PRESIDENT HARDING GOES HORSEBACK RIDING
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On the morning of November 23, 1921, President Warren G. Harding "indulged in his first (horseback) ride" in the Nation's Capitol. It was the first such ride of his political career in Washington.
The Evening Star reports the President returned to the Executive Mansion after the outing showing "expressions of delight" and predicted there would be many more presidential rides to come.
Mr. Harding, wearing a new riding suit with leather boots, was mounted on a "large chestnut-colored charger" that was supplied by the Quartermaster of the Army Department.
The President, along with his orderly and a single secret service agent, rode through Potomac Park* for thirty minutes.
*West Potomac Park is adjacent to the National Mall extending from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument. It is a National Park operated by the National Park Service.
SOURCE
"President Takes First Canter On Horseback In Washington Career," The Evening Star, November 23, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
