Veryl Goodnight - Ready to Ride (Maquette)

"Women's rights, going from side saddles to riding astride, and the evolution to practical clothing went hand in hand during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Change, of course, doesn't happen overnight and is often measured in small increments. Confining corsets, long flowing dresses and sidesaddles kept women dependent. The split riding skirt was a major stepping stone toward independence. It allowed a woman to ride in a much more comfortable and safe position astride. When she dismounted, however, the front of the skirt could be buttoned closed to avoid offending those who were not yet enlightened. Photographs and artistic depictions in the early 1900s often showed very attractive women in large Stetson hats, and elaborate gauntlet gloves. There was a sense of romance in the clear western air and the women thrived on freedom from Victorian attitudes." - Veryl Goodnight