Best of JN: Susan Sisco Jumping Side Saddle

If the mark of a good equestrian is making their discipline of choice look effortless, then Susan Sisco has crossed over into true greatness.

The hunter and jumper classes of the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair have been topping our headlines since late last week, but the iconic show is filled with a variety of classes for almost every discipline. From driving to pony racing to saddleseat and everything in between, you can enjoy a whole new realm of equestrian sport all from the same arena.

But nothing is quite as mesmerizing as watching the side saddle riders compete over fences. Riders like Susan Sisco have done their best to keep the historical side saddle way of riding alive and spin it into more modern practices. Dating back to the 1300s, side saddle was a traditional style of riding for well-to-do ladies through history.

The Side Saddle division at Devon featured an under saddle, hunter hack and over fences classes, with ten riders competing for the top spot over fences. Watch as Susan Sisco and her mount, Hypnotic, deliver the winning ride of the day. The narrators offer an excellent commentary on how Susan has adapted her jumping style to accommodate the side saddle.

One thing is for sure: Susan has done a remarkable job in showing the versatility and value of the historical side saddle way of riding.

Go Susan and Go Jumping!