Sarah Chaney started her horse career in pony club, and later graduated to showing on the “A” hunter and equitation circuit, where as a junior rider, she qualified and competed at all of the National Equitation finals.

After graduating from the junior ranks, she successfully showed hunters and jumpers in many states across the country including California, Arizona, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. She also trained young riders during that time. Her students won many local and national awards. She has also done a lot of fox hunting.

During a trip to the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden (New York City), Sarah watched a Ladies Side Saddle Hunter class. She was intrigued by the history, elegance and challenge of riding side saddle. She vowed that by the next year, she would be showing in the same class. She purchased a side saddle, along with all of the other necessary “appointments” (hunt whip, habit, top hat, sandwich case, flask, etc.) needed for the class. She was unable to find an instructor to teach her, so she taught herself how to ride “aside” (but she does not recommend this for others!) and did indeed compete the next year at “The Garden”. She eventually went on to win there, in addition to winning the USAEq (then AHSA) national championship in the division several times.

Equally comfortable in any style saddle – English, Western, side saddle, or even saddle seat - she points out that a rider with good basics and a good seat should be able to easily transition to and from any of those styles.