The
19th century was a very strict time, when women had to abide by
society’s conventions and wear corsets, bustles and crinolines. They all
accepted this as the norm, along with the fact that a horse and carriage provided
their transport, however controversial; horses had to be harnessed with a
curb-bit and a bearing rein [1.6]. The bearing-rein held the horses’ head up
high, forcing the animals into contrived and painful postures for the purpose
of appearance alone[1]. Essentially this is what
women did to themselves by tight-lacing and wearing bustles, it has been said
that a harnessed horse is like a corseted and bustled woman [1.7], creating a
posture, movement and silhouette that is conspicuously horse like[2].
By women wearing bustles it was implied that to be beautiful tails had to be
worn. Males, who were said to be the dominant character, were also said to be
superior to women and horses; so essentially men saw them both as sexualised
objects and as their property. Men would often describe women and horses in the
same manner, using similar vocabulary to describe their breed or carriage etc.,[3]
completely demoralizing to a woman and reducing her to the level of a mere
animal, an object to be looked at, similar to the idea of a trophy wife.
[1.7] Corseted and bustled women
The
popularization of the side saddle in the 19th century was unhealthy
for the horse as it caused them to tighten up, giving them muscular spasms
because all the weight was distributed on one side. The side saddle was seen as
convenient, practical and a graceful way for women to ride. However, it had
many side effects on the horse as it deformed the spine, unjustifiably tired
the horse and was impractical for long journeys[4].
The treatment of animals reflects the state of society, through class and
social problems among humans. Stated by
Charles Darwin, “Humans were now animals; the theological line that had
separated humanity from animals as a distinct creation was no longer tenable”.[5]
Humans were so overwhelmed by fashion, popularity and class that they did not
even think about what they were doing to themselves or the animals surrounding
them. Our so called brainpower, which is meant to differentiate us from other
animals, was non-existent. It is we humans who have shaped what horses are
today, as we have made them obey us. In effect this does have pros and cons,
humans and horses can have very strong partnerships and can become “one”
enjoying each other’s company. However horses have their own needs such as rest,
they should have freedom in the company of other horses, they are herd animals
and they do not always end up with a kind owner. It all whittles down to the
problem of fashion versus common sense.[6]
Ashley J
[1] Dorre G M. Horses and
Corsets: Black Beauty, Dress Reform, and the Fashioning of the Victorian Woman.
Victorian Literature and Culture. 2002;
1060-1503 (02): 157-178. p. 157
[2] Ibid p. 158
[3] Ibid p. 161
[4] David A.,M., Elegant
Amazons: Victorian riding habits and the fashionable horsewoman. Victorian Literature and Culture. 2002;
1060-1503 (02): 179-210. p.200
[5] Miele K., Horse-Sense:
Understanding the Working Horse in Victorian London. Victorian Literature and Culture. 2009; 37-1060-1503 (09): 129-140.
p.129
[6] Ibid p.137
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