Kristy Byrne competing side saddle at Equitana, November 2024. Image by Kate Sheffield Photography.
While the word “side saddle” conjures up images of genteel riders of days gone by, Same Side Equestrian founder Stacey Rusic is proving that the sport is alive and flourishing in Australia.
Stacey Rusic and her Standardbred Tribal Dynasty in action at Sunbury Pony Club. Image supplied.
Like many young horse-mad children growing up in the suburbs, Victorian Stacey Rusic found a way to be with the animals she was so passionate about. “A family friend lived on a farm and had horses, so from a very young age I was seated on the back of one whenever we visited. I spent a lot of my school holidays trail riding and having lessons wherever possible, and when old enough to get my first job, I leased a horse,” she explains.
“I saved my pennies as most horse-mad girls do until I could afford to buy my first horse, a very unconventional Standardbred who would go to do wonderful side saddle things!”
According to Stacey, side saddle wasn’t something she’d known about prior to seeing an article about it in an old horse magazine. “I had never seen it in Australia before, though it obviously existed,” she explains. “I Facebook-ed and Googled furiously trying to find somewhere in Australia to give it a go.”
Stacey in the show ring at Equitana, 2024. Image by Kate Sheffield Photography.
“I love that, when done
correctly, it looks totally
effortless and elegant.”
Through a rare stroke of luck, she managed to get in contact with a woman that owned a leather business living not far from her who had recently restored a side saddle. Stacey organised for her to come out and fit the saddle to her own horse and show her the ropes. After a quick crash course, Stacey took up the reins and hasn’t looked back since.
For Stacey, the love of the sport has led to a plethora of teaching opportunities, turning her niche passion into the successful business Same Side Equestrian, where she’s instructed riders and given seminars, both nationally and internationally, as one of only two qualified side saddle instructors in Australia. “Ever since I began, I had this overwhelming sense of needing to share this discipline,” she says of her coaching. “I love the tradition of it, with all its weird little turnout intricacies and quirks. I love that, when done correctly, it looks totally effortless and elegant.”
CHOOSING THE RIGHT HORSE
While there are some attributes that can signal a good side saddle horse, including length in the back and a good topline, there’s no definitive requirements needed. “Side saddle does not discriminate,” Stacey insists. “Absolutely any breed of horse can be ridden aside. I have fitted just about every shape and size of horse, from Miniature Ponies and Shetlands right up to purebred Shires!”
“It’s not difficult to transition a horse to side saddle, but there is the odd horse out there who won’t tolerate it for whatever reason. When I teach at Pony Clubs, I am normally teaching horses who have never worn a side saddle before, and their riders never having ridden aside. By the end of the hour-long lesson, 98 per cent of riders are cantering around, and some are jumping, so the transition is not a difficult one for most.”
Side saddle competitor Vanessa Wells, who had a successful outing at Equitana. Image by Kate Sheffield Photography.
Surprisingly, many off-the-track (OTT) Thoroughbreds have cropped up as unexpected naturals to the sport. “I’m not entirely sure why,” Stacey admits, “they just seem to have natural affinity for it, even the ones who are a bit hotter in temperament. The Pony Club scene is flooded with OTTs, so naturally, I teach a lot of riders on them. I find they’re one of the breeds who, without fail, always take to the discipline quite well.”
Stacey has found that not only are the Thoroughbreds some of the easiest breeds she’s fitted to side saddle, their narrow frame often suits the older designed and crafted saddles. “The saddles largely have not changed in design since the late 1800s and early 1900s, and so this means most side saddles available for use today are on the narrower side of width,” she reveals. “Most Thoroughbreds tend to be narrower and thus suit older side saddles well.”
“I have fitted just about every
shape and size of horse.”
Stacey admits that finding the right saddle and equipment can be one of the hardest parts of getting into the sport. “Side saddles fit very specifically and are not overly adjustable, so you need something that fits the horse and rider pretty close to perfect.” Due to the particular fit required, many ageing saddles in usable, safe condition – like the 1913 English-made saddle Stacey uses – can be difficult to find, but with the rising popularity of the sport, more restoration and custom options are cropping up all across Australia.
COMPETITION READY
In November 2024, Melbourne’s Equitana saw the largest Australian side saddle event in decades, something that Stacey had been working on behind the scenes for years. “I was originally approached by Equitana about a side saddle competition prior to the last Equitana in 2022,” she explains. “At the time, I didn’t think it would be possible due to the lack of riders, so I said to them, ‘Give me two more years and I’ll make it happen.’
The 2024 edition of Equitana saw Australia’s largest side saddle event in decades. Pictured here competing L-R: Zelenka Wilson, and Weng Yi Wong, Violet Gittings. Image by Kate Sheffield Photography.
Stacey has welcomed the news that side saddles have become allowable at competitions under the Equestrian Australia dressage rules. Image supplied.
“When I was approached, I knew it was going to be a matter of if I didn’t do it, who would?” Combining her love for the sport and her many years of experience, she ramped up her promotion of side saddle all over the country – while simultaneously organising the event itself, undertaking everything from taking entries to securing judges, stewards, and sponsors.
Stacey’s hard work saw 20 riders of all ages and ability levels from Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales line up to compete – with many outfitted with habits and saddles from Stacey’s own personal collection! “I had pulled together the most incredible line-up,” she says. “Our youngest rider was only eight years old, and we had an incredibly diverse range of breeds on show.”
ALL EYES ON THE FUTURE
Stacey is hopeful that the future of side saddle will continue to prosper as more riders become involved in the sport.
Just recently, Stacey welcomed the news that side saddles have become allowable at competitions under the Equestrian Australia dressage rules. Although Stacey has competed side saddle at Pony Club dressage events in the past, she’s thrilled to now have that same opportunity at EA events.
“I had been lobbying hard for months for this rule change, so I am very excited! I’ve already joined EA and entered my first dressage competition,” she says.
“We’re also really hoping we will see a national side saddle association form in the near future,” adds Stacey. “It’s something I recommend everyone try at least once in their riding life. It is challenging, rewarding, and above all else, so much fun.”
For those interested in trying side saddle, Stacey can be contacted through her business, Same Side Equestrian. EQ
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