President William H. Taft Rides a Horse

This photograph, taken circa 1909, shows President William H. Taft horseback riding with Clarence Ransom Edwards. As Chief of the Customs and Insular Division of the War Department, Edwards worked with President Taft when he was Governor-General of the Philippines and Secretary of War. The men's long professional relationship also developed into a personal friendship. President Taft enjoyed riding horses with friends and his social circle, including members of the prestigious Washington Riding and Hunt Club.