attended the meetings of the county court, or went to church, or was present at the funerals of deceased friends, or visited the homes of his neighbors, he was compelled to rely upon his horse for conveyance, unless he was willing to travel in the ordinary farm cart:[1] the imperfections of the highways, and in some parts of the country the entire absence of passable roads, made the use of the horse almost a necessity in journeying from place to place. Among the most common entries in the appraisements of estates were the pillion and side-saddle, which were kept in readiness for the female members of the family. The equipments of the stables were complete. The saddle was often bound in hogskin.[2] A well-known planter of Elizabeth City County had in his possession, in 1690, one article of this kind covered with purple leather, and another made of plush in the seat.[3] Ralph Wormeley owned a crimson velvet saddle with broadcloth saddle-cloth and silk spring holsters, valued at fifteen pounds.[4] Hackney and troop saddles were in general use. The curb bridle was also common. There are frequent references to riding stockings. The horses were allowed to remain unshod, which caused no damage or inconvenience, as the road beds were for the most part level and sandy. The ordinary pace of the Virginian riders was a sharp hand gallop; this led to the expression, “a planter’s pace,” an indication of the energy with which they travelled, and the fleetness of their steeds.[5]
- ↑ Records of York County, vol. 1664-1672, pp. 77, 453, Va. State Library; Records of Henrico County, vol. 1688-1697, pp. 429, 672, Va. State Library.
- ↑ See inventory of Robert Beverley, Sr., on file in Middlesex County.
- ↑ Records of Elizabeth City County, vol. 1684-1699, p. 254, Va. State Library.
- ↑ Records of Middlesex County, original vol. 1698-1713, p. 121.
- ↑ Clayton’s Virginia, p. 35, Force’s Historical Tracts, vol. III.
