102 RIDING DRESS. 



because it is too long, and as it rests on the horse's 

 back, it will wrinkle up when its wearer sits down in 

 trotting and will look ugly. If this coat was a 

 good four inches shorter at the back, and graduated 

 off to just cover the right knee, it would be clear of 

 the horse's back and present a far neater and less 

 sloppy appearance. Many habit makers who run apron 

 skirts of their own, insist on making riding coats 

 far too long, of course with the object of hiding the 

 indecency of the apron skirt when its wearer is on 

 foot. Ladies who do not adopt that kind of skirt, 

 should not allow tailors who have had no practical 

 experience in side-saddle riding, to dictate what they 

 consider best, to experienced horsewomen. I find 

 that young habit makers who are new at their busi- 

 ness are far more trying in this respect, than their 

 more experienced elders. 



We have only to look at fashion plates to see 

 that no dress is suggested for ladies who are inclined 

 to be stout, for in them, only slim figures appear to 

 receive consideration. I would recommend the loose- 

 fitting coat as the most becoming for portly persons, 

 because with a loose garment there is no abrupt accen- 

 tuation of bulk, a fact which many stout ladies who 

 adopt the Eton jacket style of dress, fail to. recognise. 

 On the stage, a slim actress may look well in tights, 

 but this skin-like covering on a bulky figure would be 

 ridiculously ugly. As the same lady draped in loose 

 flowing robes may present a graceful and dignified 

 appearance ; those who are inclined to be portly would 



