Support to Further Allow Side Saddle in the Pony Club Australia National Gear Rules

Comments

#204

I don't understand why the PCA wants to disallow riding side-saddle. I was trained in Portugal to ride saddle by Maestro Nuno Oliveira and a side-saddle is just another saddle of the thousands of different saddles used by different Nationalities around the world. If your idea to ban side-saddle is based on gender think again, many men have and still do ride side-saddle. I would be happy to discuss at length the history of side-saddle and answer any queries. If another reason for banning side-saddle is based on a perceived risk perspective think again on that too, I always feel safer aside than astride. Why limit diversity. I can only believe this banning of riding aside has arisen through lack of knowledge about riding aside. At the Olympics in Japan recently, and in previous Olympics, there is a disabled rider that would be denied her love of riding and competing if riding side-saddle was disallowed. Very happy to discuss. Ph 0408.084.777

Sarita Stratton (Adelaide, 2022-04-22)

#208

We shouldn’t lose traditional and important riding disciplines like side saddle.

Jess Male (Macclesfield, 2022-04-22)

#212

I personally ride side saddle and it would be devastating to loose this aspect of riding!

Laura Becker (Sheffield, 2022-04-22)

#213

It's a discriminatory decision

Michelle Halliday (Adelaide , 2022-04-22)

#214

I have a passion for Side Saddle it is important to include all aspects of horses riding within PC

Jill Wood Ainslie (Serpentine, 2022-04-22)

#215

I believe that PC should be inclusive.

Sharon Robinson (Campbells Creek, 2022-04-22)

#216

Because this rule change is completely unnecessary.

Lucetta Thomas (Canberra, 2022-04-22)

#221

Because I disagree with the banning of side-saddle. And many other of the new National Gear Rules.

Kylie Weltman (Kadina, 2022-04-22)

#224

As I love side saddle and it a good thing to master and helps build core my child loves it

Erika graham (Woodburn, 2022-04-22)

#225

I am signing because I would like to see the sport of side saddle riding continue in the future. Too many equestrian bases skills are being lost due to a lack of knowledge. I am a saddler and am seeing the increase in interest of side saddle here in Australia so why take it away from the Pony Club system?

Terri Campbell (Glenreagh, 2022-04-22)

#227

Pony club is about being open to all horse disciplines, we want our young riders to have many varied experiences.

Probably more concerning is the move to change without due consultation.

Julie Binns (Nunamara, 2022-04-22)

#228

It’s a great learning opportunity for riders to experience different disciplines and historical ways of riding.

Lisa Veitch (Tallarook, 2022-04-22)

#229

This ruling is unfair

Ellen Pearce (Newtown, 2022-04-22)

#232

I believe in inclusivity.

Trevor Stace (Perth, 2022-04-22)

#235

I believe this rules limits minority disciplines to flourish.

Fiona Bradshaw (Heathcote , 2022-04-22)

#242

i am a pony club coach and feel that pony club is a place for riders to experience and compete in all disciplines. PC and open competitions should include all disciplines.

bronwyn cuthbertson (beaufort, 2022-04-22)

#243

I disagree with many of the new rules.

Robyn Champion (Penfield, 2022-04-22)

#244

Riders should gave the choice, and we need to preserve the art of riding side saddle as a discipline.

Catherine Lydon (Perth, 2022-04-23)

#246

I have ridden sidesaddle, totally loved it, and think it is a skill worth preserving

Vicki Stuart (East Kurrajong , 2022-04-23)

#247

Let people live their life. I didn’t even have a saddle when I started pony club, turned up without a saddle but I had a bucket so I was welcome. Borrowed a stock saddle with a bag as a saddle blanket. Sidesaddle would have been luxury. Don’t loose site of what pony club is about. The joy of riding and being around other people who feel the same. Who cares what you ride in.

Jo Furphy Van Eyk (lancefield, 2022-04-23)

#249

i don’t have the means to have my own horse but i think for those people that are blessed enough should get to do what they love on their horse

Ella Sturges (Ulverstone , 2022-04-23)

#252

Although this will only effect a minority of members, why preclude it.
I’m very sorry to see Pony Club losing all sense of direction and purpose and continuing to drive people away by creating rules that exclude rather than include.
Please reconsider removing an important part of equestrian history from pony club.

Ewan Kellett (Ballan, 2022-04-23)

#260

I feel this is important to not lose this discipline.

Emma Schoell (Willunga, 2022-04-24)

#262

I'm signing this because I feel strongly about side saddle competition being kept alive for all ages.

