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Step 1
Decide what you want to do aside. Show? Ride in parades? Trail ride? Just have fun?
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Step 2
Find a sidesaddle (see How to Find a Sidesaddle).
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Step 3
Have a saddler help make sure the saddle fits your horse properly.
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Step 4
Begin your search for an instructor by checking with sidesaddle organizations to see if they can recommend anyone in your area. Even local groups not in your area may have contacts with people in your area (many regional groups actually have members from around the world).
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Step 5
Hang up flyers at local tack stores and feed stores.
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Step 6
Talk to local trainers, veterinarians, tack/feed store owners and ask for recommendations. Watch for sidesaddle riders at horse shows and talk to them.
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Step 7
If you cannot find someone qualified to teach sidesaddle riding, talk to your trainer and see if he or she is willing to work with you in your sidesaddle. He/she can help make sure you are sitting up straight (with your shoulders and hips square).
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Step 8
If you cannot find someone locally and your trainer doesn't feel comfortable helping, consider a "video lesson" with a trainer from out of your area. For a video lesson, have someone video you riding your horse aside. Send the video to the instructor. He or she will go over the video with you (on the phone, in writing or via email) and give instructions for things to improve.
