Scotland Weekend

Last weekend represented the end of the winter series of monthly clinics in Side Saddle Association (SSA) Area 9, with add on days in Cumbria on Friday and SSA Area 1, Northern Scotland on Monday, so, overall a very full- on weekend. Having added up my statistics for the weekend, I drove 1,250 miles, taught 38 lessons over 5 locations and somehow managed to fit 14 side-saddles in my car- quite a record for me on all levels!

Friday was a return visit to Greenlands Equestrian Centre, Carlisle. I was delighted to be able to run this as the last two months, we have had to cancel due to extremely stormy weather, but this time, spring felt like it had arrived and everyone was able to get there, including master saddler, Rob Jenkins, who was there to bring event organiser, Carol Rogerson, her brand new saddle to fit to Blondie, her pony. She was then able to have her lesson in her new saddle and clearly loved riding in it. It was lovely to welcome along a new rider and see a few familiar faces too.

My journey continued up to SSA Area 9’s Chairman and Secretary, Steve and Karrie McGill’s house in the Scottish borders, in preparation for two days in Area 9. The first day was the regular venue of Rockrose Equestrian Centre in East Lothian, where thirteen riders came forward for individual lessons, some also having saddle fittings and new saddles as Rob Jenkins was also there for the morning. It was particularly rewarding to see the progress that riders have made over the last few months. Area 9 made a commitment to running a monthly clinic from September to March for their members and, with the exception of when Storm Eowyn descended in January when the clinics had to be cancelled, having that continuity of lessons has made a real difference to progressing everyone’s riding. I was ably supported by Area 9 Chairman, Steve in the morning and Treasurer, Libby in the afternoon.

The second day within Area 9 was held at the wonderful Totleywells Equestrian Centre, near Edinburgh. This was a first visit for SSA Area 9 to this luxurious venue and a first for me too and I have to say that I was very impressed with everything from the club room and viewing gallery to the arenas. Again, it was a full day of lessons, with a couple of new riders, though mainly existing Area 9 stalwarts. Area 9 helpers, Lucy and Alison were on hand to help me get saddles on and off and to impart their knowledge to newcomers.

The last day of my expedition was spent up in SSA Area 1 (Northern Scotland) in two locations. This was only my second visit up to Area 1, having been up in the area a month ago for the first time and I’m thoroughly enjoying my involvement - already getting to see familiar faces from last month, who again all built on what they had learned previously. This time, the morning was spent at Mill of Uras Equestrian Centre, Stonehaven where Eilidh helped me and also participated in a couple of lessons herself with two of her horses and then I travelled up to Lady Luck Equestrian Centre at Insch for the afternoon, where all riders were known to me from last time- two having their second lesson and making real progress. We also had Area Chairman, Fiona Mackinnon and Area Secretary, Katy Ryecroft getting prepped for forthcoming shows.

It’s certainly been one of my busiest weekends but it has been so encouraging to see the progress that riders are making and to receive such wonderful hospitality. I’ll hopefully be seeing a lot of the riders at SSA Camp North at the beginning of May, which I’m particularly looking forward to as it was a really fun weekend last year.

I just wanted to finish off by saying that, whilst I was up in Scotland, some of my local clients were attending the first major Southern show of the season, Wiltshire Show and in competitive classes, all came back having been “in the ribbons”. Of particular note was Florrie Dyer, who had her first side saddle lesson in January and after only about six lessons, made her side-saddle showing debut a successful one, qualifying for the BSHA Championships in the Ladies class. Well done to all on your results- it feels like the 2025 show season is now well and truly underway.

Penny