Editor’s Note: As part of our year-long celebration of our 100th Year Anniversary (1922-2022), we’ll post a Throwback Thursday edition of our Alleghany Rattler Newspaper to give you a peek into life at camp across those 100 summers!
This 1945 piece offers insight into the equine passion that many had back when Alleghany still had a horseback riding program.
Horse, Men on A Par With New Counselors
Discussing the summer riding program with you is a terribly hazy subject in my mind as it will be in yours when you finish reading this article. But I’m the gal who would almost rather spend an evening with a horse than with a man, which means I’m mighty fond of horses; so I’m going to try to convince everyone in a few words that horses should be made as much a part of her diet as reading Forever Amber.
The schedule will run as much as it has in previous summers topped by a scrumptious horse show at the end of the season in which all who wish to do so may participate. There will be daily rides both in the morning and in the afternoon for juniors and seniors; and a list will be posted outside Channie’s tent to be signed a day or at least three hours ahead, by all seniors wishing to ride. The juniors’ list will be made out by Jinny Mathews and posted after breakfast each morning. If enough of you are interested in going on breakfast and supper hikes, we may also be able to take a few of them this summer.
You all know Mr. Peterson, our instructor, but some of the horses are quite new. Buckaroo will give the best rider a thrill and well deserves to compete with Red Sand. Mother McCree is still on hand for the infirm. But who’s to blame if she’s dead and just won’t lie down? Seriously, we have a fine group of horses this summer, and if you can manage not to get seasick in the ring, we can get some wonderful trail rides. So lets all come out for a really grand sport and make our riding here at camp one of the many wonderful memories that we’ll take home with us from Alleghany.
— By Gay Wygal, Alumna, Camp Alleghany for Girls