Shirley Callaghan (Veteran, 2022-04-24)

#264

Pony club should support and encourage side saddle riding!

Amanda Massie (Victoria , 2022-04-25)

#266

I am signing this petition because I have been riding Side Saddle in shows (including Brisbane Royal) for over 40 years. I have been teaching the art of Side Saddle riding and judged Side Saddle both here Australia and overseas. I hold an Instructors Certificate from the UK Side Saddle Association. I am also a member of the International Side Saddle Association in the USA. Side Saddle is safe and should be allowed in all competitions. I taken my Side Saddles to many Qld Pony Clubs so members can experience this type of riding.

Wendy Tidbold (Sheldon, 2022-04-26)

#267

I am a side saddle rider and support the opportunity for other to try, use and ride side saddle

Karen Tanner (Adelaide , 2022-04-26)

#268

I believe unless we keep all disciplines in pony club (which is the grass roots of horsemanship) they will die out. Riders should have a safe space to try new things.

Robyn Irving (Lewiston, 2022-04-26)

#271

Side saddles are Kool

Arielle Cassar (Melbourne, 2022-04-27)

#274

Discrimination

Rita Edwards (Northcote , 2022-04-27)

#275

I had the opportunity to ride side saddle at a show once and it was a great experience and opened my eyes to how. Now with an injury I think side saddle would be much easier for me than sitting fully astride I would not have a knowledge of this if not for my earlier experience. I look foward to my daughter being given the opportunity to ride side saddle at some stage for the experience, the horsemanship, history and to bank that knowledge for further use down the track.

April Kunde (Mincha, 2022-04-28)

#276

Would be such a shame to lose such a wonderful discipline in Equestrain. athletes should have the choice to have they ride

Melanie Clark (Melbourne, 2022-04-28)

#277

The option for being able to ride side saddle is not only important for able body riders but as we saw at the Para Olympics makes riding accessible to a far greater range of rider I including those that are non able to ride astride. PC needs to not silo riders and provide greater opportunities and this won't happen by ruling that specific styles of saddles are not to be used at PC.
Please reconsider the rule on side saddles and opt for inclusiveness rather than exclusion. Thank you

Petra Marz (Carwoola , 2022-04-28)

#279

Level one coach, 12 years experience
DC Birralee and Districts Pony club
Zone and State test coordinator

Hayley Atkins (Osmaston, 2022-04-29)

#285

I support sidesaddle

Samara Kelly (Mildura, 2022-04-30)

#287

I’m concerned that changes like this are being made without adequate consultation and will set a precedent that rule changes can be made by a select committee without expert and member knowledge or input. Rules once changed are difficult to roll back. Side saddle is part of a culture that will be lost if not encouraged at PC level.

Jen Douglas (Nichols Point , 2022-04-30)

#289

Side saddle is such a significant historical aspect of our sport. It would an absolute shame to not facilitate the continuance in the most accessible way. Have you ever tried it? You might be surprised as I was just how secure and safe it feels.

Kylie Breeze (Koorlong, 2022-05-02)

#290

I don’t think it should be taken away.

Rani Spence-Weightman (Mildura , 2022-05-02)

#292

I’m signing because side saddle is an age old discipline that pony club should be encouraging. The rules around gear at pony club are becoming beyond arduous!

Kim Fitzgerald (Youanmite , 2022-05-02)

#298

I would like this discipline to continue and do not agree with the proposed rule change

Leesa Bradshaw (Mildura, 2022-05-05)

#300

What gives some guy in some office somewhere the right to say yeah or nay to a skill that has been around for centuries

Tammy Jones (Dunolly, 2022-05-05)

#302

I want our kids to be able to continue to learn side saddle at PC.

Tanya Jackson (Meeniyan, 2022-05-05)

#303

Side saddle is a wonderful discipline worth preserving and taking it away in an organisation that encourages young riders will affect new people coming to the discipline and taking it forward.

Helen Brazier (York , 2022-05-05)

#308

I'm signing because side saddle has been excluded in UK from many affiliated events and as a side saddle rider competing against astride riders, I feel it is very important to keep side saddle as an option. It is safe when done properly and part of our heritage.

Kaitlyn Beattie (Slingsby, 2022-05-05)

#309

Ponyclub and in general the equestrian industry needs to get with the times in alot of ways!!! I believe side saddle should be allowed

Katrina Buckett (Millingandi , 2022-05-05)

#310

I strongly believe that side-saddles should continue to be allowed for use in all of Groups A,B,C,D,E, F and G in the new rules as side-saddle riding is a valuable skill.

