) Listing.
Committee Members for this booklet: Maggie Herlensky,
President, American Sidesaddle Association (ASA),
President Southern Ohio Ladies Aside (SOLA), and ASA
Judge/Instructor/Clinician (JIC); Vicki Pritchard, ASA
Membership Coordinator; Rhonda Watts-Hettinger, JIC for
ASA and ASA Board Member; Pat Merkle, JIC for ASA;
Judy Hastings, JIC for ASA and President, Northwest Aside
Group (NAGS); Samantha Peterson, JIC for ASA and
President, Kentucky Sidesaddle (KYSS); Sue Duncan, JIC
for ASA; Jo Rench, JIC for ASA and Vice-President Side
Saddle Sisters ofOklahoma (SSSO); Kim Cornelius, Editor
ofThe Phoenix (the ASA newsletter); Kristen Aeh, Becky
Pitcock, and Laurie Post, aside experts and ASAmembers.
References:
1 . Bowlby, Linda, “World Sidesaddle Federation Dress and
Tack Guidelines”, (out of print)
2. Brueckmann, Robin Miller, “Dressage in a Sidesaddle:
Training You to Train Your Horse Aside”, copyright 1991 ,
1 04 Garden ofEden Rd, Wilmington, DE, 19803
3. Friddle, Martha Coe and Bowlby, Linda, “The Sidesaddle
Legacy”, available from The American Sidesaddle
Association, cvp1193@twc.com
4. Thomas, Mary L., “The Fair Lady Aside”, available from
The American Sidesaddle Association, cvp1193@twc.com
5. United States Equestrian Federation Rule Book, 2015
update, available on-line
6. Watts-Hettinger, Rhonda, “The Encyclopaedia of the
Sidesaddle” available at sidesaddle5@yahoo.com
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
activities continue, and certified instructors near you
continue to hold educational clinics and mentor new
riders. The ASA promotes aside riding across all
breed and show associations, and in all aspects of
equine enjoyment. ASA also offers a yearly high-
points awards program for its members, culminating
in the yearly awards banquet that is held in various
locations across the country, hosted in turn by the
affiliate clubs. ASA purchases insurance for its main
parade activities each year; The Louisville Kentucky
Derby Pegasus Parade and the Chicago McDonald’s
Thanksgiving Day Parade.
General Guidelines:
These general guidelines are based on the principles
of aside riding: 1 . Always ensure proper saddle and
tack fit. 2. Think in the positive and work toward ease
of participation in all types of equine events. 3 .
Ensure traditional correctness of attire and tack. 4.
Work toward being a positive role model and always
represent the ASA in the best light possible. 5.
Conform to show and association rules. 6. Work
toward the utmost in safety for horse and rider.
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
thoughtful regarding the goal of promoting the art of
aside riding, its rich tradition for the independence of
women, and the continuing need for equal acceptance
in all types of equine riding events. Look to Marti
Friddle and Linda Bowlby’s book, “The Sidesaddle
Legacy,” for details regarding all aspects of the
history and correctness of aside riding. In the Friddle-
Bowlby book, a good deal of attention is paid to the
differences between European and American
sidesaddle standards; as well as saddle types, tips for
how to buy a saddle, how to choose a horse, starting a
horse aside, and trouble-shooting. Look also to “My
Fair Lady Aside” by Mary L. Thomas. In her book,
Thomas offers general knowledge of sidesaddles and
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 Summer 2015 11
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.
The aside rider must know the rules of the particular
competition she is entering. She must select the proper
tack and attire, and maintain the same standards of
neatness as her astride counterparts. “Sidesaddle
presence” comes from hours ofwork, diligence, and
attention to detail. The above referenced books also
give good advice about choosing the proper type of
saddle, rigging, and tack to fit the horse, yourself, and
the task at hand.
All saddles must be safe. This means that to use a
saddle, it must be safely rideable, whether new or
antique. In general, antique saddles must be renovated
by a reputable saddler, and leaping pommels and
balance girths must be added. Saddles without leaping
pommels are suitable only for historical reenactment
with no rugged use anticipated, because these antiques
can be dangerous when put to actual use. Additionally,
saddles that are not properly renovated and fitted to the
horse can sore the horse’s back, and worse. The ASA’s
Judge/Instructor/Clinicians (JICs) are located in the
affiliate ASA clubs, throughout the country. Saddle
fitting is one of their specialties.
In general, contemporary attire, as worn by any proper
rider, can also be used by the aside rider with only the
addition of the apron skirt in matching or harmonizing
color. Aprons must be of heavy fabric, interfaced or
hem-weighted to lie smoothly. The hem must be level
and horizontal to the ground. There are apron pattern
suggestions available from the American Sidesaddle
Association members, contact
maggieszoo@horizonview.net. Formal clothing for the
aside rider is called a riding habit, a fairly consistent
set of clothing that is traditional to aside riding. Check
individual breed guidelines and local event club rules
for the use of accessories (hat type and gloves, etc)
which are the same as used for astride riders.
