Riding habit

This suit is part of a group of riding clothes which belonged to Eleanor Hewitt. Hewitt, an accomplished horsewoman, enjoyed riding at the Hewitt family home, Ringwood Manor, in northern New Jersey. "Miss Nelly," as Hewitt was known, occasionally wore menswear-inspired garments in her daily wardrobe, as well as for sporting activities. The inclusion of breeches and riding skirts in Hewitt's wardrobe suggests she may have ridden astride, as well as side-saddle. This suit, made by British maker, W. Volker, is an example of the side-saddle habits which women generally wore for riding until the 1930s, when it became more acceptable for them to ride astride. A side-saddle habit like this one may have been an outfit for riding in the city, while other Hewitt riding garments were intended for informal country rambles at Ringwood.