AREA 12 SIDE ASSOCIATION HANDBOOK (Nottingham, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire)

THE ASSOCIATION: The Side Saddle Association was formed in 1974, and today has over 1,200 members. The Association aims to keep alive the art of riding side saddle, promoting its popularity and providing education and instruction.

The UK is divided into Areas. Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire combine to form Area 12. Area 12 also has many members from Leicestershire

WHY JOIN? Members enjoy the following benefits: 1 Annual Handbook 2 Annual Show and Fixture List 3 National Show Schedule 4 Newsletter (both from the SSA and your Area) 5 List of Saddlers 6 For Sale and Wanted List 7 List of Approved Instructors 8 Turnout Guides 9 Grade Tests and Instructors Exams 10 SSA Rosettes and Awards 11 Performance Points Competition 12 Side saddle classes for all types of horses and ponies 13 Eligibility to compete in Championship Classes (where qualified)

NATIONAL CONTACTS: The Side Saddle Association www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk Hon. Gen. Secretary Mrs P Golby, The , Rugby Road, Brandon, Coventry, CV8 3HU T: 02476 545555 E: [email protected]

AREA 12 CONTACTS: Area 12 Website www.area12ssa.co.uk

Chairman / Treasurer Karen Milbourne, Moor Cottage, Moor Lane, East Stoke, Newark, Notts, NG23 5PZ T: 01636 525230 E: [email protected]

Secretary Lottie (Charlie) Parkin, 2 Fairview Rise, Crich, Derbys, DE4 5DA T: 07878 348631 E: [email protected]

Web Master Liz Moore, Moorelands Stables, 84 Top Road, Griffydam, Leics, LE67 8HU T: 07734 847697 E: [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP Membership of the SSA is a one off annual fee per person. It is not necessary to be a member to compete, but only members are eligible for SSA points and Performance Points Awards.

Membership forms can be downloaded from the SSA website, or obtained by post from the Hon. Gen. Secretary, or Lottie.

You do not have to live in the Area that you wish to join, so please remember to nominate if you are not resident in Derbyshire, Lincolnshire or Nottinghamshire and you wish to join Area 12.

For every member that joins using Direct Debit, Area 12 are awarded a levy which is put back into the Area. Please join by direct debit if possible, and remember to select Area 12 as your preferred area.

WHATS ON – AREA INFORMATION: Area 12 no longer produce a newsletter. Details of What’s On, Results, For Sale and Wanted and further information can be found on the Area 12 website, or the Area 12 Facebook group (Area 12 Side Saddle Group).

We also want to know what our area riders are up to, and articles, photographs and reports are welcome. Information for inclusion should be forwarded to Liz.

To receive regular updates, make sure Lottie has your e-mail address, or join our Facebook group.

All members receive a copy of the National Shows Fixture List at the beginning of each year.

SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER The Side Saddle Association runs a national newsletter to which contributions from all members are welcome. If you have any interesting news, information, articles, stories or photographs, please contact your local Area contact or Paula Golby.

AREA 12 COMMITTEE MEMBERS Karen Milbourne Lottie Parkin Liz Moore Donita Welch Hazel Allin Sophie Gallagher Fiona Maycock Helen Lound Lynn Lound Lisette Taylor Dawn Webster Emma Brown Kate Smith Sophie Webster Kirsty Heathcote

Your Area Chairman attends regular Council Meetings. If you would like to raise an issue, please contact your Area Chairman, Secretary or Committee Member.

Area 12 hold their AGM at the end of each year. The date of this will be posted on the website, and members will be e-mailed. The AGM is combined with a social evening, which is open to non members. Anybody wishing to stand for an Area 12 position must notify the Chairman before the meeting.

FOR SALE / WANTED A national list of For Sale and Wanted is kept by Mrs Thorne, who can be contacted as follows:

Mrs S Thorne, Heygate House, 62 Main Street, Woodhouse Eaves, Nr Loughborough, Leics, LE12 8RZ T: 01509 890735 E: [email protected]

A list of Area 12 For Sale and Wanted can be found on the Area 12 website.

Advertising is free to members. Adverts from non-members are welcome, but are subject to a small charge. Contact Liz for further details, or to place an ad.

