Horses were part of everyday life in early America. While George Washington is more readily remembered as an avid equestrian, Thomas Jefferson was also a passionate, lifelong horseman. Indeed, Jefferson continued his habit of daily rides up until just three weeks before his death at the age of 83. In this livestream, we focus on horses and the role of horses in early America, co-hosted by Monticello and George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Monticello’s Associate Curator Emilie Johnson will discuss Thomas Jefferson’s horses, Monticello’s restored stables, and the role of enslaved hostlers. Mount Vernon’s Livestock Stable Manager, Lisa Pregent, will discuss George Washington’s horses and Mount Vernon's livestock stables today.
This livestream was made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.