Amazone (Riding Habit)

## Overview

An amazone was a women's riding habit designed for side-saddle equitation. The term comes from the legendary Amazons, warrior women of Greek mythology. In 19th-century French, "en amazone" meant wearing a riding habit and riding side-saddle — the only socially acceptable way for a lady to ride.

## Description

The amazone typically consisted of: - A long, full skirt (sometimes called a "riding skirt") that draped over the side-saddle - A fitted jacket or bodice, often in a contrasting color - A top hat (tube/chapeau haut-de-forme) or other riding hat - Gloves and a riding crop - Colors were usually dark (navy, black, grey) for elegance

## Social Significance

Horseback riding was a prestigious social activity for women of the upper classes, and the amazone was itself a fashion statement. Marie notes her riding outfits with the same attention she gives to all her dress: "j'étais en amazone" appears as a fashion note alongside outfit ratings.

The amazone also indicated active, physical participation in outdoor life — riding was one of the few vigorous physical activities acceptable for women of Marie's class, alongside walking and, later, swimming.

## Marie's Usage

- 1873-01-11 (carnet 001): "j'étais en amazone, puis j'ai changé de toilette à la promenade; une délicieuse robe bleue" — wearing her riding habit before changing into a blue dress - 1874-11-07 (carnet 025): "amazone grise et tube" — grey riding habit with top hat - Used repeatedly in Nice entries when Marie rides along the Promenade

## Related Terms

- *Toilette — general outfit/ensemble - Tube — top hat (worn with amazone) - Robe* — dress (worn when not riding)