Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary

Saddle The Pony

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

Saddle The Pony A thirty-two bar Jig far three couples in a four couple longwise set, devised by John W Mitchell, devised by John W Mitchell, Published in Whetherly Book 3.

1-8 Figure of eight with turning:
 1-2 first couple cross over to second place on the opposite side passing by the right, whilst second couple cast up;
 3-4 first man turns second lady half way with the left hand whilst first lady and second man turn half way with the right hand;
 5-6 first couple cross over to second place on own side passing by the left, whilst second couple cast up;
 7-8 first and second ladies turn with the left hand whilst first and second men turn with the right.
9-16 First couple cross below second couple to dance mirror reels of three on the opposite side of the set with second and third couples.
17-24 First couple cross back below second couple passing by the left to dance mirror reels of three on own side of the set with second and third couples. Second couple finish facing out.
25-32 First couple, followed by second couple who cast up to follow, dance down below third couple, cast up into second place; dance up to the top, and cast off into second place. Second couple finish in first place.

Repeat from second place.

(Dance crib compiled by Alison Mitchell, under the CCA NoDerivatives 4.0 International License, 2020)


Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams


Dance Instruction Videos

Saddle The Pony - Scottish Country Dancing Instruction Video

Dance Information

Recommended tune: Saddle the Pony.

(Dance information by Alison Mitchell, under the CCA NoDerivatives 4.0 International License, 2020)


"Saddle The Pony" is a traditional Irish folk tune commonly associated with traditional music sessions and ceilidh dancing.

The melody, played on instruments such as the fiddle or tin whistle, is known for its lively and rhythmic character. As part of the traditional Irish music repertoire, "Saddle The Pony" has been passed down through generations and is often played in sessions, where musicians gather to play traditional tunes. Its simplicity and upbeat nature make it a popular choice for social gatherings and events featuring Irish music.



Published in The Whetherly Book Of Scottish Country Dances Number 3, reproduced here under this Creative Commons Attribution - NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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