9 8 



To this I received no answers speaking against -women riding 

 astride, and the following ones in favor of the innovation or rather the 

 revival of an old ctistom. 



"In reply to your letter in regard to women riding astride, there 

 are things to be said both pro and con. From an anatomical standpoint 

 especially in reference to the female organs, there can be no question in 

 my mind that the best way and the one in which the organs retain 

 their normal position is for the woman to ride astride. The trouble 

 however is, that womens limbs especially from the hip to, the knee are 

 shorter in proportion than the mans, and consequently the question 

 arises, -whether they can get a firm hold and seat on the horse. If this 

 is the case then I should say most decidedly, that for a woman to ride 

 astride is both the best, and most scientific -way." 



Signed 



LEONARD P. RAU, II. D. 

 Chief of Division in operative 

 Gynecology, Post Graduate School and Hospital. 

 Attending Gynecologist, Montefiore Home. 

 Attending Physician, to New York Dispensary for diseases of -women 



etc. 



72 West 55th Street. 



No Physiological Objection, a more desirable attitude. 



Signed 



E. E. PARTRIDGE M. D. 

 19 5th Avenue, New York. 

 In my judgment no injury -would result to -woman from riding 

 astride on horseback. I deal, of course, only with the Anatomical and 

 Physiological question involved in your inquiry, leaving to the commu- 

 nity at large the consideration of the Aesthetic Aspect of the matter." 



Respectfully yours 



T. GAILLARD THOMAS, M. D. 

 600 Madison Avenue. 

 "Your letter, asking -whether woman shall ride astride on horseback 

 or not and -why ; has been received and read -with great interest. In 

 my opinion from a physiological point of view, it would be immeasur- 

 ably better for women to ride astride. This position, on horse -would, I 

 think, render the exercise of much more benefit to women. The circu- 

 latory and muscular systems would receive the greater tonic effect from 

 the riding in this symmetrical position. 



From an aesthetic point of view I also favor this position, for cer- 

 tainly beautiful and picturesque costumes can be devised for such 

 riding. I hope some of your distinguished pupils -will test the new 

 position, I am sure they -will find it to their advantage and others will 

 follow their good example. 



Respectfully yours 



Dr. SARAH A. FRENCH, 

 124 West 36th Street, New York. 



