97 

 obtain a dispassionate and disinterested opinion from professional horse- 

 men, because the majority of the latter are, I think, more or less pre- 

 judiced on the subject. I have arranged and begun to deliver at the re- 

 ception rooms of the 



DICKEL RIDING ACADEMY COMPANY. 



1J4-136 West 5 th Street. p 



a course of illustrated lectures on horsemanship, which took place on 



the Thursday nights of January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14, 21, 28, 



and March 7, covering all phases of the art of riding. 



The opening of these lectures was received with warm enthusiasm 

 and they enjoyed the substantial support of a most select audience, 



I have consented to devote the entire evening of January 31st to the 

 discussion and eventual debate of the above problem, which involves 

 the folio wing questions : 



Is there any reason, why the sense of propriety should hinder a wo- 

 man from riding on horseback astride? 



Is there any reason, -why a costume, both elegant and modest in 

 design and -which reveals less of a woman's form, than the habit worn 

 for the last years, should not be used by women when riding.? 



"Will it add to the comfort, ease, repose, relaxation and firmness in 

 woman's seat on horseback and thereby increase endurance and facili- 

 tate the learning of horsemanship for women? 



What is the opinion of competent and learned physicians as to the 

 advisability of riding astride, from a physiological standpoint? 



The last question is certainly the most important one and one in con- 

 nection with which I do not profess to know anything. Most of my pu- 

 pils, by a large majority have been women and are women and a large 

 percentage of them have been advised by their physicians to cultivate 

 riding on horseback for exercise and to benefit their health in general. 



It now remains to be decided whether the seat astride, or the one in 

 the side saddle is the one, which in regard to healthf ulness is the most 

 desirable. 



In the interest of science and for the enlightenment of the thousands 

 of women who ride daily, here and elsewhere I most respectfully and 

 earnestly solicit your opinion on this subject, -which, -with your kind 

 permission I would bring before my audience, together with that of 

 many other medical men. 



If you will give me the pleasure of your attendance on the evening of 

 the lecture. January 31st 1895 I will gladly reserve your seat. 



Thanking you very kindly in advance for your aid in solving what 

 I consider an important problem, I remain, Dear Sir, most respectfully, 



ERNST CARL VON CJILLMANN. 

 Riding Master. 