GRADE TEST DAYS / JUDGES AND INSTRUCTORS DAYS A list of Grade Test days are posted on the National SSA website.

Details of Judges and Instructors days can also be found on the SSA website. These are open to all members.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS The Side Saddle Association run an annual National Championships at the beginning of August. This is open to members and non-members, however only members who have attained enough points during the season may compete in Equitation Championship classes.

Details of the National Championships are posted on the SSA website. All members receive a schedule for the National Championships automatically.

GETTING STARTED Book some lessons with an instructor to “get a feel” for riding side saddle. Some riders prefer to have lessons on a school master and develop their side saddle skills before they have a go on their own horse, however, this is not always necessary, as most horses take to side saddle with minimal problems.

Once you have decided side saddle riding is for you, your instructor, or area committee member will be able to advise you on getting a saddle. If funds are limited, it is possible to hire both a saddle and a habit for a season. Competitors in Restricted classes do not need to wear a habit. Most saddlers will be able to help with obtaining a new habit. Several companies make habits off the peg, and can be ordered easily from your local saddler. Remember that you will need to try your habit when sitting on your saddle to ensure that it fits correctly, so you are advised to take your saddle with you when ordering!

For most classes, you will need a habit, matching breeches, shirt and tie, waistcoat, brown or tan gloves and a bowler hat worn with a veil. Hair should be worn fixed in a bun (a false bun should be worn if the rider has short hair) and the rider should carry a or long cane.

Your instructor will be able to advise the full guidelines for turnout, as these vary between certain classes, and are also dependant on the riders’ age and the time of day and show in which you are competing. The Members Handbook lists in detail every aspect of the required turnout for both horse and rider.

The Side Saddle Association publishes an annual list of shows, and competitors are free to compete in any of the areas they wish. Many local shows are also very happy to accommodate riders competing side saddle, but it is wise to check with the show secretary prior to entering, and to take an astride saddle if the class requires the judge to ride your horse.

Members may also choose to take Grade Tests. Full syllabi are published in the Members Handbook, and include Grades I – IV (+) and Instructors Certificates A and B.

SPECIAL CLASSES FOR BEGINNERS AND NOVICES Some shows hold classes specifically to encourage new and novice riders as detailed below. These are a good way to get a feel for competing side saddle before entering larger county shows.

Restricted Novice Classes No habit is required. Competitors will only be asked to walk and trot. Riders can share a horse or pony, and can compete on a .

Novice Classes As per the Junior and Open Equitation classes, riders will be expected to be correctly dressed in a habit and headgear as per the rule book. Competitors will be asked to walk, trot and canter, and perform a short show. However, this class is only open to riders never placed in a side saddle class.

INSTRUCTORS AND RIDING SCHOOLS Mrs H Allin, Notts Telephone: 07971 951559 H / OS

Mrs F Maycock, Derbys Telephone: 07788 445800 OS

Miss L Moore, Leics Telephone: 07734 847697 OS

“B” Instructors (Beginners and Novices) Miss E Brown, The Barn, Seagrave Grange, Black Lane, Walton on the Wolds, Leicestershire, LE12 7BG Telephone: 07771 984823 H / OS / SS

Miss C L Parkin, 2 Fairview Rise, Crich, Derbyshire, DE4 5DA Telephone: 07878 348631 SS

Mrs V Nurcombe, Sideways, 22 Pantain Road, Loughborough, Leics, LE11 3NA Telephone: 01509 234197

Mrs C Rhoades, 16 Deans Close, Caunton, Newark, Notts, NG23 6AG Telephone: 01636 636538

“A” Instructors (All Levels) Mrs N Brown, Beck Cottage, Great Deeping, Spilsby, Lincs. PE23 5PT Telephone: 01754 830355 H / OS / IS / SS

Miss D Parker, The Birches, Costock Road, Wysall, Nottingham, NG12 5QT Telephone: 01509 880504 / 0790 9802763 OS

Mrs D Welch, Pleasley Park Farmhouse, Wood Lane, Pleasley Vale, Notts, NG12 8RY Telephone: 01623 748494 SS / OS

