When: June 2 - August 30, 2010
Many of you have heard of the wonderful walking trails around Chinqua-Penn but did you know that there are also many horse trails? Jeff and Betsy Penn were avid equestrians who enjoyed horseback rides over their 1100 + acres. As you walk the grounds you will see millstones used as steps for mounting and posts for tethering horses. You will also see an old iron wash tub that was used for watering. Mr. Penn rode a Tennessee Walker known as “Black Betsy” replaced after many years of service by a bay horse known as “Old Charlie”, that may have been a Morgan. This was Mr. Penn’s mount to the end of his life. Mrs. Penn’s horse was named “Mary Lou” also a Tennessee Walker. Betsy was still riding Mary Lou when the horse was 35 and she was 78. After Mary Lou there was another Walker named “Gold Dust” who was not at all compatible with other horses and was know as a “kicker”. Betsy felt that due to her age and the fact that Gold Dust would not allow another horse to get near her ended her riding days.
During the months of June through August Chinqua-Penn will display saddles used by the Penn’s and staff.
A Kentucky style saddle—it is apparent the Jeff Penn found this a comfortable piece of furniture. This was used on “Black Betsy” and later on “Old Charlie”.
A “Park Saddle” often used by ladies in the last century and early twentieth century. It carries the tag of a long extinct saddler retail shop in New York City. . Betsy used this saddle on “Mary Lou” and then “Gold Dust”.
A “Western Style Saddle” that was purchased for the use of the newly hired “Cowboy” Don Kipp who was from the West. Cowboy Kipp was accompanied east by an Arabian stallion.
The horse drawn Surry still here on the farm was pulled by “Mary Lou” sporting an elegant Arabian breast collar and a Chinese harness. This was used by Betsy and visiting children for fun rides around the farm.
Saddles have a rich history and tradition and no saddles can tell those stories better than antique saddles. With each of these saddles you can easily imagine the miles they’ve gone, the places they’ve been, and the work they’ve done. See if you can’t imagine being along for the ride with some of these beauties.
All of this and much more will be on display June. through August.
Ann Toler
Curator
Chinqua-Penn Plantation
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