Thursday 3 December 2015

The Benefits of Derrieres for Side Saddle ~ Guest Blogger Carrie-Anne Ashbolt

                    The Benefits of Derrieres for Side Saddle                    Guest Blogger Carrie-Anne Ashbolt


2014 was a pretty special year for myself and my home produced 17 year old  horse Shooting Star II (Kenny), and one I never believed would be beaten!  And then 2015 happened!

As with any sport or riding discipline, the phrase ‘no pain no gain’ is certainly true for riding aside!  My side saddle is dated back to the 1930’s so not quite as comfortable and padded as modern day saddles.  I used to suffer terribly with a numb derriere and pins and needles after sitting up there for some time whilst in the ring.  That was until I discovered Derriere!! Yes I was skeptical and dismissed that a pair of pants could help that much!

Curiosity got the better of me, and after reading great reviews on Derrieres, I decided to purchase my first pair.  I opted for the padded panty as thought these might ease the numbness slightly.  

Our season usually begins with attending mostly Side Saddle Association Area Shows where we gain Equitation qualification points for the championships at the National Show.  With the show season underway, it became apparent very quickly that I was going long periods in the saddle before I was realizing my rear wasn’t numb!  In fact it was quite comfortable!  

As the season went on I had gone from being skeptical to not able to leave for a show without my new wonder pants! I was totally converted.
The first part of the season was quite successful with several wins under our belt. 

One of the shows I aim for in the season is Royal Three Counties in June.  It’s fairly local for me and a show I love.  I entered the Classical Ladies qualifier class.  Last year things didn’t go quite right and he became very unsettled in the ring.   So this year I was quite apprehensive as to how he would respond.  Despite last years hiccup, I decided to keep to our usual routine. We had some great competition and all I wanted was for him to stay settled.  Words can not describe how incredible he felt as soon as we went into trot on the go round.  

He simply delivered exactly what I asked and then some.  I couldn’t quite believe when my number was called out in 1st place (I even had to double check it!!).  It was even more special to have so many friends and family there too.

After Royal Three Counties, we start preparing for the National Show which is the first weekend in August.  In preparation we attended several shows, again where we were successful with great comments. The National Show is a three day show, and my first thought was that I’ve only got one pair of Derrieres! So I was straight online to order another 2 pairs! 

















Our Side Saddle area had put together a team to compete for the Area Equitation award at the National Show.  I have never competed in any Equitation Championship, but for team reasons I was asked to do the Intermediate class. Of course I was more than happy to be part of the team, whilst very nervous I would do the team proud.  

It soon became time for The Side Saddle National Show.  The lorry was packed and off we went to Adddington Manor.  Our first class (a dressage test) was very excitable and was a case of just steer!! 

He soon settled for our Veteran class where  he felt super. He won the class in good company and then stood reserve champion.  

Day 2 arrived……our Intermediate Equitation Championship class.  The class comprises of a dressage type test and then judged on turnout immediately after.  We went in for our test and my stomach was churning but I just went for it.  Again he rose to the occasion.  I went down the final centre line with a huge smile and left the arena thinking that was a great test (I never think that!!!)  We would have to wait for our results.  We went off for 2 more classes, we won the hacks, and 3rd in the costume.  

I went to see our results for equitation.  I couldn’t believe it….we won our class!!!  And with my incredible team mates who had also done fantastically, we won the Area Trophy!  Day 3 was pretty special also,  we were 3rd in a very strong Classical Ladies Final.  All in all a National Show never to be forgotten!!!
After this show we attended a few more shows and some dressage for some variety.  He won several classes including wins at Usk and Beaufort Hunt.

His dressage (astride) has been fantastic this year too.  Winning Novice classes with scores all over 70%.

I’ve spent many hours in the saddle this year and I think my boyfriend/super groom will agree, there hasn’t been moaning because my rear has been numb or I’ve had  cramp!!  What an incredible year it’s been and have to thank Claire and the team at Derriere Equestrian for their part in it, my rear is certainly very appreciative!!!. 

I’ve recently bought my 4th pair to complete the collection of one of each color! I can’t recommend these enough and especially to my side saddle friends.

Now my dilemma is……which of my lucky Derrieres is my luckiest pair????

Carrie-Anne Ashbolt