On August 15, 1820, Thomas Jefferson wrote to John Adams about his difficulties walking due to swelling in his legs. Although he was struggling to walk, Jefferson continued his lifelong love of riding horses every day. He rode seven to eight miles every day and often made trips to survey the progress on the development of his University of Virginia at Charlottesville. Jefferson loved horses and was involved in the breeding of horses and was an expert rider.

Pictured: Thomas Jefferson’s boots at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in 2024. If I remember correctly, the tour guide indicated they were one of the last pairs that Jefferson wore!