Side Saddle Attire

Modern Attire \| Period Attire \| Sidesaddles \| Sidesaddle trees \| Fitting
Sidesaddle attire in the showring depends on the style of saddle and the seat ridden. The basic rule of thumb is to add an apron to the outfit worn by astride riders. A hunt seat or saddle seat rider can dress formally or informally to suit the occasion. Informal hunt attire is pictured.
	Formal hunt attire, is based on a long history of tradition in the hunt field. Formal Hunt Attire includes a hunt whip, sandwich case, formal habit, top hat with veil, black hunt boots and a saddle with no saddle pad. Although a Fitzwilliam girth was once required, it is no longer and a three fold leather girth may be substituted. Shown here is Joan Farwell showing in the appointments class at Side Saddle at the USET in September 2007.
Today's western rider usually does not refer back to history to choose her attire since the western outfit has changed so much during this century. A western styled apron (suede is popular) is simply added to the current style of western attire to replace the rider's chaps. Tina presents a lovely example of a Western rider on her Quarter Horse.
	As with hunt attire, the gaited horse or saddle seat rider dresses according to today's showring fashions, with the addition of a matching or contrasting apron. Kathy is shown with a contrasting apron that complements her habit color and her horse. Of course it doesn't hurt the overall picture that her attire also matches that blue ribbon.
Period outfits should be thoroughly researched to be sure one is wearing a riding habit from the time period being depicted. Women did not wear ball gowns and easily soiled petticoats and lace pantaloons when riding. Check out our web page on Period Attire for additional information. Jenny is shown in carefully researched period attire on her spotted mule.