The equestrienne: Femininity and the cultivation of elegance (1879-1903)

The Victorian equestrienne provided a display of cultivated elegance, she was regulated in every aspect of her sport. Her choices from attire to behavior were regulated in order to maintain the high standards expected of her by riding society. Horse riding went from being an elitist sport to a sport pursued by nearly all. Although it was highly regulated it was also very rewarding and admirable. Those who rode were admired for being the ultimate elegant ladies. While horses were an essential form of transportation, they also provided gentlemen and women with a way to see and be seen. For the fashionable, a ride in the park was a chance to socialize, as well as being considered healthful exercise.

With the increasing interest in horse riding, the introduction of sporting literature for horsewomen provided aid to novices and those who wanted to improve on horse riding skill, dress sense, etiquette and general equestrian know how. The manuals provided horsewomen normal, working class horsewomen with the tools to keep up with high standards set by a once aristocratic tradition. The handbooks eased aspiring horsewomen into the highly regulated world of horse riding with insider tips and anecdotes.

Along with etiquette and riding skill, tasteful dress sense was closely scrutinized. The riding habit was a fashionable anti-fashion statement, although the fashion of the time was ultra-feminine and colourful, the riding habit was sleek, functional and somber in colour. It was the opposite of the mainstream pedestrian fashion and the first sporting costume designed specifically for women.