I felt that since in Horse History #6 Rodeo, George Wirth and his Famous Wirth Circus Family were briefly mentioned, it would be best to start the Series for the year with more history on Stage Shows and Circuses in Australia.
These spectacular phenomenas have been in Australia since the mid 1800s, with the first definitive event of large – scale horsemanship performance, being in Launceston, Tasmania on the 29th December 1847! This was performed by no other than Robert Radford, former Jockey and Horse Trainer), as known as the ‘Royal Circus’.
During the 1850s, a number of Equestrian Circuses opened around the Country. Examples being those orchestrated by James and Elisabeth Ashton, and Jane Kendall (Mademoiselle La Rosiere). Travelling circuses and entertainment became common attractions, particularly near the gold fields, where diggers were in need of entertainment.
Much controversy still exists today around the Welfare of Circus Animals, and even back in the Origin Days, Circus Owners insisted their stars were healthy and well kept. George Wirth proved this with his quote: “Our horses were in the best of nick. They had plenty of hard food, as well as an abundance of grass, and could do 60 miles in a day when required, arriving in the next town in time for us to erect the tents and show that same night, though they were very seldom called upon us to do this”. The performers’ livelihoods depended, and still depend on the health of their animal companions, Equine or other.
Not all performing horses were from circuses; one of the more unusual performing horses of this Era was Mahomet, the talking horse. This may also remind people of Mr Ed from TV World. Regardless of the upmost care given by the Circus Owners, and their workers, contemporary circus tradition has seen the use of animals decline. Some old – style circuses still use horses and equestriennes, but most focus on human stunts and theatrical performances theses days. Horses are the preferred ‘performance artists’ in other areas, like that of Equine specialised Stage Spectaculars.
Image courtesy of Australia.gov.au.
– Skye Pickering Dip. Horse Business Management