PrintThe Chronicle of the Horse is celebrating its 75th birthday in 2012. For seven weeks we’ll bring you a decade-by-decade look at the history that has filled its pages since 1937.
The Chronicle of the Horse was first published on Sept. 17, 1937, as The Middleburg Chronicle, in a tabloid size format. It was printed locally in Berryville, Va. While it largely focused on the Middleburg horse scene, it grew to cover the entire country. In the early years, flat racing, steeplechasing and foxhunting dominated the pages. The subscription price started at $2.50, but hovered at around $3.50 for much of the 1940s.
The magazine’s mission statement was front and center in the first issue.
First Principles
“Middleburg is a name whose influence is not confined to the environs of its country or even its State. It is a name that stands for sport, for the great institution which is the horse, for a great farming and hunting community that is known in the far away places where men and women have penetrated to carry with them the traditions that lie behind the annals of sport in the United States.
Realizing the significance of the unique position which this community occupies, the editors of the Chronicle wholeheartedly assume the task of publishing Middleburg’s newspaper. The first issue and succeeding issues are dedicated, therefore, not alone to those who have always made this part of the country home, but also to those who have come only to enjoy for a few moments the pleasures of a famous countryside and then to depart to carry with them in their hearts a fragment of what they do here as a happy remembrance until they come again. The Middleburg Chronicle is, accordingly, a local newspaper which has the good fortune to be able to list in its pages the activities of a sporting nation and still remain local in scope.
The great circumference of this portion of Virginia includes the largest horse breeding industry in the United States, it encompasses the most famous fox hunts in the country, here are the oldest shows and here is the home of the thoroughbred. It is in this field that the Chronicle takes its initial step. The paper intends to inscribe in its pages the history of a famous community. It is here to work towards civic improvement, it is here to work for the good of all. The Middleburg Chronicle is an enterprise which asks the cooperation of everyone interested in this countryside.
In its devotion to the welfare of the people, their farms and their horses, the Chronicle seeks to place itself where it will not move forgotten or unheeded. The editors need the support of all, so that its pages may provide interest, amusement, and the news of a nationally known community, impartially and without prejudice.”
An Eventful Beginning
The Middleburg Chronicle began as a local newspaper in Virginia hunt country and carried on production during World War II. Early editions featured commentary on President Roosevelt, the scandal of King Edward VIII abdicating his throne to marry Wallis Simpson, and Congressional hearings.
At the time, horse racing was one of the most popular sports in America, and the magazine had pages of coverage from tracks around the country. Between 1937 and 1948, five Triple Crown winners were named, and The Chronicle covered all of them (except War Admiral’s 1937 victory, which happened a few months before the magazine started publishing).
Watch Citation’s winning races.
Many issues that arose during the Chronicle’s first 13 years mirror topics we’re still debating today. The importance of local shows and animal welfare were on the minds of many equestrians.
While the 1940 Tokyo Olympic Games and the 1944 London Olympics were cancelled, the Chronicle covered the 1948 edition in London where the United States earned three medals: team silver in dressage, team gold in eventing and Frank Henry and Swing Low captured the individual silver in eventing (he was also a member of the dressage team on Reno Overdo). Thomas Clyde reported for The Chronicle on the Prix de Nations show jumping final.
By the late 40s, talk of amateurs and women competing in the Olympics spread through the Chronicle’s pages. While the nation struggled to decide who would represent them once the Army teams were disbanded, the magazine offered opinions and suggestions from top coaches, riders and industry leaders.
Remember When?
- The Town Crier section was on the first page and included gossip from the local horse scene, as well as announcements about horse show dates, elections to equine organizations and news about top horse sales.
- The Horseman’s Notes included more news and opinions from around the horse world, much like today’s In The Country section.
