Presidents and the Potomac
For the politicians, civil servants, and accompanying citizenry of the new federal government—freshly arrived in 1800 from comfortable, sophisticated Philadelphia—the...
Equestrian Sports & Leisure Pursuits
Many modern presidents have had a casual interest in horseback riding, particularly as a vacation sport. However, no modern president has had a stronger association with horses than Ronald Reagan. His career in films and his own recreation demanded that he ride well. As president, he was comfortable in the saddle or simply working with his horses. Nothing pleased him more than to entertain a visiting head of state who liked to ride.
President John F. Kennedy greets Caroline, John Jr. and Macaroni outside the Oval Office on June 22, 1962.
John F. Kennedy Library
President Lyndon B. Johnson and Vice-President Hubert Humphrey pose on horseback at the Johnson ranch on Election Day, November 2, 1964.
Lyndon B. Johnson Library
President Gerald Ford on a vacation trail ride in Utah in 1974. Ford began riding as a mounted ranger at Yellowstone National Park during the summer of 1936.
Jimmy Carter on a vacation trail ride in the Grand Tetons, August 28, 1988.
President Ronald Reagan horseback riding at Rancho Del Cielo, November 30, 1986.
Then Vice President George H.W. Bush on a pleasure ride at Quantico, Virginia, July 22, 1981.
President William J. Clinton enjoys a horseback ride on the beach at Martha's Vineyard, August 31, 1994.
Clinton Presidential Library
Presidential candidate George W. Bush at Churchill downs attending the Kentucky Derby.
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