The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1902-12-11
ROOSEVELT AS A RIDER
How He Has Checked the Auto
MODELLING Fad In Washington.
HORSEBACK RIDING THE VOGUE.

The Presidents Partially For It
Has Given That Form of Recrea-
t3On a Boom In the National Cap
1tal-Invitation to Go Riding With
Him a Special Mark of Favor.
President Roosevelt has dealt a
heavy blow to the fad Of automobiling,
says ]. S. Henry, Washington CORE
spondent Of the Philadelphia Press.
He and Mrs. Roosevelt have made
horseback riding the vogue. The horse
less carriage has been deserted for the
saddle. Few occupants Of the White
House have set the pace SO quickly as
have the Roosevelts. Their influence
has been healthful, and an interest in
athletics, with indulgence in vigorous
outdoor exercise, has been the result.
In this change Of the fashion and
habit of Washington's smart set the
Roosevelts have acted their part un-
consciously. They have merely brought
to the White House the customs and
habits of life they have always prac-
ticed in their private home. What they
do Is done naturally and without
thought OF setting the example Of invit-
ing imitation. President and Mrs.
Roosevelt ride horseback because they
enjoy the exercise and love the ami
mails.
The president seeks outdoor exercise
In riding and walking because he Is
naturally fond Of it and because 1t Is
absolutely necessary as tonic and
preservative Of his splendid health.
Two or three hours spent in the open
air gallopirg along country roads and
across open commons or trudging on
foot through the streets and suburbs
enable him to renew his spirits and re-
feve the oppression Of a days work
In his Office, where matters Of state en-
gage his attention and politicians an
noy him at every turn.
When the weather Is fine and the
country roads are in good condition.
President and Mrs. Roosevelt 60 out on
horseback almost daily. They are usu-
ally accompanied by two or three
friends, and sometimes Miss Roosevelt
takes the place of her mother. After
passing the limits Of the city restraint
Is cast off. and it Is merry party that
puts the horses through their PAGES.
President Roosevelt usually leads in
all adventure, and where stretch OF
country affords exhibitions Of horse
manship he jumps bitches, fences and
hurdles in the shape Of low bushes.
while the rest Of the party follow, en-
Jdeavoring to take every leap Of their
leader.
Mrs. Roosevelt is good rider and
1sits her mount as safely as her distin-
guished husband, and other members
% the family down to young Kermit
who Is wrestling with stubborn Shet-
land pony, are at home in the saddle.
It Is regarded as a mark Of particu-
lar favor to be invited to lunch Or dine
with the president, but those who want
% get close to Mr.. Roosevelt find their
advantage when invited to accompany
him on horseback ride. A recent ap-
pertinent In Indiana has brought Sem
ator Beveridge of that state to the
front as an influential political factor.
The appointment was not in accord
ance with Senator Fairbanks judy
ment, but was insisted upon by Mr..
at the recognition given the young man
over his more experienced colleague
believe they have found the explana-
ton. Mr.. Beveridge is frequent COM
panion Of President Roosevelt on the
latter's gallops through the country. A
mutual love for the horse has brought
these strenuous men together.
Mr.. Beveridge is SO delighted with
his horseback outings with Mr.. Roose-
xelt that he has purchased new
mount and a few days ago brought 1t
around to the White House to exhibit
It to the president. The latter instant
~ brushed business aside and hurried
down to the rear Of the White House,
where the new animal was in charge
OF a groom. He and the Hoosier sena.
tor examined the animal carefully, feel
Ing its limbs. looking at its teeth and
eyes and going over it with all the airs
OF expert horse dealers. The president
commended the senator's choice. and
that afternoon a gallop over the Vir-
ginia hills tested the qualities Of the
new steed
When they returned, they came up
the circular driveway to the front Of
the White House. and both animals
showed the effects of their run. They
were steaming in sweat. with fecks Of
foam on their breast and tanks. The
president was In high glee. his hat tilt
I'd slightly to one side and to the back
and his dress showing some little dis
order from the ride. But Senator Bev-
eridge was In perfect trim and could
have that moment entered the senate
chamber in his riding habit. He wore
q shining silk hat. which sat upon his
bead as straight and exact as though
It had been adjusted before mirror.
ais black frock coat was closely but
toned, his hands neatly gloved. and
when he dismounted at the White
House steps there was neither fleck nor
Eiaw In his attire. The knife blade