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Side Saddles and Accessories

Side Saddles

  • One of my specialties has been the making of Side Saddles on trees sourced from the UK.
  • I make the Side Saddle to the measurements of both the Horse & Rider to be sure of a good and comfortable fit.
  • Customers can select from a wide range of leather colours and I only use best quality English leather.
New brown Side Saddle
New brown Side Saddle
Light tan Side Saddle
Light tan Side Saddle
Small dark brown Side Saddle
Small dark brown Side Saddle
Small dark brown Side Saddle
Small dark brown Side Saddle
Dark brown Side Saddle
Dark brown Side Saddle
Light brown Side Saddle
Light brown Side Saddle

Side Saddle Accessories

I make a wide range of Side Saddle accessories including:-

  • Balance straps
  • Fitzwilliam girth, 3 buckle folded leather
  • Stirrup leather for break – away fitting
  • Reins extra length for Side Saddle
  • Carry bag, felt lined
  • Side Saddle Canes, Kangaroo plaited
Fitzwilliam Girth & Balance Strap
Fitzwilliam Girth & Balance Strap
Side Saddle Kangaroo Plaited Canes
Side Saddle Kangaroo Plaited Canes
Side Saddle Numnah
Side Saddle Numnah
Side Saddle Carry Bag
Side Saddle Carry Bag

Wendy Tidbold – Side Saddles

Saddle Making

Side Saddles became a passion for Wendy, learning as much as she could from the very few Australian sources available and then made contact with the UK Side Saddle Association and the International Side Saddle Organization in the USA.

Wendy started rebuilding Side Saddles from the tree up as there were only old saddles around with dip seats. Occasionally, a more modern Side Saddle with a flat seat would turn-up.

There is only a handful of saddlers in the world that specialize in the making of Side Saddles. Wendy’s Side Saddles have been made not only for Australian customers, but also for customers in New Zealand.

United Kingdom

In 1995 and 1999, she travelled to the United Kingdom to obtain lessons with the master of Side Saddle riding and acknowledged world authority on Side Saddles, Mr. Roger Philpot. She also competed in the 3-day UK Side Saddle Show in Warwickshire in 1999.

Whilst in the UK she participated with a top American and a champion English Side Saddle rider in a documentary for the Discovery TV Channel.

USA

Further travels in 2002 included the USA for the 3-day Side Saddle Spectacular at the Kentucky Horse Park making contact with USA & Canadian saddlers. She brought a Western American Side Saddle tree home with her.

Media

Wendy has featured in three Side Saddle segments on the Channel 10’s kids show, Totally Wild, a segment on Channel 9s Brisbane Extra, plus an ABC National Radio interview, various magazines in Australia and New Zealand including the Australian Women’s Weekly – (The Last of their Kind).

Equitana Brisbane

In 2002 she rode in Brisbane’s first Equitana held at the Exhibition & Convention Centre performing a Pas De Deux Side Saddle over 5 nights. This was an all breed’s horse show where individual horse acts are performed to music under laser lighting, the show originating from Europe.

Dressage

She has been a member Redlands and Southern Districts Equestrian Group for over 25 years and served as the club’s President for 10 years. She enjoys the company of the horse enthusiasts in the club and often competes in dressage events.

Side Saddle

Wendy is very keen to continue promoting Side Saddle riding and keep the interest alive. She gives private and group Side Saddle riding lessons, accepts invitations from Pony Clubs and groups to bring her own saddles to both demonstrate and teach Side Saddle riding.