President Theodore Roosevelt was a notable man in many ways, not the least of which was his passion for horses. Over his lifetime, he had countless horses as companions and rode almost daily, often in the company of his family. In letters, he often mentioned various horses to his correspondents which gives us a brief glimpse into some of those horses’ personalities.
Grey Dawn is mentioned in a letter from Roosevelt to son Kermit, dated February 3rd, 1906: “It has turned cold now; but mother and I had a good ride yesterday, and Ted and I a good ride this afternoon, Ted on Grey Dawn.” Later that year, Roosevelt writes to his daughter Ethel, who had headed down to open the family’s home Sagamore Hill prior to their arrival, and mentions Grey Dawn:
“I was really interested in what you told me of Gray Dawn. I knew that Fidelity would let you handle her, as she would not let anyone else, but I did not realize that this was true of Gray Dawn also. I think Gray Dawn is altogether too lively for Mother to ride.”
It appears Grey Dawn was a bit livelier than some of his stablemates, enough so that Roosevelt did not feel comfortable with wife Edith riding him. He may have sent Grey Dawn to Sagamore Hill with Ethel for that reason.
Grey Dawn’s fate is unknown, but it is likely he retired with the President to a good home, or that one was found for him.