COOLIDGE RIDES ELECTRIC HORSE AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On February 11, 1925, The Evening Star reports that President Calvin Coolidge has, at long last, found a hobby, "one that no one would have guessed"...riding an electric horse.
The mechanical animal has been placed in the President's dressing room at the White House where he rides it for exercise at least three times every day, and sometimes more.
The Star says this particular electric horse...
"canters, trots, gallops, paces and even bucks" at the press of a button. It can even raise up on its hind legs.
The exercise device was recommended to Mr. Coolidge by a friend who used one on an ocean liner.
The President first rode a real live horse from the White House stables but quickly "tired of the animal." Now, if his horse has any issues he can call an electrician instead of a veterinarian.
JFK+50 NOTE
According to the White House Historical Association, President Coolidge did enjoy riding live horses but acquired the mechanical one to "save time." Also, WHHA says that his electric horse had two "variable gaits"...trot & gallop.
SOURCES
"Giddap! Says Coolidge; Away Goes 'Horse' in White House," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., February 11, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
"White House Historical Association," www.whitehousehistory.org/