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
affiliate club events. The saddle must be fitted to the
equine, as well as to the rider; thus, saddle renovation
may be needed. Finally, the horse or equine should be
suitably mannered to the task. Be sure the saddle,
rigging, tack, and dress are appropriate to either
Western or English showing. Junior riders may be
allowed to wear braids or ponytails if the breed rules
allow. The ponytail or braid should not cover the show
number that is pinned on the rider’s back, if one is used.
Always check with the judges before showing. It may
be helpful to give the judge a copy of this booklet.
TYPES OF SIDESADDLES
The Western Sidesaddle: These saddles are styled for
comfort and security. Used for Western Pleasure
classes, show, and actual ranch/farm work, they fall into
two categories:
The Western Pleasure Sidesaddle is built on a western
bar tree, but without the heavy construction and
appearance of the stock sidesaddle. A leaping horn is
required. The shape of the skirts, flaps, and the degree
of decoration can vary. All Western saddles are
equipped with western style cinches. The saddle may be
all leather or leather with suede or fabric seat. The
underside panels may be leather, sheepskin, felt, or
fabric. Use only western style safety stirrups. Balance
straps are preferred.
The Western Stock Sidesaddle is a heavy-duty saddle
built on a reinforced bar tree, double-rigged, and
suitable for ranch work. It may be all leather or leather
and suede. The leaping horn is required as it replaces
the swelled fork in the astride western saddle. The stock
sidesaddle may have round or square skirts; and it has
dees, carriers, or latigos to secure riata (lariat), hobbles,
slicker, etc. The skirts may be lined with sheep wool,
felt, or leather. All western stock sidesaddles must have
western cinches and western style safety stirrups and
balance straps.
ASA Phoenix Summer 2015 12
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 ofEnglish 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.
Period Sidesaddles: These are antiques; and because of
the sometimes fragile nature of the saddles, extreme
consideration is needed for choosing one and for its
ongoing care. Few saddles from before 1850 remain,
and those that do, are usually not suitable for riding on
today’s wider modern horses. Rarely, some antique
sidesaddles may be used today after careful and
complete rebuilding and re-covering, but great care
must be taken for the safety of the rider and for the
comfort of the horse. The oldest saddles do not have a
leaping head for the security of the rider, and these
antiques are generally for display only, or careful
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 ofmatching 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
should be of patent leather. Breeches should be of a
color to match closely with the apron. Buff colored or
white breeches are usually not acceptable. The coat
may be 1 , 2, or 3 button style. It may have 1 or 2 vents
in the back. In all cases, the jacket length should allow
it to touch the back of the saddle. Longer contemporary
jackets are acceptable if used by the astride riders. The
hat may be a bowler with a hat guard, according to the
preference of the astride riders, taking region and breed
class into consideration. A regular hunt cap, as listed in
the USEF rules is acceptable, but safety hunt caps are
required for jumping and for over fences. Safety hunt
ASA Phoenix Summer 2015 13
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 ofEnglish type. The martingale is not
permitted except over fences. The type ofmartingale,
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 ofEnglish cut-
back 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.
FORMAL HUNT SEAT ATTIRE AND TACK
Formal (Formal English) Attire: Appointment classes
require formal attire. Other astride classes may require
formal hunt attire, and the aside rider must comply.
Hunt boots are of plain black calf leather without tabs,
zippers or laces. Colored tops are not permitted. Field
boots are not acceptable. The garter is optional and
must be plain black ifworn. Breeches must be the
same color as the habit, and the habit must be of
melton wool or other suitable weight cloth. Dark blue
or black is acceptable unless the rider is a true member
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 shad-
belly 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.
Rain gloves of yellow, buff, or white string should
always be carried in the off-side billets with the thumbs
in and the fingers forward, just showing in front of the
saddle flap. Jewelry is not permitted except for
essential finger rings, such as wedding and
engagement, and small plain stud earrings for pierced
ears. Your hair must be done in a bun at the nape of
your neck. A hairpiece for a false bun is needed for
those with short hair, and of course, it must match the
rider’s natural hair color. Boutonnieres are not
permitted.
Continued on page 16
ASA Phoenix Summer 2015 19
ASA 2015 Award Banquet Announcement
Hosted by Chicagoland Ladies Aside (CHICA) in Chicago, IllinoisJUNE 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 ASAmembers
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 ofASAmembers 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
wil l 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 TRAVELAND 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 Summer 2015 20