The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-04-30

back time and again. yet II wo1ld not down.
Ii was, ride like man. then your horse will
have n 20 trouble TO keep his gait. But Mrs.
Grundyl Did she not stalk abroad at all
timesP Her uplifted hands and Mortified
expression OF cOuntenance haunted me.
However, at night / could not see her so at
night j resolved TO try II. The ever-conveE-
lent divided skirt was res0rted to, an Eng
lish saddle procured and the trial was
made, resulting in doubt ana uncertainty.
] was tnpheavy. 1t WAS The easiest thing in
TIE world 10 roll off. Having ridden so
many years in the sidesSddle the right
foot was useless in the stirrup; it
would suddenly give way, nearly throwing
me headlong; but / was not 10 be daunted.
The second time was an Improvement on
the first, the third on the second, and so on
until my right foot gained strength and |
learned TO balance myself III the saddle.
With practice | grew drawer. My friends
encouraged ne, congratulations began to
everybody about it, and found l bad been
entirely mistaken. Where l looked for
censure | met a prOval. Even Mrs. Grundy
herself began to be grateful 10 one who did
even little to free her daughters from the
thraldOm Of fashion and help them TO
become strong and straight Of back and
limb.
! had yet many difficulties before me. !
had determined to venture out by daylight,
but how could do il in a divided skirt. The
idea was repelaDt TO me; 1t occupied my
thoughts con stantly, and after much prac-
tee and many trials hit uron the follow
ing described costume. Over q narrow
divided skirt put double breasted light
fitting black broadeoth coat or ulster, made
walking length and having small cape.
The skirt was oren in the back, which
allowed it to fall gracefully on each side of
the horse. The skirts were kept in place
by pieces Of elastic on the inside through
which the feet were thrust before mounting.
This garment was buttoned down the back
aud front; was also an elegant walking suit.
Equestrian tights, cloth leggngS and n soft
felt hat completed MY riding costume. in
which casting aside all tlmdity l boldly
ventured forth. My equine treasure and his
handsome mate glided neck and neck over
the smooth roads in perfect style. | never
knew what il was to ride before. that free
exhilarating sensation is never experienced
by r!1 In sidpsaddle.
Riding in the English saddle had been
obliged TO learn TO turn in my toes and grip
my horse with my knees, in regular mans
style. Yet could not help feeling of un-
easlness, sudden jump Of tile horse might
find me uupTepared. and being extremely
cautious in such things / determined on find
ing a saddle both safe and comfortable |
tried two or three Mexican or Spanish
saddles. thoroughly convincing myself of
their unsuiiablity for ladies' use. ! con-
suited saddler and by his kindly assistance
obtained one which for all the desired at
tributes, elegance. ease and comfort, reached
perfection. 1t was made on the Ralston
tree, covered with black leather; the
strrups we're small wooden ones, also COW
cred. This tree is narrow and has the
slirrups well set forward and is made either
with or without horn. as the skill or the
courage of the rider may require. This
saddle gave me a feeling of great security
and was perfectly comfortable.
Since IL at time many ladies have followed
my example, and prOfiting by my experince
have become enthusiastic advocates of the
new STYLE and expert riders in much less
time than l did. Ny costume has been
almost universally adopted by them and |
/ think has done moro to clear away the OBJ
stacles which first beset our path than any
thing else. n