THE PRINCE OF WALES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20110, 31 March 1928, Page 14 (Supplement)

THE PRINCE OF WALES

A PLUCKY RIDER One of the favourite quips of the American popular press concerns tnc Prince of Wales’ horsemanship. An American observer in the fox-hunting field, however, discussing the subject for once in serious vein, writes in the American Review of Reviews. The Prince is, us a matter of fact, one of the boldest and pluckiest ot riders in the hunting field almost always “on top of the hunt” and ready to take anything that looks jumpablc standing between him and his love—the love of every true hunting man — of keeping with the hounds while they arc sweeping on with their “line.” With the hunt galloping away, he is all for boldness and enthusiasm, and is generally onc of the half-dozen or so who lead the way out of the great crowd striving for a forward place. He is ahead, however, simply by virtue of his nerve and dashing riding; he takes his place as one of the several hundred fox-Jiunters and takes his chances with the rest of them. The Prince rides in the stylo affected by most Englishmen, sitting much more upright and taking a stronger hold of his horse’s mouth than do good American riders, who use the “forward” scat and drop their hands before the horse “takes off’’ at a jump.

Accepting this English style as the technique of the country, as onc must, the Prince appears unquestionably as a first-class rider who has no more than his share of mishaps, considering th? many daring chances he takes. He goes strong and fast and straight, and decs not care to ride any horse that does not feel the same way about it. lie even insists on horses that “take hold” with a will. The true picture of the Prince on horseback shows a quiet, unassuming, courteous, and kindly young man, a capable and vigorous horseman, whose youth and high spirits bubble over as soon as hounds “go away” and is then on his way to ke« p with them if horseflesh can possibly make the grade.