Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-25
fermentation of Slaves.
HORSEBACK RIDING.
How It Should Be Done fol
HEALTH

81 understand that by reason Of Presi-
dent Roosevelt's devotion to horseback RID
ing this healthful exercise has taken
on new life in the capital" said Albert
Townsend, son Of well-known attorney
OF New York, to a Star man In an uptown
hotel this morning. land IL my experience
viii be Of benefit to those In Washington
who are seeking health, and I believe 1t
will. gladly give it.
II am On my way from the metropolis to-
Atlanta on horseback. These trips are
often recommended by physicians to deli
cate young men, but think can tell you
why they do not In most cases prove
success They have with me. and sea-
son and weather do not count under proper
conditions. I am journeying south ana
each day have improved and expect to
continue to do so: in summer you can go
in any direction. but in the fall and WIN
ter 1t must be toward the south.
Il have changed myself from pale,
underweight man to one Of sound physique
with increased weight, but it has taken
time and considerable money. l travel
alone on my trips, that is. without human
companions and with only my bulldog
Boxer and, by the way. Boxer Is case
hardened traveller and fighter. I found
that when I Travelled with companion
when / wanted to tie up in place for
hetteT
wished to push ahead. or turn this way or
that, my riding companion, be 1t that he
was otherwise agreeable, usually had a
positive or silent objection. This kills
sport of this kind. l found 1t to have a
bad effect upon the nerves, temper and
appetite. Absolute freedom Of individual
action must prevail. Again. my co.npan-
ions have always been In hurry TO ger
on to the next town: II one must hurry on
a horseback trip for health, then stay at
home
Doing as you please relieves these trips
of monotony which otherwise is detrimental.
With good fighting dog to whom you are
attached, you are entertained on the road.
Boxer has fought and whipped, except on
one memorable day, every dog from Com
munipaw to Washington that ne mas en-
gagged I have had the fun of getting him
out of the dog catchers' hands three times,
and on the other side of Wilmington he
went up against two big Great Danes that
exceeded him in size and weight, but
not on courage. He lost that half Of his
right ear" observed Mr.. Townsend, admir-
ingly, indicating to handsome big bull ly-
irg at his feet who was minus good piece
out of one erect ear. lin that unequal fight,
but got him away with the leaden butt OF
my riding whip. I expect him to maintain
this record with the dogs south of the
Mason and Dixon line until we get to At
lanta.
Another point on horseback riding trips
for health Is that you must have good,
self to feel lonely or discouraged. Blend
with the exercise a rowing spirit, even If
that be unnatural; 1t can soon be cultivated.
Have q small trunkful Of Serviceable clothes
sent ahead from point to point. as a stout
wooden suit, q short, warm jacket and rub
Der sicker. the latter two to be carried back
of the saddle, are all you need. Stay as
short or as long time in a place as you
feel inclined; this is one of the beauties of
the trip. Every minute there Is something
of interest to attract your attention and to
take your mind of yOurself-the great de-
sideratum to all those seeking health.
practice up on riding for little while
before you begin to tougher the muscles.
Once you are under way the first thing you
will notice about yourself Is that you are
hungry; many men would give large year
ly sum to feel genuinely hungry twice a
day. You are astonished at your capacity
for food 80 soon, and you sleep through the
night. Your nerves are strengthened won
derfully. and you begin to wonder why you
ever thought you had troubles You can
largely avoid taking cold by never ventur-
ing out In the face of storm, and seeking
shelter in one at once. This lends a tremen-
dous lot of pleasant novelty to the trip and
runs you UP against all sorts OF people and
conditions.
AN automobile or a carriage journey Is
tame compared to q horseback trip for
health. The personal care of your horse
and dog constitutes a pleasing diversion
and you take on new life, increased strength
and added weight every week you are out
and away from nome and your troubles +"