Gentlemen Riders It is a long time now , since
riding was a universal accomplishment, and we are well accustomed to the idea that a Coronation procession will include a certain number of amateur horsemen. But On June 2nd the proportion of these will be so high that a thoughtful person cannot help wonder- ing, as he looks into the future, how much longer the eques trian element on these occasions will survive. Nobody (for some reason) expects Admirals or Air Marshals to be at home in the saddle, but it is a sobering thought that the detachment from the Royal Canadian North West Mounted Police had to be taken out of their jeeps and given riding instruction before coming over here. The Prime Minister's coach will, I under- stand, be manned entirely by amateurs (Mr. Frank Gilbey, Mr. Prior and Mr. Douglas-Pennant), and one peer is said to be entrusting the conduct of his to Etonians. Will the talent on which these agreeably makeshift arrangements depend be available at the next Coronation ? ,I suppose it Will. Apart from the look of the thing, to which horses make a unique Contribution, it is difficult to see what else could provide the Marshals with the mobility which enables them to regulate the procession; although it may by then be possible for them to glide noiselessly to and fro upon atomic scooters, the prospect lacks urbanity.
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