Thursday, February 3, 2011

Sidesaddle Puissance?

I have mixed feelings about puissance competitions but you've gotta figure this grey is into it, because the rider has limited influence. I love the way she floats over him, it is impressive to watch...



14 comments:

  1. Wow, that is definitely impressive. I think I would probably fall off attempting to do sidesadde, especially jumping. I have a hard enough time doing it astride!

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  2. I think anyone who rides sidesaddle must have incredible balance. I won't even try it. The video is very impressive. Hat's off to that rider.

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  3. I can feel myself falling off just watching her CANTER that horse around ... nevermind taking it over jumps that keep getting bigger and bigger. Wow.

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  4. I always wonder if sidesaddle hurts your back... it seems like people are twisted sideways and it would be hard to distribute the weight and workload of your muscles evenly. In any case... how impressive!

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  5. And in a snaffle, too!

    Sidesaddle isn't as hard as it looks as far as staying on, but straightness and correct bend are difficult issues as you tend to make the horse more crooked and then are limited in your straightening and bending abilities with no right leg.

    I dislike puissance in general as it really produces rushers.

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  6. Used to ride a bit of sidesaddle. Never did quite get the jumping mostly because I couldn't quite figure out the technique. Once you get the hang of the saddle and concept, it's actually pretty secure.

    The big thing is having a horse that's responsive to the seat and doesn't need your leg on the offside to cue.

    There was a woman in the area who was really an excellent sidesaddle rider and I always admired her. She did look elegant when she rode and jumped.

    This horse rider combo is really good. The horse has a lovely, willing attitude, and the rider is super skilled. What a nice pair.

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  7. Niiiiiice horse! Looks like a sweetie pie, but I am sucker for greys.

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  8. That is one of the craziest releases I've ever seen! Thanks for sharing, really fascinating:)

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  9. I'm a sucker for greys as well and this one looks wonderful. The horse remains so calm, before and after each fence.

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  10. Women used to hunt that way, galloping in a gang. Crazy. Fun video.

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  11. She has excellent core muscles. She leans forward over the jump and recovers immediately on the other side. That last one, she sure had some air time! But her smile says it all.

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  12. I have a trainer that has gone to clinics to learn. You use a dressage whip to take the place of the off leg side, and your seatbones should still be in the same position as if you were astride.

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  13. I love puissance, it's a really intense experience. I'm confused by the statement about rushers because if you rush, you aren't going to be very good at it. It's sort of self-correcting. Also confused: why wouldn't the horse be into it? Most horses who are any good at it LOVE IT. For those that don't, they are offered fairly rarely and are easily avoided.

    My mom learned to ride from an elderly lady who had never ridden anything but sidesaddle. It hasn't been that long, all things considered.

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  14. Side Saddle Girl has a nice blog about side saddle riding. I find it very practical, especially since many photos are in regular riding clothes so you can see the seat and leg position.
    http://www.sidesaddlegirl.co.uk

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