The elegant art of riding aside has experienced a resurgence in the past few years.  Many equestrians enjoy conquering a new style of riding and proving they can do anything and everything in their sidesaddles.  Others love the feeling of having everyone’s eyes on them as they ride into an arena in an exquisite habit or down the trail in a comfortable sidesaddle, and other women use their sidesaddle as a tool to teach people about history.  Some women and a few men ride sidesaddle due to injuries or disabilities that make riding astride impossible. 

Since sidesaddle riders are often spread out, sidesaddle enthusiasts and newcomers to the sport often have trouble finding others who share their passion.  Regional groups can help unite sidesaddle riders and enthusiasts who live near each other. 

The American Sidesaddle Association was recently formed to serve as a coalition of the regional groups.  The mission of ASA is to preserve the art of riding aside, foster community and exchange of information amongst sidesaddle riders, promote and support the efforts of regional sidesaddle groups and serve as a resource to sidesaddle enthusiasts throughout the United States by archiving and disseminating information which should never be lost.  ASA aims to be an all-inclusive group: welcoming riders of all disciplines to come together for friendship and camaraderie as well as fun. 

ASA was formed by people who have been involved in the sidesaddle world for years as well as relative newcomers who understand the challenges facing new sidesaddle enthusiasts. 

Sidesaddle enthusiasts and supporters may either join the ASA through a member organization or can join ASA directly. Organizations which have already become ASA members are Georgia Ladies Aside (GALA), Minnesotans on Side Saddles (MOSSY), South East Aside (SEA), Southern Ohio Ladies Aside (SOLA) and Texas Sidesaddle Riders (TSR).  Other regional groups may apply to become member organizations.

ASA members receive an electronic newsletter with educational articles, a calendar of events and more, may place free classifieds on the ASA website and in the newsletter, have access to a fun awards program and more.  Most importantly, ASA members can preserve this piece of our equestrian history for generations to come. 

Members and non-members alike are invited to visit our website, submit photos for the photo gallery, participate in contests and win prizes, submit photos or videos for critiques, place classified ads and more!

Whatever your favorite discipline and breed and whether you show, trail ride, or perform riding demonstrations, ASA has a place for you!

Visit us on the web at www.americansidesaddleassociation.org