Saddles
This page will give you some idea of what a sidesaddle looks like. If you are looking for a sidesaddle for yourself, it is unbelievably important to start with a good tree. As with most things, with sidesaddles, you certainly get what you pay for. If you are considering purchasing a sidesaddle with the hopes of a lifetime of sidesaddle riding, you should seriously consider purchasing a custom made saddle -- something that is sure to fit both yourself and your horse. Please visit our links page for a listing of reputable custom sidesaddle makers.
Views of a 400 year old Planchette still in remarkable condition!
Pre-Civil War Victorian Sidesaddle
Notice the three pommels on this saddle, and the high cantle. (The lower pommel - the leaping horn - was a modern attachment for the safety of the rider). It also is made in the sweeping up hill form that forces the lady to sit uphill in the saddle. Makes riding the trot a challenge indeed! The seat has red velvet and was redone in good English leather by Lillian Chaudhary.
A very unique dual horned saddle that can be ridden from either side.
(Photo courtesy of Betty Denton)
This saddle has three pommels, two stirrups and the makers brand. We believe it may have been used in a Wild West Show. The saddle looks to be double rigged and has all the trimmings to be a vintage western saddle that a man could have used and then turned around and setup for a lady to ride. Might it also have been used to ride sidesaddle on the off side?
Saddle owned by Margaret Carter
A Lillian Chaudhary western saddle belonging to Joyce Howell.
A modern Whitman brand saddle owned by Dimitri Schlotter.
Mayhew saddle owned by Margaret Carter
Martin & Martin owned by Tammy Jamison.
Notice the spring flap on the offside in the left hand photo and the stirrup leather that runs under the saddle's seat to be adjusted on the offside.
Western saddle made in 2003 by Lillian Chaudhary
owned by Susie and Leslie Davis
English saddle of unknown origin owned by Jan Biber.