WTB: Side saddle, or lessons in one; western saddle; broken stuff

I'm quite desperately searching for a side saddle (and the associated tack) OR someone locally (The WI-IA-IL Tri-state area) who rides in one and would be willing to offer a lesson or two in one (and permit a load of questions related to them ).
I ride a 14-15" seat in my Western saddles, and have horses of all body styles, all with huge withers.


I'm also looking for a cheap Western saddle, 15- or 16-inch seat and either full- or semi-quarter-horse bars, but must accommodate high withers. I'm not real picky about color and such, don't mind rough shape (as long as the tree is intact, that is), just looking for something my parents and friends can comfortably ride in from time to time. Only looking to spend < $300.

I have a couple saddles (both Western) that I would be willing to trade for either saddle.


Also looking for assorted odds and ends -
Sport boots (medium and small)
A two-wheel cart for a pony 12-13hh
Lightweight blankets (like, cooler weight) for a large pony/small horse (I can get measurements, just don't have them on me)

I am only willing to deal locally - I live in the WI-IA-IL Tri-state area, and will drive a good distance. I'm also in the Des Moines area a lot.




Also looking to buy broken/beat up halters, leather goods, blankets, etc. to cannibalize for hardware and other scrap materials.
Depending on the item, I would be willing to have these shipped and pay through PayPal.

Your best bet would be the Side Saddle Association, you can find them on google.

I urge you not to buy a side saddle on line - side saddles are like all English saddles; it must be fitted properly or your horse will suffer. And to make matters trickier, it must fit you properly too. A side saddle made for a 6 foot large lady will not fit a 5 foot petite lady!

I know nothing about western sidesaddles, but I am sure someone here will add advice about them.

Exactly why I'm looking to get one locally - so I can fit it to my horse first. They're hard enough to fit to a regular old Western saddle, I'm not even going to attempt buying a side saddle without testing it out first! Haha

And for the record, I don't really mind one way or the other if it's a Western or English side-saddle. Realized I didn't specify.

I've been trying to find some sidesaddle associations near us, but there aren't very many. Try the Georgia Aside ladies group (I think they're a yahoo group). Anywho, I've got a sidesaddle I'd be happy to sell. I picked it up at a local tack shop for $500. It's not super awesome (Indian made...), but it's pretty functional. It seems to fit a wider variety of horses, mediums to wides and withers aren't a problem for it. It's got a larger seat, but I'm like 5'3" and don't really have an issue. The balance strap isn't currently functional. I just don't use it (they weren't added until like the 1900's anyway). It could easily be lengthened or you could just buy a sidesaddle girth to attach it to.
Also, the flocking isn't ideal. They flocked it evenly versus overstuffing it in the left side. It does just fine but it would be more stable if flocking was added to offset the rider's weight.
So, it was a nice beginner saddle for me. I don't really ride much anymore (broken pony), so I'm asking $400, or any offers. PM or email lissipoland@gmail.com if interested. I don't really check posts often.

Contact Katey and "MoSSy" (Minnesotans on Side Saddles). MoSSY She is very involved with the regional and national side saddle groups and can get you contacted with the right people in your area. There is quite a side saddle presence in Illinois, if I recall correctly.

I have lots of old/broken halters, a broken caveson, and lots of broken reins and leather scraps. It would have to be shipped though. If your interested I can let you know when I get home exactly what I have.

Thank you, I will.



I'd be interested to see pictures, when you have a chance. Please and thank you~

Ok! It will be later tonight but I'll get them to you!
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Check Amazon. They have sidesaddles and may have a seller near you.
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If you haven't already located the sidesaddle you were looking for--remember that with Amazon (same as eBay) you wouold be buying a sidesaddle you haven't seen, and since you are new to ss it would be difficult for you to evaluate it from a photo.

Georgia Ladies Aside (GALA) and MOSSY (both great and active groups) are only two of many ss clubs around the country. SOLA (Southern Ohio Ladies Aside) may be within your drive distance, too. Check American Sidesaddle Association Member Organizations for others. I'd strongly suggest you join one (or all! <g>) as a "social" member, no cost, so you can join the e-mail groups. We often have someone spot a likely-looking saddle on eBay, Craig's List, etc., and check with the group for comments on whether the saddle is worth pursuing. Sometimes it even turns out someone knows the saddle "personally!"

Whatever you do, DON'T fall for the low price of the Hilason, Silver Fox, or other low-cost new sideaddles often found on eBay. They are not properly designed, and are prone to tipping the rider off to the left. There are a few good modern makes, and vintage saddles often work well (although there are other older saddles you won't want at all). The saddle will need to fit your horse, as well as you, in order for it to feel safe and secure and to give you a balanced ride.