Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1872-08-22
THE WOMEN ON HORSEBACK.
Ne More Side-SnddIe F00lishness
fo- the Girls q h Period. -

In the late number of Appleton's jour
nal Mr.. John w. Darlington, has
m INV persons will doubtless consider a
very sensible article on "Horse-woman-
ship" and therein he urges American
ladies to discard the side-saddle when
they 60 out for a ride, and to adopt in its
stead a saddle such as men ordinarily use.
According to Mr.. Darlington, there is abb
solutely no reason why women should
ride with side-saddles, and a great many
reasons why they should not do SO, since
one thus seated is not secure in her po-
sition, has no grippe on her beast, is con-
sequcntly very likely to be seriously IN
iured when girth, buckles, or straps hap
pen to give way. and is, moreover. apt to
be rendered uncomfortable by the con-
strained position of her legs. which often
are chafed and in which the circulation of
blood is sometimes impeded. A m
astride of a horse is at least a picturesque
object, and can be rendered grotesque
only by some popularity of form, face or
dress which makes her and her position
seem uusuited to each other. Miss Dick
inson has travelled thus. and doubtless
looked as pretty and Intellectual as ever
she did in or on a stage; but the mind
shrinks back appalled, when it contem-
plates the possibility of seeing some res
pectable and spectacle dame. like Miss
Anthony. for instance, arrayed in bonnet
shawl. and all the better-known articles
of Female apparel, seated on some
prancing steed, .'man-fashion, "and wildly
punching its sides with an umbrella, which,
like Banquo's ghost, will not down."
however much its bearer may desire to do
so. But these are merely accidents and
not essentials; dress is easily arranged,
and Mr.. ~Carrington's suggestion of the
adoption of the Boomer costume by lady
riders is a good one. The skirt should be
very full, and fall a little below the knee ;
| Turkish trousers gathered at the ankle,
a neat high gaiter or zouave bootee, and a
iaunty riding hat and plume, complete u
costume not only adapted for its pur-
pose, but admirably pretty and pictures
que. 1t appears that in old time English
ladies rode astride their horses, and so
should our ladies consent to do likewise
they would be making no innovation, but
merely reverting to IN old and sensible
custom. 1t was Anna of Bohemia,
Queen Consort of Richard II, of England,
who introduced the fashion of having
ladies ride sideways, and Mr.. Darlington
thinks she might have been occupied more
r~at,onally in Strengthening" her husband
whatever that expression may mean
Below will be found a letter showing how
the good work is going on.
NEW YORK, August 5.
To the Editor of the World:
SIR-We have read with much pleas
ure an article which recently appeared il
Appleton's Monthly. advising ladies t.
throw away side saddles and adopt saddles
such as men use when riding. Three o
us are in the habit of riding in Contra
Park twice or three times a week, ant
believe that Mr.. ~Carrington's article was
very sensible one. for it is not altogethe
pleasant to sit for two hours at a time lik
half q tailor, with one limb curled up ant
aching and, besides this, tie girth of m,
/, saddle did burst once, and l came nea
: being hurt, as / would have been had no
my mare been very gentle. We haS
s talked the matter over. and have agree
s to brave public opinion by going astrsd
;. our horses to Central Park next Saturda
e at three o'clock in the afternoon. w
a earnestly request any other ladies WI
4 wish to inaugurate the new movement !