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Presidents at the Races

No sport created more excitement, enthusiasm and interest in the colonial period and the early republic than horse racing. Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson took immense pride in their horses and bred them to improve the bloodlines of saddle, work, carriage and racehorses. Early presidents loved horse racing, the most popular sport in America at that time. George Washington,

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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

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White House Horses

American presidents throughout history have appreciated the utility and admired the grandeur of the horse. The visual image of the hero elevated on horseback has been a constant presence in equestrian art and public sculpture throughout the world. George Washington regarded horses as a source of pardonable pride, and his warhorses were of great importance to him as loyal companions