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.
Carrie-Anne Ashbolt
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