2-889-379 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Daring Leap in the Dining-Room of the White Hart Hotel, Aylesbury, 1850. 'Mr. Charles Symonds, of Oxford, offered to bring a grey horse of his upstairs and lead him round the table. The animal shortly announced his progress by a loud clattering on the old oak staircase. In a few minutes the horse was gazing on the assembled company. His owner then led him over a flight of chairs, which he jumped beautifully. Nothing then would satisfy the company but that he must jump the dining tables. The proprietor of the hotel, fearing lest some serious accident might occur, as the room is of great antiquity...strongly objected; but he was overruled, and the horse was led over the tables, everything standing. The champagne glasses rattled, the plates quivered, the candlesticks shook, but nothing was displaced...Mr. Manning...volunteered to ride him barebacked over, and he did so without bridle or saddle'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.