The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-01-08
THE NEW MUSIC RIDE,
Ladies and Gentlemen Dance
the Quadrilles PrettilY
on Horseback.
Now That the Riding Club Is a Sue
CESS 1t Will Have an Iron
Home Tor Horses.

1t was another night for the horse,
another event in society circles, and it was
second only in point of general interest to
the horse show itself. The ladies were
there, of course, and the gentlemen with
them. and good form appeared to be that
everything should be horsey and strictly
in keeping with latest fashions. And the
band played melodious music, an accom-
pan1ment, as it were, to the spectacle pre-
scented. 1t was the first music ride" OF
the San Francisco Riding Club.
Since the club organized the members
have unselfshly devoted themselves to
developing it, with the result that the or
ganization has grown into one OF the
tiourishing clubs of San Francisco. But
this process OF development went on
quietly until the progressive element be-
gan to look around for novelties-enter-
tainments of character that would
amuse members and guests and at the
same time make the club popular among
tas hionable people who lean toward horse
back riding. Various improvements were
thought out and last night the most sue
cessful event in the clubs career was held.
The spacious hall that used to accommo-
date two companies of National Guards
men al drill is now a riding-ring, with a
thick floor of clay and tanbark and sides
bordered with sloping tmbered walls to
prevent accidents to horses or riders. In
the front is q comm odious gallery for
spectators, and on the second floor a still
larger one. Last eve ming the galleries
were crowded and among those present
were several prominent men and leading
ladies in society. Not Jew handsome
costumes were seen am ong the ladies.
These music rides are decid eddy new
here, nothing of the kind having been at
tempted before, at least in San Francisco.
In them society has found a new ex cite
ment, and to judge from last nights affa ir
invitations to future rid will be in tre-
mendous demand. The club has issued
many invitEtio to music rides, which
are to be held at s O'Clock every Thursday
evening during the season, and it is be-
1ieved that if many more fortunate pos
SCISSORS of those tickets avail themselves of
this opportunity for enjoyment the rides
will have to be given in some very large
hall. For the present, however, it is
likely that the clubhouse will meet all de-
mands upon its space.
Shortly after the appointed hour the
programme began last evening. The or
chestra struck up lively air and every
body started into the ling. Captain
Joseph Dilhan late of the French army,
and now riding-master of the club, was
there. Presently several mem bers of the
club, ladies as we'll as gentlemen, entered
the ring on horseback. They saluted an
went through a serious of pretty evolu-
tions, and finally danced the quadrilles
and Iancers. The spectacle was peculiarly
an attractive one, and the riders gave evil
dence of skill. At repeated intervals the
| spectators applauded warmly, and at last
the first musical ride was declared the
| proper thing.
Between the acts an officer of the club
told his friends that arrangements had
been made to enlarge and improve the &C
commo dations. A lot on the west side OF
the club building, and extending back
| from Pacific avenue 1876 ieet, has been
secured. AT present there is small
! wooden stable upon part OF this lot, but
/ it is to be removed Immediately and re-
| placed by corrugated structure, fireprooi
| throughout and fitted with most approved
appliances for stabling horses. The front
/ will be given some architectural beauty to
conform with the clubhouse, and the iron
stable will cover the whole lot. With q
row of stalls in the clubhouse there will
be room for fifty horses when the new
stables are built, and then the applicants
| for places will become active members OF
! the club.