The origins
Sider Rider – equi élite was born from the love for horses and the desire to do something concrete to safeguard their well-being. A challenging undertaking in so many ways but, if thanks to it, even one horse will benefit, it will be worth it!
Sider Rider – equi élite is the first and only Italian brand dedicated to the wonderful and elegant world of Side Saddle riding for which are designed special technical saddlepads entirely handmade and custom in our workshop near Milan.
The purpose is to provide a series of solutions to the most frequent problems encountered in a discipline where asymmetry reigns and where correct set-up, saddle stability and weight balance are essential objectives.
But SIDER RIDER – EQUI ELITE doesn’t only mean Side Saddle style!
The constant collaboration with professional riders, saddle-makers and experts in equine biomechanics has allowed us to undertake a research and experimentation of new materials and products also in Showjumping and Dressage, translating the solutions for the side saddle also in the more classical riding styles.
But SIDER RIDER – EQUI ELITE doesn’t only mean Side Saddle style!
The constant collaboration with professional riders, saddle-makers and experts in equine biomechanics has allowed us to undertake a research and experimentation of new materials and products also in Showjumping and Dressage, translating the solutions for the side saddle also in the more classical riding styles.
Who is Francesca
“The first time I saw a lady riding side saddle in front of me I remember that it was a real stroke of love: the posture, the elegance of movement, the sense of royalty that all this emanated.. I was enchanted and wanted to try it immediately.
The first thing I noticed when tacking the horse was that no saddlepads were to be used. The bottom of the saddle in fact being made of linen could be supported directly on the back of the horse.
Hence the idea of creating a specific saddlepad for side saddles, better if shaped like the saddle and made to measure, to protect the back of the horse from any rubbings and preserve the saddle from wear. Thus is born Sider Rider – equi élite with all its novelties… and difficulties.
Each saddle is unique: whether they are antique or modern, the side saddles generally are made to measure of both rider and horse and therefore have structures, sizes and always different needs.
Creating a functional yet discreet accessory that looks like the extension of the saddle itself requires an ad hoc design every time and it puts me to the test every time.”
“Every horse is unique as well: before Sider Rider, I had the opportunity to study the existence and interaction of different materials with living organisms, working alongside surgeons and anesthesiologists as Clinical Specialist in human medical biotechnology for many years. A journey that started in the operating room and continued in the stable, which proved fundamental in the approach to research that I undertook to create our products.
The best part of this job? Getting to know each other! Knowing the history of your horses, what kind of training you practice together with them and what plans you have for the future. Also understanding your tastes in terms of style and combining them with the always different needs for each latitude (we are currently present on 3 continents!) all this allows me to get in touch with cultures and points of view always different and therefore always fascinating!
Not infrequently some of these acquaintances become beautiful friendships, for this reason, besides designing the products, I like to personally take care of such a precious phase!”
Francesca Bottone
Founder and Designer of Sider Rider – equi élite
“Every horse is unique as well: before Sider Rider, I had the opportunity to study the existence and interaction of different materials with living organisms, working alongside surgeons and anesthesiologists as Clinical Specialist in human medical biotechnology for many years. A journey that started in the operating room and continued in the stable, which proved fundamental in the approach to research that I undertook to create our products.
The best part of this job? Getting to know each other! Knowing the history of your horses, what kind of training you practice together with them and what plans you have for the future. Also understanding your tastes in terms of style and combining them with the always different needs for each latitude (we are currently present on 3 continents!) all this allows me to get in touch with cultures and points of view always different and therefore always fascinating!
Not infrequently some of these acquaintances become beautiful friendships, for this reason, besides designing the products, I like to personally take care of such a precious phase!”
Francesca
Founder and Designer of Sider Rider – equi élite
Testimonianze
