The Courier of St. Petersburg

circus act

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June 25, 2026

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"The Courier of St. Petersburg" is a famous equestrian circus act that originated in the 19th century. It was popularized by British performer Andrew Ducrow. In this act, a rider balances on two cantering horses. As these horses move, other horses, each bearing the flag of a country a courier would pass through on a journey from St. Petersburg to England, run between the rider's legs. This act, a form of scenic riding, was a continuation of traditions from earlier equestrian shows and variations of it are still performed in circuses today.12

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circus
Equestrian acts
One of his acts, “The Courier of St. Petersburg,” is still seen in the circus. In this act a rider straddles two cantering horses while other horses, bearing the flags of those countries that a courier would traverse on a journey from St. Petersburg to England, pass between his…
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One of his acts, “The Courier of St. Petersburg,” is still seen in the circus. In this act a rider straddles two cantering horses while other horses, bearing the flags of those countries that a courier would traverse on a journey from St. Petersburg to England, pass between his…
Read More

Andrew Ducrow
…developed a horsemanship act, “The Courier of St. Petersburg,” variations of which are still performed in 20th-century circuses. A rider straddled two cantering horses while other horses bearing the flags of the countries through which a courier would pass on his way to Russia passed between his legs. He appeared…
Read More
…developed a horsemanship act, “The Courier of St. Petersburg,” variations of which are still performed in 20th-century circuses. A rider straddled two cantering horses while other horses bearing the flags of the countries through which a courier would pass on his way to Russia passed between his legs. He appeared…
Read More