Youth rider Stevie Speechley winning her side saddle class with Millstream Maverick on debut. Image by Sharyn Hine.
Side saddle enthusiasts are excited that a leading international instructor will visit Australia for a clinic this year as the ancient art continues to attract followers, particularly with the establishment of a formal organisation in Queensland.
Side saddle riding in Queensland has grown steadily throughout 2025, with momentum carrying strongly into 2026. Once considered a rare or historical pursuit, it is reclaiming its place in the modern equestrian landscape, supported by education, competition, and a passionate community committed to preserving this elegant discipline.
At the heart of this revival is Beaudesert-based rider and instructor Simone Johnson, who was faithfully mentored by the late Wendy Tidbold. One of Wendy’s final requests to Simone was to “continue to fly the side saddle flag in Australia”, a promise Simone has honoured through years of riding and competing across Queensland. Simone has consequently become a qualified side saddle instructor, in the process broadening her knowledge of the history of side saddle and experience in the United States.
Simone Johnson and Featherdale The Drumroll. Image by Downunder Photography.
“Want to feel like a lady?
Then ride side-saddle!”
Education and inclusivity have been central to Simone’s efforts. She has taught children and adults – men as well as women – to ride aside.
In a significant contribution to the discipline’s growth within the show ring, Simone has generously loaned side saddles and elegant habits to students willing to step outside their comfort zones, ensuring side saddle remains visible, accessible, and actively represented in competition.
Together, Simone and I founded the Australian Side Saddle Community (ASSC), which has played a pivotal role in expanding opportunities for side-saddle riders firstly across Queensland and now beyond.
In September 2025, the ASSC sponsored a dedicated Side Saddle Feature Event at the All Breed Spectacular, hosted by the Northern Districts Hack and Dressage Club in Burpengary, about 40km north of Brisbane. The feature included a five-class program and an impressive array of awards, attracting six riders, numbers not seen in Queensland for many years. The success of this event has led to the ASSC being approached to run additional side-saddle features across the state in 2026.
Sandie Johnson is all smiles aboard Millstream Jazzmin. Image by Sharyn Hine.
For many riders, the femininity, elegance, and beauty of side-saddle are powerful drawcards, inspiring a growing number of women to take up riding aside. This rings true for Candace Saunders, one of Simone’s students, who decided to learn side saddle so she could “ride down the aisle aside in true elegance”.
The passion quickly grew, and not long after, Candace made her competitive debut in the ASSC side-saddle feature. “Want to feel like a lady? Then ride side-saddle!” Candace often says. Candance has been a strong side-saddle advocate, introducing the elegance of side-saddle to many other ladies.
Candace Saunders riding Hanks Own. Image by Sharyn Hine.
RARE CLINIC OPPORTUNITY
Candace wants as many ladies as possible to enjoy the beauty this rich art form brings.
A significant milestone is set for 27 June 2026, when Queensland will host its first side saddle clinic in many years to be conducted by an international instructor. The clinic will be led by instructor Maggie Pritchard McAllister, marking a rare and valuable opportunity for Australian riders.
The last time Queensland welcomed an international side saddle clinician was in 2008, with the renowned Roger Philpot of the UK, highlighting the clinic’s significance. This also marks the first time an American side saddle instructor has held a clinic Down Under and in Queensland! The clinic is expected to draw strong interest from riders and enthusiasts from across the country, eager to take part in this unique experience.
Maggie brings almost a lifetime of experience from the United States, having ridden and competed side-saddle across a wide range of seats and disciplines. She has travelled extensively, running clinics and teaching riders the art and correct practice of riding aside.
Maggie Pritchard McAllister riding Red Fern. Image by Brooke Bellenger.
“This year is exciting for us
side saddle enthusiasts…”
Highly respected within the international side saddle community, Maggie recently stepped down from her role as president of the American Side Saddle Association whilst continuing to promote the organisation. She also restores older side saddles and assists her husband in his saddlery business, where they repair modern saddles.
Passionate about preserving this historic discipline, she is equally committed to its future and enthusiastic about supporting the growth and continued success of side saddle in Australia.
Australian riders and members are encouraged to join the American Side Saddle Association, where they can gain further access to education on the history and techniques of side-saddle, as well as participate in the association’s points programs and end-of-year awards. As Maggie often reminds us, America and Australia share a close equestrian connection, with many Australian riders owning American breeds and enjoying the opportunity to ride them side saddle.
With education, competition, and international collaboration continuing to strengthen, side saddle in Queensland is no longer simply surviving, it is thriving. This year is exciting for us side-saddle enthusiasts, as the future of this elegant and historic discipline looks brighter than it has in decades. EQ
Related articles
Once best known for their long manes, lofty carriage, and appearances in medieval films, Friesians have long been admired for their beauty – but not always their prowess in the dressage arena. Traditionally bred as carriage horses, their uphill frames and powerful front ends can make the collected, supple movement of modern dressage a challenge.
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.