THE HORSE SHOW.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16606, 18 July 1914, Page 6

THE HORSE SHOW.

Prom the racecourse to the torso show is a natural transition. The great annual gathering l at Olympia opened this week, but though it always takes a few clays in which to get into its stride, the assembly of Beautiful animals and of that curious class which seems inseparable from the horse, constitute at the present moment one of the sights of London. There are all sorts and conditions of men and women at Olympia just now. Peers rub shoulders with stablemen, Bnd beautiful actresses buy horses at fancy prices, or pay fabulous sums for pet dogs—some which almost make one credit the story that some ladies who make a profession of the dog trade are amassing fortunes at the rato of £SOOO a year. One noble lord was very conspicuous on tho day I was there. In top hat, frock coat, white spats and with a huge cigar in Ids mouth, he was certainly a striking figure, but he was described by an American journalist once as having " the appearance of an ostler and the manners of a pig-" The noble lord in question was not offended, and like a good sportsman ho gleefully told the story against himself on tho very next occasion on which ho had to respond to a toast of his health. Some of the people seen at Olympia are familiar figures enough in the Row. One thick-set, strongly-built follow, who requires a heavy mount to carry his weight, was once a famous polo player, and before that was weUknown as a Rugger player of the front rank. But .the admired of all admirers are the lady riders. Most of them sit their horses to perfection, and seem in no way put but at the r-ovel experience of riding in a public arena. Only ,as they enter the great gates at the end do they evince any signs of nervousness. Then, almost involuntarily, their hands go up to their faces to set right a stray curl which has escaped from their silk hats or bowlers.