Why Not Lady Grooms?

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXI, Issue XII, 19 September 1903, Page 855

Why Not Lady Grooms?

ALL ABOUT SOCIETY LATEST IDEA. A well-known riding master with whom the writer was speaking the other day told him that the fashion of lady grooms was started last year by an American lady who brought over with her a number of women grooms, and that , it has quite caught on this season. The idea is such a recent one that it has not yet become the custom for ladies to engage these attendants permanently, though it is not unlikely that this will follow; but the daughters of a ridingmaster, if they are smart, well-set girls, war can manage a horse, and are equal to an emergency, are often asked to accompany a lady on her rides, receiving very good remuneration for their services. There are several reasons why women should be glad to dispense with the mangroom except on occasions of special ceremony- He in no way adds to the pleasure of the ride, and even upper class people sometimes feel it a nuisance to be continually under the eye of these solemn, sphinx-like individuals who are a perpetual reminder that they must almost be on their best behaviour. Wit i a woman attendant it is different. If sb.e is a skilled rider she ean make herself as useful as a man. Besides the want of someone to talk to—a truly feminine craving—a lady groom would be invaluable in the ease of sudden illness. On hot days, when on - has been exerting oneself too much, there is always the possibility of an attack of famines-. and if such should oc cur. who so helpless as a man at the ■ critical moment? A woman could also carry in her bag smelling-salts. eau-de-Cologne, needles, and thread, for use in ease of a torn skirt, and many other trifles which a lady would, not care to be troubled with. If the idea develops, it will provide a new opening for women, espeeia iy for a class which finds far too few a.enues for employment at present. There are many girls brought up in the country who are thoroughly accomplished horsewomen, the daughters of farmers and small landowners who. ow big to the present agricultural stagnation, are obliged to earn their own living. Many of these become governesses, bitt the pay is most unremunerative, and the employment uncertain, unless they are able to pass stiff examinations and show a goodly array of certificates. The ordinary companion is, if anything. in a worse position, and her country training, her ability to ride and drive, "is seldom of any advantage to her. If. however, this could be turned to account in the way suggested she would be able to earn a great deal more monev. and, what is of quite as much

importance, she would feel that it was not everyone who could take ner place. It goes without saying that the ladyffrocm would not be called upon to attend to the horses in any way. She would, if necessary, teach her employer to ride, aid her to mount ana dismount, accompany her to render assistance in case of the horse turning restive, or of an accident occurring.