Ohio History Journal

244       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications

 

EQUITATION IN AND ABOUT COLUMBUS

Mr. Frank Tallmadge, a life member of the Ohio

State Archaeological and Historical Society, a prominent

citizen of Columbus and the dean of equitation in cen-

tral Ohio, has written a book entitled Horseback Riding

in and around Columbus, 1774-1924. It is neatly printed

and bound, interestingly written and a unique addition

to local history. The "foreword" is written by Henry

M. Neil of Columbus. The book is published by the Co-

lumbus Riding Club.

Following is the editorial estimate of the book in

the Ohio State Journal of April 1, 1925:

 

 

HORSEBACK RIDING

No other man is better fitted to compile and write the history

of horseback riding in Columbus than Frank Tallmadge, whose

volume will come from the publishers in a few days. From

his early boyhood he has been an enthusiastic lover of the horse

and for more than a half century he has owned and ridden saddle

horses over the highways and along the byways of the city and

county. He has known and ridden with all the lovers of horses

in Columbus in that long period of time. He never was more

enthusiastic over that form of exercise and sport than he is today

and to his outdoor life in the saddle he attributes much of the

good health that he has enjoyed.

He has made his book complete, certain to interest the lovers

of the saddle horse, and equally certain to interest many others

because most people love to read a story of horses, or stories in

which the horse has a real part. The story covers horseback

riding from the time the first settlers reached the present site

of Columbus, riding their horses along the Indian trails in the

wild country. Months of patient work has been done in going

through all the histories of the early days to secure the material

for the book. The story is told in an entertaining way, names of

many early and present-day people are used and their part in

the outdoor exercise is given, bits of personal experience and

incidents that give historical value and personal interest to the

story. The book was made possible through the generosity of

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Reviews, Notes and Comments       245

 

the Columbus Riding Club, a group of men and women who love

horses and know the joy of a long ride or a quick gallop.

Horseback riding is done by fewer people than in the (lays

prior to the coming of the auto, but in and about the cities all

over the land there are riding clubs and enthusiastic members.

These people know the joy of association with a fine saddle

horse and do not propose to deny themselves that pleasure. It

is no easy or simple task to become a good rider. Courage and

persistence are required and an understanding of horses is nec-

essary, but there is a physical advantage and mental pleasure

that is large reward for all that is given in mastering the task.

The volume by Mr. Tallmadge will interest those who care for

a good story well told.

 

Professor Homer C. Hockett, of the Ohio State Uni-

versity faculty, and Professor Arthur M. Schlesinger,

formerly of Ohio State but now a member of the teach-

ing force at Harvard, have written a two volume work

entitled Political and Social History of the United States

which will be issued by the Macmillan Company in the

near future.

Dr. Hockett is author of the first volume which

deals with American history from the time of the dis-

covery by Columbus to 1828. The second volume, by

Professor Schlesinger, covers the period from    1829 to

date.

In the preliminary announcement the statement is

made that "major emphasis in the work has been placed

on political factors, although the social, economic and

cultural phases are given due consideration. In contrast

with earlier books, American history from       Colonial

times is treated as part of the stream of world events

and not as separate matter."

We hope in a future issue to publish a review of

this important work.

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