Life — November 11, 1909 — page 19: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains satirical sketches about polo and horseback riding, likely from the early 20th century. The upper cartoon depicts "Settling the International Polo Cup" with the Meadowbrook Team, showing mounted players in exaggerated, chaotic action—suggesting incompetence or comic ineptitude at this elite sport. The caption notes polo as "A Slight Difference of Opinion," implying disagreement or conflict among players. Below, "Horseback Riding Affords Endless Charm for the Tired Businessman" depicts riders tumbling and struggling, satirizing the notion that this supposedly genteel leisure activity is actually undignified and exhausting. The humor targets wealthy, urban businessmen who pursue polo and horseback riding as fashionable pastimes, mocking both the sport's complications and the participants' lack of actual skill despite their pretensions.