Honoring Heritage and Horsemanship with the American Sidesaddle Association
Amid the excitement leading up to the Kentucky Derby, I had the privilege of catching up with members of the American Sidesaddle Association as they prepared to ride in the Pegasus Parade. While the association includes riders from all over the country, this group consisted of thirteen dedicated equestrians, women and men, representing states from Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, Maine and even California. They travel from state to
state, proudly displaying the historic art of sidesaddle riding, in parades and festivals year-round, from Derby, Fourth of July, county fair season to Thanksgiving and Christmas, and even opening day for baseball.
Although the Pegasus parade is one of their favorites among the many they travel to, and it remains a standout for one key reason – Louisville truly prioritizes the horses. The city ensures that water stations are readily available, clean-up crews are on hand, and waiting times are minimized so the horses are not left standing too long before their grand march begins. That kind of thoughtful preparation resonates deeply with this crew
– who always make it about the horses first!
Dressed in pink to honor the Lilies of The Derby, these riders set off in style. Even more inspiring is that many of the horses in this parade are repurposed Standardbred rescues, some that have only known work life, and some retired from the racing world, now embracing a “slower” side of life. This group embodies the true spirit of sidesaddle. As Nancy Cecil, member of the Sidesaddle Around New England Chapter, says, they are the “nuts and bolts” of the community – proving that it is not about expensive horses or the three-thousand-dollar outfits. The members make it work with what they have, ensuring everything is safe while creating a breathtaking visual from thirty feet away. Whether it’s assembling costumes through bargain finds, hosting late night sewing
parties before parades, or relying on experts like Bryan McAllister to repair and refurbish tack, this group prioritizes both beauty and function.
Riders like Nancy Cecil play a crucial role in this transition for some of these horses and many others through her work with Sanctuary at Maple Hill Farms (Friends of Maple Hill Farms on Facebook), and other organizations, she rescues horses, along with working and coaching with the Special Olympics, and represents the sidesaddle discipline in parades nationwide. It’s things like this that sparked my interest when I met Nancy last summer at a non-horsey event. I knew I needed to catch back up with her again. Spending the day with her and her friends for this event was nothing short of inspiring. Watching their camaraderie, hearing their stories, and even having the chance to get a leg up on one of the horses myself made for a very pleasurable afternoon. Their passion is infectious, and they have encouraged me to join them again later this year for the All-Horse Parade in Delaware Ohio, and the iconic Gettysburg Remembrance Day Parade in Pennsylvania- an event that everyone should experience at least once.
Want to learn more about Sidesaddle events? Keep an eye out for more spotlight pieces here or check out The American Sidesaddle Association website at americansidesaddleassociation.org and Facebook pages at
www.facebook.com/AmericanSidesaddleAssociation to follow their journey.
Thank you Nancy Cecil, Maggie and Bryan McAllister, Laurie Pesoust Post, and Teresa Runions for welcoming me into this incredible experience – I look forward to the next ride!
