Georgetown University - Ye Domesday Booke Yearbook (Georgetown, DC)

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Hiding Club (i r ' ESUMING its place once again in I - extra-curricular activities, George- M] W town ' s Riding Club inaugurated an auspicious year, and was held in the same high regard as from its inception in 1942. As a promoter for health and spirit no other sport can compare with riding, and the Riding Club has carried through a successful year with this in mind. The first problem that confronted the equestrians was to secure a place where all could ride as a group, and where the inexpe- rienced could acquire a mastery under the guidance of competent instructors. Whereas in the beginning, many found the art of horse- manship a bit fatiguing, and subsequently had their meals off the nearest mantel, after de-stocking the infirmary of its supply of liniment — they were gradually initiated into the unpainful equestrian life. A committee was appointed for the purpose of locating a stable; and in less than a week one was selected which furnished a beautiful Maryland countryside and a variety of trails through Rock Creek Park. The bracing breezes of October ' s early mornings awakened a sudden desire for trails in the heart of Wash- ington ' s woodlands ; and to canter along bridal paths in nature s painted scenes became the favored lot of the enthusiastic horsemen of the Riding Club. Saturday morning was the time chosen to

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Organization, Hygiene. First Aid. and E olu- tion of Warfare. Also prescribed b - the course are regular sessions of close and extended drill. As Junior and Senior members of the ad- ' anced R.O.T.C.. cadets choose either Tactics and Techniques of the Infantr - or those of the Air Corps. Members of these groups will re- turn to the campus ne.xt fall as veterans of a six weeks summer course at Fort Meade. There, future Infantry Officers will take prac- tical training in maneuvers, while future Air Corps men will take fifteen hours of familiar- ization and indoctrination flights. Through arrangement with the Signal Corps the Cadets have seen during the past semester some of the finest Army motion pictures, many of which were real action pictures taken during World War II. This has been part of the regular course of instruction. The primary object of the advanced course, as pursued five hours a week, is to produce a pool of professionally trained reser e officers ready for any national emergency. Its mem- bers have the option of the air or the ground course which lead respect i eK ' to commis- sions as second lieutenants in the Infantry or the Air Corps. The R.O.T.C., transformed from a war- time unit of less than one hundred men, now comprises over one hundred and ninety cadets. This year, they welcomed Colonel John C. Whitcomb as Commander of the new George- town Infantry and .Air Units. Col. Whit- comb was assisted by Lt. Col. R. G. Cicco- lella, Lt. Col. Leo E. Fielder, Major R. J. Cleghorn and Captain E. L. Roughton and Captain J. W. Klerk. Under the able direction of Colonel Whit- comb and his staff of assistants, composed of veteran officers and non-commissioned officers of World War II, the R.O.T.C. program pro- gressed smoothly and efficiently. Throughout the entire year cooperation was splendid, mo- rale was high, discipline exemplary, and all enjoyed a spirit of camaraderie. .All seemed to sense the necessit - of preparedness in the uncertain aftermath of the late world crisis. 85

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don hoots and breeches, take crop in hand, and canter into the recesses of the woods. The first ride was planned and all gathered in Copley Square earh ' one morning to pursue the hobby of kings. The automobiles of va- rious members afforded transportation, and the saddlemen were off to Pegasus ' stables. The more ambitious members headed their steeds into the future, giving rein to pleasant visions of the da s when they would lead their mounts to ictory in distinguished horse shows. Perhaps in the minds of some were blue ribbons and the graceful bows to the judges as the winners are announced. All mastered their mounts and various ob- stacles, and preparations were made for hunt- ing, jumping exhibitions, and the sponsoring of a horse show for charity. The enormous amount of work entailed in these projects served only to increase the determination of the members to see them through successfully. The Club was fortunate in having some of the most enthusiastic horse country in the world in the nearby areas of Virginia and Mar land. Members attended sex ' eral of the more popular hunts and shows in Middleburg and Fairfax, and came away with man - ideas for their own organization. The meetings of early winter were held semi-monthly as informal discussions when the spring acti ' ities were outlined. More than simple business conferences, these meetings were a gathering of good fellows chatting contentedly of the joy of riding. Guiding the club as moderator was the Rev. Arthur A. Coniff, S.J., who rode with the group each Saturday morning and seemed to enjoy the thrills and spills as heartily as any. Assisting Father Coniff was Adie Von Gontard, President; James P. Bunnell, Vice- President: John Loftus, Secretary; and Da id B. Graham, Treasurer. Thus the first post-war ear of the Riding Club came to an end. There was perfect agree- ment among members that the year had been one of great success, marred only by the bre ity of the riding seasons. .All eagerh ' await the beginning of the next fall season. 87