The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-17
WALES EQUERRY
 GIVES ATTENTION
 TO POLO PONIES
Insists Prince Is Fine Horseman And We'll
 Trained Athlete

NEW YORK, Aug. 16.--For the l first time in history the Equerry to the Prince of Wales has crossed the Atlantic ocean in his official capacity, He comes to make arrangements for the visit of the prince who sails for the United States on August 23, says the New York Times.
 Major Dudley Metcalf, who holds that position in the royal household, found himself confronted with busy days after his arrival on the Aquitania, August 1. He came in advance of the eight polo ponies that have been sent from the stables at Ranelagh. His sec ond day in this country was spent on Long Island, where he made q tour of inspection of the Meadow Brook club and looked at the stables the four footed players are to occupy. Polo ponies, and especially polo ponies be- longing to royalty that are to take part in-an international match, are the subjects of very careful attention.
 Major Metcalf was waiting to greet them. Five minutes after they had been led down the gangplank they were placed in motor vans and were whirlr ing on their way to Westbury; where they were placed in the fine stables of Ambrose Clark. With them came the head groom and five assistants.
 Their companions. the 46 other mounts that were brought over by Colonel T. P. Melvl for the use of the British players, fared less com fortabIy; upon their arrival was learned that there had been several cases of influenza in the stable they were to occupy at Mitchell Field. Plans were accordingly changed, and they were taken temporarily to the estate of E. D. Morgan, where they will re- main until the stalls at Mitchel Field have been fumigated.
 Duties Of The EqueEry
 Major Metcalf, whose duties In New York city came to an end when the horses were taken to Westbury, left town for Southampton, where he will he within easy reach of the club. He himself began to ride the princes mounts as soon as they had sufficient ly recovered from their transatlantic
 II always ride with his Royal High nesE.p Mir. Metcalf said, as he sat conversing on the porch of the porta- bie house that constitutes the office of the Polo association at the Meadow Brook club. It was 4:45 o'clock, and the Eduerry had lust arrived on the grounds to watch one of the try-out games about to be played by the Amer
 "In polo matches I generally play two to his Royal Highness' one. We have practiced together 50 much that we understand each others game: :.
 The major grew serious as he talked of the prince. s'He is a good, fearless horseman," he said. He radiated the deep loyalty felt by a soldier for his leader and his friend. ''In the hunt he ia always in the lead. Let us say that he ia riding with MF. Strawbridge and MT. Clark. as often happens when these gentlemen are in England. He equals and even surpasses them in horseman- shin. I use those two names because they are known in this country"
 Major MeteaIf is perhaps inclined to misunderstand the publicity that the American press has given the croppers the Prince of Wales has taken, His subtle English wit does not grasp the form of humor with which we deal with the falls of royalty.
 1sNot only is his Royal Highness q fine horsesman. He stands equally high as a player of squash. He considers it his duty to stay fit so that he may be in good condition to fulfill his Joo: His body is that of an athlete, and he keeps it so."
 Far off across the field the brown ponies, their riders clad in white breeches and blue and white jackets, were sihouetted against the green of the turf as they made their way, in a long line, from the stables past the clubhouse.
 The American riders were in the field. The bell rang, The first crack of the mallet on the hard ball resound- ed. The horses raced down the field, Major Metcalf rose to leave. He is tall and lean, without a pound Of hesh to spare.
 of his Royal Highnesa' plans ! know nothing yet" he said in reply to a last question. T am only concerned with the particular work have come