Class wording
Combined Intermediate / Ladies Side Saddle Class, affiliated to Side Saddle Ireland: To be ridden side saddle by ladies in hunting costume. For horses 148 cm and over, riders must have reached their 14th birthday by 1st January of the current year. The rider’s ability and turnout, and the way of going, manners and movement of the horse will be considered as part of the adjudication. The class shall be judged as an overall picture of elegance presented by the rider and the horse. Each rider shall give a short individual show which should include walk, trot, canter and extended canter. The class shall be judged from the ground. (No ride judge). Side Saddle Ireland rosettes will be presented in the class. A Best Rider rosette sponsored by Equestrian Portable Showers Ireland will be presented to the ‘Best Rider’ among the members. A ‘Best Turned Out’ rosette sponsored by Carr & Day & Martin will be presented to the best turned out combination. Points for the Side Saddle Ireland Ladies & Intermediate National Championships sponsored by Carr & Day & Martin can be earned in this class- participants must be members of Side Saddle Ireland on the date of the show and must register their participation in the league (free of charge) on itsplainsailing.com/org/ssi to enable the committee to keep a tally of points.
Ladies Side Saddle Class, affiliated to Side Saddle Ireland: Mare or gelding, 5 years old or over. To be ridden side saddle by ladies in hunting costume and judged by a ride judge. The horses shall be judged on the basis of elegant appearance, perfect manners and ability to give the judge a smooth ride. Riders must be aged 16 years or over on the 1st of January of the current year on horses exceeding 153cm. Side Saddle Ireland rosettes will be presented in the class. A Best Rider rosette sponsored by Equestrian Portable Showers Ireland will be presented to the ‘Best Rider’ among the members regardless of placing. A ‘Best Turned Out’ rosette sponsored by Carr & Day & Martin will be presented to the best turned out combination. Points for the Side Saddle Ireland Ladies National Championship sponsored by Carr & Day & Martin can be earned in this class- participants must be members of Side Saddle Ireland on the date of the show and must register their participation in the league (free of charge) on www.itsplainsailing.com/org/ssi to enable the committee to keep a tally of points.
Intermediate Side Saddle Class, affiliated to Side Saddle Ireland. Mare or gelding, 5 years old or over. 148cms or over but not exceeding 158cms. (To be ridden side-saddle by ladies who have attained their 14th birthday by 1 January). Aim: To promote, present and preserve the art of side-saddle riding. The rider’s ability and turnout, and the way of going, manners, conformation and movement of the horse will be considered as part of the adjudication. Each rider shall give a short individual show which should include walk, trot, canter and extended canter (no ride judge). Side Saddle Ireland rosettes will be presented in the class. A best rider rosette sponsored by Equestrian Portable Showers Ireland will be presented to the best rider among the members. A Best Turned Out Rosette sponsored by Carr & Day & Martin will be presented to the Best Turned Out Combination.
Points for the Side Saddle Ireland Intermediate National Championship sponsored by Carr & Day & Martin can be earned in this class- participants must be members of Side Saddle Ireland on the date of the show and must register their participation in the league (free of charge) on www.itsplainsailing.com/org/ssi to enable the committee to keep a tally of points. The combination of rider and pony registered in the Intermediate category cannot compete in the Junior category during the season.
Junior Side Saddle Class, affiliated to Side Saddle Ireland: To be ridden side saddle by ladies under 16 on 1st January on ponies (mare or gelding) 5 years or older, not exceeding 153cm. The class shall be judged on manners, conformation, way of going, and rider’s ability. The combination of rider & pony registered in the junior category cannot compete in the Intermediate category during the season. Lead rein side saddle riders aged 8 or under on 1st January on ponies not exceeding 128cm are also welcome in the class. Leaders must also be appropriately attired.
Riders must wear an approved harnessed hat. Side Saddle Ireland rosettes will be presented in the class. A Best Rider rosette will be presented to the ‘Best Rider’ among those members. A ‘Best Turned Out’ rosette sponsored by Carr & Day & Martin will be presented to the best turned out combination.
All riders will walk in the initial go round, the lead rein riders will be pulled into the middle by one of the stewards, the remaining riders will trot and canter in the go round. All riders will then be pulled in and will be asked to perform a short show piece either of their own design or as requested by the judge. Lead rein riders will remain in the centre of the ring during the lap of honour and for safety reasons will leave the ring last after the other riders have left.
Points for the Side Saddle Ireland Junior National Championship sponsored by Carr & Day & Martin can be earned in this class- participants must be members of Side Saddle Ireland on the date of the show and must register their participation in the league (free of charge) on www.itsplainsailing.com/org/ssi to enable the committee to keep a tally of points. Lead rein riders are not eligible for the Junior National Championship league but will be recognised with rosettes and a special prize at the end of season prize giving.