Mary and horses

[Donna McCreary]

On August 6, 1863, Mary, who had just recovered from a carraige accident, travled to new Hampshire with sons Robert and Tad. She was traveling with a group of 130 tourists, all traveling to enjoy the cooler temperatures and natural sights of the area.
A newspaper article reports that she wore a dark checked riding habit as she prepared for a riding trip.

Laurie, in her early years, Mary loved horses and was an excellent rider. Once, she wanted a new pony – a particular pony – the white dancing pony which belonged to a group of “strolling players” who had been stranded in Lexington. Robert Smith Todd purchased it for his daughter.
The story continued that when Mr. Todd was away on business in Frankfort, his wife Betsy was not feeling well. Mammy had given Mary permission to ride the pony for a little while in front of the house – but Mary took off down the dusty road to Ashland, the home of Henry Clay. Upon arrival, she knocked on the door and requested an immediate audience with Mr. Clay. Her father had frequently said that Mr. Clay was the best judge of horse flesh in Kentucky, and Mary sought his opinion.
When Mr. Clay came out onto the driveway, Mary, who was still sitting on her pony, said, “Look Mr. Clay – my new pony. Father bought him from those strolling players that were stranded her last week. He can dance – Look!” She touched the pony with a whip, and the pony reared up gracefully on his hind legs to dance.

At least this particular pony knew who was in control.