Here we catch up with brand ambassador Jennie Daniels and Tilly the Cob. It has been a busy period for them with lots of English Civil War displays on the battlefields.
Following on from my last blog which mentioned Herts County Show, we have had some lovely photos from the event, including the full line up of the riders in the ‘Ride Like the Queen’ display in the main arena.
Click here to see Jennie and Tilly.
Click here for the full line up.
The following week we were back to a leg either side, which felt weird after so much side saddle riding, as we headed to Basingstoke for an English Civil War battle display on Basing Common. We carried the regimental cornet (flag) for the first part of the show, and then took out our sword for the main battle display part. Once again Tilly proved how good she is by being a lead horse.
Photo by Colin Hart Photography
The following weekend found us at another English Civil War event, this time on the actual battlefield of Naseby in Northamptonshire. Whenever I am away at these events, it is always so nice to see just how chilled Tilly and the other horses are in their little paddocks.
At the end of June we were invited to take part in a display in the main arena at Chalke Valley History festival. What a great event for anyone who loves history. There was so much for people to see from so many different periods in history.
For this event, we were back in our favourite saddle, the side saddle. To get to the main arena, we had to ride our horse through parts of the rest of the event which included an old fairground and various living history camps. We are wearing a blue jacket, black curly wig and hat.
Click here to see a video of them in action.
Click here to see a selection of photos from this event, where we took part in races and did some little jumps.
We are now on the final countdown to this year’s Side Saddle Nationals at Bury Farm. I am excited to see everyone, but at the same time, feeling nervous about the equitation flatwork and jumping.
We have had dressage and jumping lessons in preparation, which has helped, but it’s still not the same as having to do it in front of the judges and knowing everyone is looking at you!!
Here are a couple of short video clips from our last jumping lesson…
Click here to see Tilly and I standing next to the biggest jump we had to do, off the left rein, which is the hardest direction for side saddle.
For anyone looking for further information on Side Saddle Riding, the Side Saddle Association website is a great place to start.
For anyone interested in the Side Saddle National Show 5th-7th August 2022, it is free entry and is located at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre in Buckinghamshire.