Jane Martin (Brinsmead , 2022-05-05)

#314

I wish I learnt this skill when I was younger

Mandy Mair (Fishermans Paradise, 2022-05-05)

#315

I’m signing because I believe pony club is all about being inclusive. The exclusion of side saddle riders from all but Group A activities within pony club is NOT inclusive. PCA should be encouraging side saddle riders, along with other minority/not mainstream riders to participate fully in pony club activities thereby enriching the pony club lifestyle for everyone with diversity. Please reconsider this decision and allow side saddle riders to compete and participate fully in ALL pony club activities.

Carol Olsen (Poowong East, 2022-05-06)

#316

I believe people should ride in what they want as long as the equipment is safe and the horse and rider are comfortable.

Kesley Effield (Ulladulla , 2022-05-06)

#317

Side saddle riders should be included, it is discrimination not to.

Samantha Ferguson (Ballarat, 2022-05-06)

#318

As a side saddle rider who competes, hunts,
and teaches, I FULLY support the unconditional use of it in all avenues!

Devon Zebrovious (Middleburg , 2022-05-06)

#319

I am sure this just an oversight on the part of the rule writers and I anticipate they will appreciate being given the opportunity to rectify the rules.

Leora Gardiner (Winchelsea, 2022-05-08)

#320

It is unfair and unreasonable

Katrina Poppa (Kialla, 2022-05-08)

#321

Side saddle is a wonderful option for our pony club members to enjoy, and pursue outside of pony club

Monica Degraaf (Kilmore, 2022-05-10)

#325

I am signing this petition because I believe that as long as the side saddle is well maintained and fitted correctly, that it should be allowed to be used in Pony Club, as it is safe and comfortable for the horse and rider.

Catherine Schwarz (Naring, 2022-05-11)

#327

We had Stacey come out to our pony club and run a side saddle day. The riders loved it and it showed them the opportunity to do something different. All riders as long as meeting safety requirements should be allowed to compete and ride in whatever manner they choose. It should not just be the exception you need to have an impairment that justifies side saddle. All females were forbidden to ride astride many years ago and now they won't be allowed to ride saddle? That is not progress that is taking away choice.

Tanya Christie (Moranding , 2022-05-11)

#328

Because pony club is about learning about all aspects of riding and side saddle
Is an aspect of riding.

Vanessa Gibbs (Beachport , 2022-05-11)

#329

I don't want the art of side saddle to die out. If the gear meets all safety requirements and riders are under instruction I don't see a reason to exclude it

Karen Cook (Romsey , 2022-05-11)

#330

There is no reason to limit the use of side saddles across the disciplines. Gear rules should be based on factual evidence related to safety or welfare issues.

Lauren Donaldson (Buronga , 2022-05-11)

#332

All forms of riding should be supported at Pony club

Anne Garth (Mirboo North, 2022-05-14)

#334

Side saddle is a dying art and I believe should be encouraged throughout our younger generations and given a stage of practice. If people/children cannot practice under watchful eye at pony club any more where does this lead our equestrian world to? Leave the side saddle as appropriate tack. Its been suitable for centuries, and should be for many more.

Bronwen Lewis (Rydal, 2022-05-16)

#337

The PC gear rules are to the point that they excluded many. To remove side saddle from most discipline's is adding to that exclusion.

Megan Glenn (Moulamein , 2022-06-03)

#340

I support inclusion and side saddle activities. As a child I was taught side-saddle and astride and I often described feeling more secure and stable riding side saddle.

Kate Bentley (Goornong, 2022-07-05)

#341

Side saddle is part if riding and equitation history and should be allowed in all disciplines to increase knowledge. It is an elegant riding style

Cathy Maunder (Malmsbury , 2022-09-18)

#342

Side saddles, while rare, are still used and adored by folks of the Far North and I didn’t just spend six years training my horse and saving up for a side saddle to suddenly be robbed of the opportunity to ride in it. I literally just acquired the perfect saddle for my horse and now I can’t even compete. Unbelievably disappointed, as Pony Club is the only avenue in which side saddle can be used up here. It’s hard enough getting enough volunteers and riders to run an official Gymkhana, let alone a ‘fun day’ in which the side saddle would be allowed, so there’s no hope for any riders that wish to gain more experiences aside. This new gear rule will kill side saddles in the North, as the only riders confident enough to try it are found in Pony Club.

Zem Hallam (Cairns, 2022-10-18)



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