H – horse available for side saddle lessons OS – outdoor school SS – side saddle available for hire IS – indoor school

(n.b. all listed Instructors are current members of the Side Saddle Association. Pupils are advised to satisfy themselves that instructors have appropriate insurance cover, and preferably a current Equine First Aid Certificate, or above, and preferably have attended a BHS Child Protection Course)

SADDLERS (Contact the Society Of Master Saddlers for a full list of Recommended Side Saddle Specialists)

Society of Master Saddlers Website www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

L C Wright Saddlery, Leo Alexander, 395 Burton Road, Midway, Swadlincote, Derbys, DE11 7NB Telephone 01283 218550

T & C Robinson, Kesteven Works, Tattershall Road, Billinghay, Lincs, LN4 4BN Telephone 01526 860436

Kelly Watchorn, Simdor, Thorpeside, Scalford, Melton Mowbray, Leics, LE14 4DZ Telephone 01664 444678

Mark Bushell, Manor Stables, Craft Workshops, Fulbeck, Grantham, NG32 3JN Telephone 01400 273711

Martin Gulliver, Woodseaves Saddlers, Littleworth House, Newport Road, Woodseaves, Stafford, ST20 0NP Telephone 01785 284770

Laura Dempsey, Pittern Hill Stables, Kineton, Warks, CV35 0JF Telephone 01926 640869

Please note – some saddlers repair or rebuild only, some also have new and refurbished for sale.

SADDLES FOR HIRE/SALE Claire Lewis, Southernden Farm, Headcorn, Kent, TN12 9LL Telephone 01622 890279

Valerie Millwood, Drumlin, Codmore Hill, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 1BG Telephone 01798 847811

Mr Woolley, Eastlea, Renwick Lane, Freehay, Cheadle, Stoke on Trent, ST10 1TX Telephone 01538 723147

Mr Gray Telephone 0121 308 7395

Scottish Side Saddles, South Thorn, Dunlop, Telephone 01560 484916

Elizabeth Turner, Trematon Hall, Trematon, Saltash, PL12 4RU Telephone 01752 842351

Side Saddle Lady, 60 Argylle Road, Pennsylvania, Exeter, EX4 4RY Telephone 01392 271080 Website www..co.uk

Side Saddles, Chestertons, Burnt Hill, Yattendon, Berks, RG18 0XD Telephone 01258 857821

CLOTHING FOR HIRE/SALE Claire Lewis (see contact details in Saddle for Hire)

Thompstone’s Toppers, Grove Farm, Burton Dassett, Southam, CV47 2AB Telephone 01295 770204

Bernard Weatherill, 8 Saville Road, London, W1S 3PE Telephone 0207 7346905

Side Saddles, Chestertons, Burnt Hill, Yattendon, Berks, RG18 0XD Telephone 01635 201311 Website www.sidesaddles.co.uk

Equestrian Elegance Website www.equestrianelegance.co.uk

Field & Country Antiques, The Chestnuts Farm, Orby, Skegness, Lincolnshire, PE24 5HY Telephone 01754 810287 Website www.fieldandcountryantiques.co.uk

Designer Browbands, Showing Shop, PO Box 235, Litcham, Kings Lynn, PE32 2FE Telephone 01328 70080 Website www.designerbrowbands.co.uk

Pittern Hill Side Saddle & Saddlery Centre, Pittern Hill Stables, Kineton, Warks, CV35 0JF Telephone 01926 640869 Website www.lauradempseysaddler.com

Alexander James, 6 Mossfield Road, Pendlebury, Manchester, M27 6EN Telephone 0161 7936340 Website www.alexander-james.co.uk

Side Saddle Lady (see above)

SIDE SADDLE RELATED ITEMS Roslyn Tiddy – Period Costume Maker Telephone 01962 771105

Courtlea Numnahs Telephone 0151 3393009 / 07918070202 Website www.courtleanumnahs.co.uk

