Side Saddle & Dressage Demonstration

Side Saddle & Dressage Demonstration

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Join us at the National Horseracing Museum for a day of Side Saddle and Dressage in the Peter O’Sullevan Arena on Saturday 20th August 2022, from 11am.

We’ve got a fantastic day of equestrian demonstrations lined up, starting with Louise Robson from Thoroughbred Dressage at 11am.

Louise will give a ridden demo on Quadrille – an ex-racehorse of Her Majesty The Queen – who is now working at a high level of dressage. Sea the Girl, one of the RoR racehorses from The Rothschild Yard, will also be in the arena, as you find out about the process behind re-training racehorses for this specialised discipline and the intricacies of dressage techniques and competition at the highest level.

At 2:30pm, the Side Saddle Association – dedicated to promoting and protecting the skill, sport and education of riding side saddle amongst riders of all ages and genders – will be giving a fun and informative compered demonstration of this traditional and elegant riding discipline. With four or five horses in the arena, this is a great opportunity to understand more about the saddles used, the riders and the horses. Different riders will also demonstrate different Side Saddle rides, such as dressage and jumping. There will also be an opportunity for you to sit on one of the saddles to get a feel for this unique discipline.

To find out more about Thoroughbred Dressage, click here.

To find out more about the Side Saddle Association click here.

What exactly is it?

Side saddle (or sidesaddle) riding is a discipline that goes back to ancient times. Typically, this form of equestrianism uses a specific type of saddle which allows the rider (usually female) to sit on their horse aside rather than astride. It can trace its origins to Ancient Greece but as with all riding techniques has been improved and enhanced in the intervening years. Gaining popularity in Europe in the Middle Ages, side saddle riding was a way for women in skirts to ride in a modest fashion while also wearing fine clothing. It is still practised to this day and remains a niche but much-loved approach to horse riding.

The word Dressage is a French term and translates to mean ‘training’. Dressage is a form of horse riding performed in exhibition and competition settings, and it’s often said that dressage makes the horse look like they are dancing. Clever and intricate footwork, combined with perfect timing, makes this incredibly difficult discipline to master both an art and a sport. It is defined by the International Equestrian Federation, as “the highest expression of horse training” where “horse and rider are expected to perform from memory a series of predetermined movements.” 

The National Horseracing Museum is pleased to be able to bring these niche riding disciplines to a wider audience and there will be an opportunity to ask questions on the day and find out more about Side Saddle and Dressage.

Entrance is included within the cost of general admission. This gives you access to all areas including the National Horseracing Museum, Palace House and the Rothschild Yard, where you can meet retired racehorses!

To buy your tickets, click here and choose the date on which you’d like to attend. When you get here, upgrade to an Annual Pass for FREE. This gives you unlimited access for 12 months from the date of your first visit.

Already an existing Annual Pass holder? Head to the shop on arrival to scan your ticket and pick up a day badge.

Why not make a day of it and book a table for lunch at The Tack Room restaurant, or order a picnic from The Bakery to enjoy in our beautiful grounds.