Ladies Side Saddle

ASB 13.0 Ladies Side Saddle The American Saddlebred Ladies Side Saddle horse should exemplify the typical characteristics of the American Saddlebred breed. Tack & Apparel Appropriate bridles should mimic requirements in the same division (Saddle Seat, Hunter Country Pleasure or Western Country Pleasure) as the Side Saddle entry is being presented. Bridles that depict a Period Costume are allowed, but martingales and tie downs are not permitted.. Side Saddle Attire consists of a skirt, split skirt or apron, hat, and appropriate boots. Protective headgear is permitted. In Saddle Seat daytime classes, informal Saddle Seat attire is allowed, while more formal attire may be worn in the evenings. Hunter and Western attire should be the same as Hunter Country Pleasure and Western Country Pleasure attire. Period attire is also acceptable. Exhibitors may use spurs, a whip or crop. Entries are not not disqualified for insufficient Tack & Apparel, but must be penalized. Gaits Competitors are required to enter the ring in a counterclockwise direction at the trot or jog-trot, with all gaits to be considered equally. Classes may be divided into English or Western if there are sufficient entries. Standards of Judging Emphasizing safety, both in Tack & Apparel and attire, is paramount. Judges are instructed to penalize exhibitors who do not adhere to good safety practices. Horses participating in the Ladies Side Saddle section may also compete in the American Saddlebred Pleasure sections or the Half American Saddlebred Pleasure section, provided they meet the requirements of their respective sections, including considerations such as the use of artificial appliances, shoeing, tail sets, Tack & Apparel, and attire. The side saddle horse should convey the impression of being a comfortable mount to ride. A ground-covering walk, a comfortable trot or jog-trot, and an easy, flowing canter or lope are desirable. Transitions between gaits should be smooth and effortless, and riders may choose to either sit or post to the trot.

LADIES SIDE SADDLE CLASSES OFFERED Ladies English Side Saddle Ladies Hunt Side Saddle Ladies Western Side Saddle Horses in this class are required to be shown at a walk, trot or jog-trot, and canter or lope in both directions of the ring. They should readily back up if requested by the judge and stand quietly throughout the performance. The judging criteria allocate 85% of the score to manners, performance, suitability, quality, and conformation, with the remaining 15% dedicated to evaluating appropriate side saddle attire. Emphasis is placed on manners and suitability of purpose, with suitability referring to the horse's suitability as a side saddle mount. Ladies Side Saddle Championships For eligibility, a horse must have been entered, shown, and judged in a designated qualifying class within the Ladies Side Saddle section. During the competition, horses are expected to perform at a walk, trot or jog-trot, and canter or lope in both directions of the ring. They should readily back up if requested by the judge and maintain quiet standing. The judging criteria allocate 85% of the score to manners, performance, suitability, quality, and conformation, with the remaining 15% dedicated to evaluating appropriate side saddle attire. Emphasis is placed on manners and suitability of purpose, with suitability referring to the horse's compatibility as a side saddle mount.