The Top Hat Shop Telephone 01451 844034 Website www.thetophatshop.com

The Side Saddle Emporium Telephone 01424 773382 Website www.theemporium.org.uk

INTERNET SALES Habits, saddles and accessories can be found on site such as www.ebay.co.uk and www.preloved.co.uk. Care should be taken when purchasing on the internet. A really good guide on what to look for (and avoid) can be found on the E-bay Buyers Guide http://search.reviews.ebay.co.uk/members/17thlgf_W0QQuqtZg

HELPFUL HINTS AND HANDY TIPS Turnout – the Rider Veil is tight with no wrinkles Hat is on straight, level with eyebrows, bun touches bottom of hat Hair is neatly secured, no loose hairs hanging All jewellery has been removed Stock / tie is straight and stock /tie pin is level Stock is secured with safety pins Jacket is hanging straight Number is level and in centre of back (double sided sticky tape stops movement) Apron is hanging vertically to the floor and snug over the knee is level with boot seam and lying vertically Garter strap is to front of boot and buttoned down (strap not too long) Habit is free from hair and fluff Waistcoat isn’t tucked into apron waistband Boots (and sole of boots) are free from dirt and clean Points cards are in your pocket

Turnout – the Horse Horse is clean Hooves are oiled Slime removed from mouth / bits Tail bandage is off and tail brushed through Numnah is lying smoothly and fitted to saddle All straps are tucked into keepers Holes are saddle soap free Browband and are level isn’t twisted and is used Off side saddle flap is secured onto overgirth

Just before you enter the ring . . . Remove any slime from mouth Ensure number is straight Check keepers Flick of any dust Check habit for hairs/dust Give apron a tug to ensure lying level Give a quick wipe Ensure reins are lying to the right hand side of the horse

(n.b. saddle soap on the reins can make your apron very dirty. You may find it better to only use saddle soap on the first half of the reins from the ring up, and a plain damp cloth towards the buckle end)

Checklist for the Day Bowler Hat / Top Hat / Hard Hat Hair net Veil False bun Hair bands Hairspray Make up Collared shirt Tie Tie pin Hunting Shirt Stock Stock pin Safety pins Waistcoat Jacket Breeches Apron Chamois gloves / leather gloves Cane / whip Spur / Spur band Long riding boots

Saddle Balance strap Boots Numnah

Tack cleaning kit Grooming kit Boot cleaning kit Clothes brush / sellotape Double sided tape

Remember : Bowler hat – shirt and tie, with brown or string gloves Top hat – hunting shirt and stock, with chamois gloves Hard hat – to current standard for any class that involves voluntarily leaving the floor

Veils look smarter if adjusted to fit correctly (this is better done before the show, and not 10 minutes before you enter the ring) Fasten the button on the veil and ensure that it is located at the centre of the back of the hat. Roll the edge of the veil up neatly so that when the veil is in place, it fits snugly under the chin, and is taut to the hat rim. A few stitches through the rolled edge will prevent if from unravelling, and you can leave the veil fitted to the hat.

CLEANING AND MAINTAINING YOUR TACK Leather (excluding off side saddle flap) : leather preparations such as Oakwood Saddle Cleaner or Horsemans One Step are very good. Use in the normal way

Off Side Saddle Flap : ideally you should be able to “see your face” in the off side saddle flap. To achieve a mirror finish it is best not to use saddle soap on the off side saddle flap. Parade gloss is a good way to achieve this. Before you go in the ring a quick polish with an express shoe shine pad works well.

Linen Lining: brushing with a dry stiff brush will remove dried on dirt and sweat. A gentle scrub with some fairy liquid and warm water can remove more stubborn stains, but be careful not to get the saddle too wet, and dry slowly. Shoe whitener can be used to revive faded and discoloured linen.

Doe Skin Seat: a gentle brush with a suede brush should be all the seat needs. Suede polish can be used to remove marks (patch test first). Sliced bread is also good for buffing up the seat. Use slightly stale, and cut the crusts off, or these can score the doe skin.

Stirrup Fitting: The stirrup fitting must be kept well oiled to ensure that it comes away from the saddle easily in the event of a fall or accident. Use 3 in 1 oil, WD40 or similar. Remember to oil the stirrup bar and the fitting on the stirrup leather.

THIS BOOKLET WILL BE UPDATED EACH YEAR – please submit any contacts, tips or anything you may find useful to [email protected]