The Washington times., 1908-06-03
Rearing Animal, Frightened
at Ford, Falls Back
ward.
JUMPS QUICKLY;
ESCAPES INJURY
Slightly Bruised, Rider Says He Is
Lame in Spots"-Mrs.
Roosevelt a Witness.

Il was learned today that President
Roosevelt had a narrow escape from
death yesterday afternoon. A young
horse that he was trying for Sergeant
AcDermott. his orderly, reared and fell
backward with him from the top OF the
bank at Rock Creek. and but for the
fact that the President threw himself
from the saddle OF the animal as it fell.
he might have been killed. OF at least
terribly cruz he'd.
As it was, he received a number of
bruises and today feels rather lame 'in
spots"
After wading out OF the creek, the
President and his orderly caught the
frightened horse, the Executive mounted
him again. and rode him for an hour
and half before returning 10 the White
House.
The President isn't certain how he
landed in the water. whether on his
back or his stomach. He didn't have
time 10 notice, he says, FOR things were
happening middling quick then"
President Roosevelt was kept busy
today explaining to his friends Just how
ne escaped serious injury. In spite OF
the little importance placed upon the
incident by ehe President il is believed,
from his own account Of the accident,
that he escaped serious injury and prob
ably death.
Mrs. Roosevelt was within a few feet
OF the spot where the accident occurred.
According TO the Presidents account OF
the incident lit really didn't amount
TO much, aud is not worth printing"
The little party had reached the ford
near the boulder bridge over Rock
creek, and the Presidents mount had
not given any Indication OF fright. AS
the President wheeled him into the
stream. however. the animal shied,
reared. and sprang up the bank at one
side O. the ford. The President brought
him back 10 the creek. and again the
horse jumped as his hoofs felt the cocl
water. This time The President was
unable 70 hold him, and IN another in
stant he had leaped up the bank.
He reached the TOP Of the bank with
his fore feet In the air. and. althougi.
the President leaned as far forward as
he was able. with his head almost De-
hind tie head Of the frightened animal,
tho horse began to stagger.
Then he fell fun length backwards
into the water, carrying the President
with him. By instinct, rather than
from the stirrups and leaped clear from
the horse as IL landed IN the creek, and
then, as they struggled in the water,
executed a rapid, 'ail-fOur getaway"
1t was rather lucky that when NE
fell, the horses landed with his hOOfs
away from me- for If there is anything
/ do dislike. IL IS the idea OF having my
hair COmbed IN that manner" the Presi-
dent remarked 10 a friend today.
When the party returned to the White
House, the President was st!ll as wet
as though ne had just come cut of the
creek. ''But I have been wet before. 90
said the President. $50 did not care
particularly"
But for the fact that there were two
carriages and an automobile within a
few yards OF the President, when he
took his plunge, the incident probably
would not have been made public The
occupants Of one OF the vehicles re-
ported the matter.
But / think the horse IS all right"
said the President, 'aud I like him"