Ontario Sidesaddle Association Receives Non-Profit Status

July 5, 2010 Hillsburgh, ON – The Ontario Sidesaddle Association (OSA) is pleased to announce that it has received official non-profit status from the Province of Ontario, and has launched its brand new logo. The association welcomes all sidesaddle enthusiasts, from beginner to advanced, women and men, English and Western riders, historians, supporters and friends. Annual membership fees are $25.00 for riders, $15.00 for Youth (under 18) and Friends. Other membership categories include Founder (until Dec. 31, 2010), Lifetime and Corporate.

The OSA held a successful demonstration at Equi-Fest 2010 at the Orangeville Fairgrounds on Sunday June 6, 2010. Various members of the organization offered spectators the opportunity to ride aside. At the end of the clinic, there were many thrilled faces and a few laughs as Kenneth Hodges, commentator for the event, took advantage of the opportunity himself.

The Ontario Sidesaddle Association will be holding its next event on July 25, 2010. One of its key goals is to educate riders and spectators in the safe training and exhibition of sidesaddle riding. “Safety is important, so you just can’t pull great-grandma’s saddle out of the closet and expect it to work,” notes OSA President Joanne Milton. The OSA has invited renowned sidesaddle clinician Jeanne Cracknell of Michigan to offer a saddle-fitting clinic to demonstrate the importance of a properly fitted sidesaddle.

Jeanne has participated in many disciplines, ranging from reining to hunter pleasure and she became passionately involved in the sidesaddle field in 1979 after she purchased her first sidesaddle. Although Jeanne studied the Monte Foreman Horsemanship Science throughout the 1980’s, sidesaddle remained a part of her life and in 1994 she became a student of sidesaddle fitting. Jeanne now resides in Michigan and stresses how important fit and balance are to any discipline.

Both members of OSA and members of the public are invited to attend. Clinic participants will have the opportunity to have their saddles fitted to their horses. The fee for the day is $10 for OSA members and $20 for non-members (memberships will be available for purchase at the event). Jeanne will be available to re-stuff a small number of saddles for a nominal fee and the cost of fitting and stuffing will be dependent upon the saddle. There will also be a number of sale items available including books, saddles, and accessories.

For more information about this event or to register, please contact OSA President Joanne Milton, at 519-855-6865 or info@rusticmeadows.com. The season is just beginning so pack your passion and saddle up for a summer aside with the OSA.



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About the OSA

The Ontario Sidesaddle Association, a recognized non-profit organization, was established in 2010 by a group of women dedicated to the elegant art of sidesaddle riding who recognized the need to raise its awareness and share their knowledge of its history and current practices. The organization exists to:

· Promote and encourage the art of sidesaddle riding in the Province of Ontario and across Canada;

· Develop, educate and encourage the use of suitable and proper standards of performance and judging;

· Educate the members and spectators in the safe training and exhibition of sidesaddle riding;

· Provide education, guidance, fellowship, and camaraderie to all sidesaddle enthusiasts.