July 16, 2019
What breeds of horses do you associate with the circus? Well, there is no right and wrong answer to that question! However, certain breeds are naturally predisposed to excel in certain disciplines. Here are the most common breeds and types of horses that I see performing today. This list applies mainly to American circuses and shows – I would love to hear what breeds are most common where you live!
Draft Horses
Drafts are seen in equestrian circus often because they are versatile, even-tempered, and strongly built for circus stunts. Their broad backs and slow, even gaits make them ideal for vaulting, roman riding and bareback riding, and their calm temperaments are great for the hustle and bustle of circus life. Drafts take it all in stride.
However, they struggle with the faster paced disciplines, such as trick riding and jumping.
The most common draft breeds in the American circus are Percherons and Belgians, but many draft breeds are used.
Fun fact: Draft horses were also responsible for pulling some of the first traveling circus bandwagons!
Arabians
Arabians are amazing liberty horses, due to their expressive nature. They are naturally showy and playful, and they have a social nature that lets them connect well in group liberty acts.
However, that is not the only place you will see the Arabian. They also excel at dressage and can make great cossack/trick horses.
Fun fact: The Arabian is one of the oldest horse breeds, with archaeological evidence of horses that resemble modern Arabians dating back 4,500 years.
Spanish Horses
Spanish horses such as Andalusians/PRE’s (pura raza espanola or Pure Spanish Horse) and Lipizzans are king when it comes to haute ecole. They are often naturals when it comes to beautiful piaffes, passages, and airs above the ground. They are also stunning liberty horses, performing the same maneuvers without a rider. They are extremely eye catching in shows because of their long manes and thick tails and coloring, which is most commonly gray. Spanish horses have also been used extensively in movies and television, especially in the fantasy genre.
Fun fact: Throughout their history, Andalusians have been prized by the nobility as war horses.
Stock Types
Stock type breeds are often seen in the circus as well. Breeds such as quarter horses, paints, and appaloosas excel in trick riding due to their short but strong stature, speed, and calm temperament.
Although, their versatility is what makes them really excel. Their easygoing personalities and trainability makes them capable of almost any discipline.
Fun fact: The Quarter Horse is thought to be the most common breed of horse in the US.
Miniature Horses and Ponies
Miniature horses and small ponies are common in circuses because of their adorable and lovable nature. They excel in liberty and trick training, and they often work with other ponies or large horses in “big and little acts”. They are great partners for comedy acts or in multi-animal ensembles. Minis are also easy to transport and affordable to own compared to full-size horses, making them economical to travel with on circus tours.
Fun fact: Miniature horses were first developed in Europe in the 1600s, and by 1765 they were seen frequently as the pets of nobility.
This has been a fun list to put together, but it by no means encompasses all the breeds of horses in the performing world! I believe there is no breed of horse that cannot be a valuable performer. The strengths and talents of the horse are completely individual in nature and not always based on the breed. There are also some interesting crossbreeds that combine the natural inclinations of multiple breeds and sometimes create an even better horse than a purebred.
As for me, I am partial to Spanish horses at the moment, but that has not always been the case and is quite biased by the horses and skills I am working with at the moment. I grew up showing Paints, so they will always have a soft spot in my heart. I am also particularly fond of drafts from my experiences in vaulting and roman riding. Ponies also hold some fun memories. If time and money were no objects, I would have one of everything. What are your favorites, and if you have a horse you are working with, what breed is that horse? I would love to hear from you!