Breaking a leg

[Laurie Verge]

I have also been told by an experienced, trained rider that someone in as good physical condition as Booth and as athletic by nature (as shown in his "stunt man" escapades on stage) as well as being an experienced rider could have mounted the mare by grabbing the horn (is that what it's called) of the saddle and throwing himself into the saddle without ever putting his foot in the stirrup.

I have also heard recently the story of the Booth spooking the horse when he ran out and that the horse shied with Booth having to bring it under control while having only one leg in the stirrup. Where does this "fact" come from? There are only two people who could have testified this - Peanuts and Stewart. I do not remember Peanuts saying such a thing; and from what I recall, Stewart got out the door in time to see Booth on horse racing down the alley.

Sometimes I think we are doing what some did before us - something we complain about today. Theories and wrong information are put into publication without factual verification. I know this can be human nature or trickiness to prove a point, but...