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