The Chicago Equestrian Association 



Its History and Aims 



FEW organizations can point to so interesting a rec- 

 ord of work accomplished for the public good as 

 may the Chicago Equestrian Association. When 

 the horseback rider of today is enjoying the many miles 

 of wonderful bridle path in and aroimd Chicago little 

 does he realize how great a debt he owes to this pioneer 

 equestrian association for its share in making riding an 

 unadulterated pleasure of health and recreation. 



It was during the fall of 1908 that The Chicago Eques- 

 trian Association came into existence when a little group 

 of enthusiastic horsemen met one autumn day at the Red 

 Star Inn and elected the first officers of the organization. 

 This little group consisted of some of the city's leading 

 horse-lovers, as will be apparent from a glance at the 

 officers elected at that historic meeting. These were: 

 President, George P. Nichols; Vice-President, Miss Astrid 

 S. Rosing; Secretary and Treasurer, Dr. Charles Spencer 

 Williamson; Directors, Fred W. Upham, Frank S. Pea- 

 body, William Wrigley, Jr., John S. Hummer, James 

 Pease and John A. Duncan. 



The growth of the association has exceeded even the 

 most sanguine expectations of the organizers, for today 

 the membership numbers nearly five hundred enthusiastic 

 horseback riders of both sexes. Membership in the asso- 

 ciation implies more than a mere interest in "man's best 

 friend"; nearly all of the members ride and ride fre- 

 quently. They have kept the sport alive as has no other 

 similar organization of which the city can boast. 



John Hertz, 

 Vice-President 



