The Montana post., 1868-10-16

I In black habit; silver gilt trimmings
black hat and plume; mounted ON bay
horse r..-..-f
Mrs. Anna c. Besserer, from Boulder.
vaIley-Dark- green habit, black trim
ming; black hat and green plume !;
mounted on a sorrel horse.
Mrs. Vernie Corbley, from Union
ville-Black habit, trimmed with pearl
buttons: black hat and plume; mounted
on a roam pony.
Miss Tootie Brown-In black habit,
trimmed with green buttons; black hat
and plume; mounted on a bright bay
horse.
Miss Hannah Dahl-Black habit, sill
yer cord trimmings; black hat and white
plume; mounted on Pinto"
Miss Mary Marden-Black habit,
trimmed with pearl buttons; black hat
and plume; mounted on a black horse
Each lady rode up TO the judges un-
attended by the watchful eye and pro-
tecting hand of any gallant cavalier. to
be informed of the rules governing
the contest Each lady had not only
her devoted" but her warm personal
friends and admirers, and as the eye
ran over these eight beautiful beings.
each the very embodiment of health
and beauty, awaiting with eager expec-
tation and bright anticipations the im>
pending trial, the coldest heart could
not fai | to beat with pleasure and the
dullest eye light mp with hearty ap-
proval.
At a signal from the Judges, by
twos they filed to the right. and
trotted quietly around tue pavilion,
and at last halted beiort the Judges.
Each lady was now allowed the privl-
lege of riding around the circle alone,
for the pu rpose of displaying the various
accomplish nents of each contestant. The
pinto" horse being. in the opinion of
the judges and ladies', the finest riding
animal, and at the same time the most
difficult to manage, each lady was in
turn mo united upon this beauty. The
ability to handle this animal was some
what a te st of horsewomanship, and, al
though each woman rode very well,
Mrs Smit h, Mrs. BesseTer and Miss
Brown displayed the greatest superiority
as equestriennes. The various trials and
evolutions occupied some time, during
which the bands filed the air with mu-
sic, and lent n additional charm to the
scene. 1t was most certainly pleasant
sight. The pavilion balcony was
crowded with the fair ones of our Terri
tory: the dense mass of people sur-
rounding the space occupied by the
trial, watching with intense interest
and unqualified pleasure, the graceful
evolution of gallant steeds, proud under
the gentle guidance of the beautiful
contestants, the sweet strains of music
hoated through the air, under the in
spiration of which, the contest pro-
gressed right grandly. A horse with
mans saddle was led in, and Mrs Smith,
mounted thereon, rode splendidly-as
well, we thought, as with her proper
saddle. At last, after consultation, the
Judges adjourned TO the track stand and
the fair equestriennes were brought be-
fore il. The judges were informed that
Mrs. Venie COrbley had not Yet ridden
the pinto" She was mounted, and
rode around the track coming up TO the
stand
The contest was over. and while the
judges are consulting we will in.rude
our opinion as to the race. as follows:
AS we said before. each lady had her
admirers and friends. who thought She
was the most graceful rider-but il be-
comes a question of taste and a matter
of judgment, as To the qualification of
each, and while we may disagree with
the decision of the judges, we do not
denounce their judgment or malign
their motives IL disposing of the
prizes as they thought proper
We consider Mrs. Besserer the most
graceful equestrienne of the contestants
She sits her horse with ease, conform
ing to the undulating movements of the
animal with grace acquired by long
practice. To Mrs. Smith will be awards
ed the honor of being. the most fearless
and daring horsewoman of the day
She is master of the horse Placed
upon Pinto" an animal unkno wn TO
her u ntil that moment, she managed
him with bold, free hand, never swerv-
ing, and Pinto" subsided. While we
cannot concede to her the highest de-
gree of grace, vet we must admit that
as a fearless. dashing and spirited
equestrian, we have never seen her
equal in the Territory Miss Tootie
Brown is very graceful rider sitting
her horse with and elegant poise, and
manages her horse with much boldness
and precision. Miss Hannah Dahl,
mounted on the matchless Pinto" was
as glorious as a He5e, and attracted
general admiration. She managed her
horse with much skill, ana is very ac.
complished horsewoman. Miss Marden
is also a beautiful rider, and, although
her animal was fietful, and gave her
great annoyance, she exhibited some
fine qualities as an equestrienne. Mrs
Corbley is very fine rider, and, al
though her horse was of poor selection,
she evinced the power of managing the
untamed steed by her cool skill and
firm hand in a highly accomplished
manner. Miss Mary Gates is also a
beautiful rider, and, while she does not
exhibit that steady nerve and free hand
the result alone of long experience, yet
she gave promise of rare accomplish
ment as an equestrienne. Mrs A. NJ
ZeigIer exhibited some fine qualities as
rider of skill and ease. She manages
her horse with great GeRl of nerve
She also labored under the disadvantage
of having poor horse.
The consultation of tie iudres being