International Museum of the Horse The Presidents and Their Horses

International Museum of the Horse

Lexington, KY

(606) 233-4303

www.imh.org

The Presidents and Their Horses

Most Americans are familiar with the: equestrian exploits of Presidents Washington, Grant and Reagan. Few however, know that Calvin Coolidge had an electric horse installed in his White House bedroom. According to his one of his secret service agents, Coolidge would ride regularly, dressed only in his underwear and a cowboy hat.. During Franklin Roosevelt's administration, the mounted tail of his father's favorite horse hung proudly in the family's quarters.These are just two of the more unusual artifacts that arc included in "The Presidents and Their Horses."

Other Presidential items in the exhibit include George Washington's spurs, James Monroe's riding gloves, Rutherford B. Hayes' Civil War, Grimsley saddle, Teddy Roosevelt's silver-tipped riding crop, and Ronald Reagan's English saddle. Portraits and prints of George Washington, Benjamin Harrison, Franklin Pierce, Zachary Taylor and James K. Polk are also included.

Above Left: Pair of Kentucky Derby Mint Julep cups presented to President and Mrs. Harry S. Truman in honor of two Missouri breed Kentucky Derby winners, Elwood - 1904 and Lawrin - 1938. From the collection of the Harry S. Truman Library, Independence, MO.

Right: Pair of Edward Bohlin spurs presented to President Franklin D. Roosevelt by Roy Rogers on January 30, 1943. From the collection of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY.

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rev. 11/26/10

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