The mission of the American Sidesaddle Association 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.

Purpose

The American Sidesaddle Association:

• Serves as an association of regional sidesaddle groups throughout the United States.
• Educates and encourage new riders
• Educates judges to uphold the quality of sidesaddle riding
• Provides a central contact and reference point for riders scattered across the country
• Sets a standard for sportsmanlike and professional conduct that reflects the dignity and elegance of the sport.

Goals

The goals of the American Sidesaddle Association are to:

• Unite regional and national sidesaddle clubs and organizations
• Work with all sidesaddle enthusiasts to promote all forms of sidesaddle riding
• Provide educational information to judges so that sidesaddle riders can be judged fairly
• Provide equine enthusiasts with educational information and resources so they can better understand riding aside

History

The idea for the American Sidesaddle Association was born in May 2007 when a handful of friends who shared a passion for riding sidesaddle began discussing the need to get more people involved in riding aside and in keeping sidesaddle riding fun. The friends decided to create an association that would do just that while emphasizing smaller regional groups that could promote friendships among sidesaddle riders. In February 2008, the organization files paperwork to become a non-profit corporation in Ohio which were granted March 1, 2008 - the same day the organization's founders publicly announced its formation. The group continues to expand and create exciting programs to preserve the art of riding aside - and to keep it fun!