Thanks, Melusine.
From what I've learned, so far, riding clothes were not very different
from regular clothes until rather recently. Sidesaddles are also a
recent invention. I've heard that sidesaddles, as we understand the
term, did not exist prior to about 1800. I don't know if that is true.
I've also heard that many of the "conventions" followed by sidesaddle
riders today, using english style sidesaddles, go back to Victorian
times when so much of life was codified. One example that was pointed
out to me: black gloves are appropriate to use for US Rev War
impressions, but definitely not for US Civil War, because Victorians
used black gloves as part of their mourning attire and "A Lady would
not be riding if she were in mourning. A Lady would stay at home, or
be driven in a carriage." Can anyone confirm such a statement?
As you can see, I have a lot to learn. I am first and foremost
interested in my horse. The rest of the costuming and tack are all
newer areas to me and so much fun!
Thanks for all your input.
I'm sure it comes as no surprise that some of our 21st century women
riding sidesaddle think it is OK to zip themselves into a polyester
costume. Others want to know more. Some of us want to ride, look
appropriate, yet be safe with all that our current century throws at
us. I consider myself to be in that last category.
Susan
"Slow down. The trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel
too fast and you miss all you are traveling for". - "Ride the Dark
Trail" by Louis L'Amour
On Mar 8, 2006, at 1:55 AM, Carmen Beaudry wrote:
Subject: Re: [h-cost] Equestrian costuming & other period "tack"
Spreading the legs apart when they are decently
covered with long skirts is perfectly okay.
Ruth M. Green, in her "Wearing of Costume", mentions
that keeping the legs together in long skirts is not
particularly decent nor is it necessary.
The eighteenth century in particular showed the 'broad
lap'.
Ann in CT
Not only was it ok, but in some styles it was practically impossible
to sit with the legs together. I wear 1630's French clothing a lot,
and with the long stomachers on the dresses, sitting with my legs
apart is manditory. I've also got more than a few pictures of women
riding astride from this period, including some who rode into combat
during the 30 years and English Civil Wars.
Melusine
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