3-011-809 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Horse Show at Islington [in London]: trying the hunters, 1864. View of '...the Trial of Hunters jumping over a framework of hurdles covered with furze-bushes to represent a hedge. The hurdles were fixed upon an axis which would revolve at the least touch; so that there was no fear of throwing down the horse whose feet should strike against them. The central area of the hall had been inclosed and covered with tan, so as to form a safe and convenient circus for the performance of these equine feats, and for the promenade of the different classes of horses, either led, ridden, or driven - walking, trotting, or galloping in their turn. The floor outside this inclosure, as well as the galleries and orchestra, was usually crowded with spectators, of whom a fair proportion were ladies. On the Monday, the first shilling day, when the trial of the hunters took place at half-past three in the afternoon, there were five or six thousand persons in the building, and the scene was most exciting...During the five days a large number of sales of valuable horses were effected, realising excellent prices, and amongst the purchasers were many foreigners...Upon the whole, the Islington Horse Show has proved a decided success'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.