242 HACKS AND HUNTERS 



they are properly taken care of, for if not, they soon 

 become as stiff as boards) . If doeskin is used, it should 

 be of dark reddish or gray brown; white or very light 

 colored breeches should never be worn by any woman 

 who wishes to present a modest appearance when 

 mounting or dismounting from her horse. Most 

 women's breeches made in this country are an abomi- 

 nation, because they are usually fitted, even at the 

 best tailor's, by some woman dressmaker, who rarely 

 knows anything about the proper fit of breeches. Al- 

 though I strongly disapprove of women going to men's 

 tailors for their breeches, I see no serious objection to 

 the fitter who adjusts the riding skirt also inspecting 

 the fit of the breeches. 



A well-fitting pair of breeches should be almost ex- 

 actly like those worn by a man; the only difference 

 being that breeches worn on a side-saddle should fit 

 the thigh more snugly so as not to make the skirt bulge 

 on the sides. Whatever fulness there is, should only 

 begin about ten inches above the knee; at the knee 

 itself they should fit like a glove to prevent rubbing. 

 They should be made in such a manner that when 

 drawn on the openings are in the proper place. If 

 they require to be twisted around, they will, unless 

 made uncomfortably tight, soon work back into their 

 old place and be extremely untidy looking.* 



On a man's breeches, the buttons should come a 

 little to the inside of the shin-bone, but as the breeches 

 of a woman on a side-saddle scarcely ever show, for com- 

 fort's sake the buttons may be placed on the shin-bone, 

 a trifle to the outside on the left leg, and to the inside 

 on the right leg, so as to prevent any possible rubbing 



* All breeches should be reinforced or " strapped " inside the knees 

 with patches of buckskin. 



