scenic riding
Quick Summary
Scenic riding, a popular circus act, involves an equestrian performing a pantomime on horseback. This tradition, continuing from the days of Philip Astley, saw performers like Andrew Ducrow act out stories on horseback, often with elaborate costumes and multiple horses. Acts such as "The Courier of St. Petersburg" and even interpretations of Shakespearean plays were performed. While acrobatic riding later gained prominence, scenic riding was a significant part of circus entertainment, focusing on storytelling and equestrian skill.12
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