Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-08-09
UMBRELLA RACE

In this way the races may be added to in
definitely, according TO the ingenuity of those
who get them up. Those which are mentioned
are among the best, for they AL present situa-
tons which are ludicrous and problems whose
solution IS attended with no little difficulty
Great skill or practice is not essent ia in any of
them, while the emulations which are excited
are OF the most wholesome and interesting
kind. Nothing, indeed could be devised which
could appeal more strongly 10 all classes OF
spectators-meE, women and children.
WHERE THE GAMES ARE POPULAR.
These races, 1t appears, are common enough
In India, where the English officers in garrison
and the natives us well take very kindly to them
They have recently been introduced into the
south OF France. at Nice, Pau and at points
along the Mediterranean coast. but were never
known IN America until this season, when the
American Pony Racing Association of New
York was organized for the special purpose of
establishing taste for them here. The asso-
citation was organized on the 9th of January
last with Mr.. jenkins Van Schaick of New
York AS chairman j. T. Wood as secretary and
\. u. Purdy as treasurer. In explaining their
object the chairman said that the sole purpose
OF the association was to make the games a
popular form of equestrian sport which
all could attend and encourage. and which
could teach the youths of the country better
morals than could be taught on the regular
games, therefore, in different parts OF the
country. the next races being booked for Buff
falo, NY. Clubs now being organized in
other places to take them up. There can be
little doubt of the popularity which the Gymk-
hama races will meet with or of the vast bene-
hts they will confer in spreading taste for n
form OF exercise and pleasure which mas few
equals IN Its health-giying qualities and other
delights.
BENEFITS OF THE SPORT.
or course the effect of these contests is
greatly heightened by having proper costumes
for them. In those which have taken place
the young gentlemen have usually worn a
racing cap of silk and yar-colored silk shirts
white trousers and riding boots. In default Of
these white loose shirt and trousers. with a
colored sash. is enough to give brightness 10
the scene and avoids the necessity of getting a
special outfit. There is little danger in
the races which a rider would not encounter
under ordinary circumstances, nor is there any
rough play at any time. The handling and
mounting OF a fractions pony is perhaps the
most difficult feat to be met with. and ex-
perlence In this can never do harm to q rider
On the other hand they teach the value of n
cool head and hand and make US more familiar
with that prince of good fellows among
horses, the Mexican pony or mustang. In
the possession of this wiry little breed of
horses Americans are most fortunate, tor it
Is seldom that the pony proves any but most
intelligent and willing little beast. Doubtless
even he appreciates the fun of this novel sport
and if by chance he should greet his rider with
a novel bit of ''bucking'-his only weakness
it may be set down to his appreciation of hui
NOR and his desire 10 help the fun along as
best lie can.
The members and executive committee of
the Pony Racing Association, which is doing
what 1t can to Introduce the games into this
country, are II. l.. Herbert. T. Hitchcock, IT,
J. Z. Groome, j. Clinch Smith, j. D. Cheever
A. j. Cassatt, J. Z. Cowdin, T. II. Powers Farr
Harry Hamlin, 5. 5. Rowland, G. Z. Kissei, T.
II. Mccullough, B. Nicoll, Z. Outerbridge. j.
Parker, E. PendIeton, L. C. Potter A. d. Purdy,
douglas Robinson, Elliott Roosevelt. A. C.
Tower. f. I. Underhlil Jenkins Van SchaicK
J. NJ. Waterbury and J. L. Wood, all of New
York.