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Horses In Modern, New, And Contemporary Circus, Katie Lavers

Animal Studies Journal

Circus is an art form that developed around horses and trick riding. Philip Astley, an excavalry man who had recently returned to London after fighting in Europe in the Seven Years War (1756- 63), founded Modern Circus when he introduced clowns, musicians and acrobats to cover the changeover in his riding displays. Daring, acrobatic stunt riding remained the central most important element in modern circus. The strong sense of connection developed between a cavalryman and his horse through the sense of shared mortality on the battlefield was an important element informing the presentation of horses in modern circus. Running counter …