Trick riding

Trick riding refers to the act of performing stunts while horseback riding, such as the rider standing upright on the back of a galloping horse, using a specially designed saddle with a reinforced steel horn, and specialized kossak loops for hands and feet. The horse is likewise galloping free. Trick riding is not to be confused with equestrian vaulting, which is an internationally recognized competitive sport governed by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI). Horse riding stunts have been performed in many films, such as Roman racing in the 1925 Hollywood silent movie The Calgary Stampede where cowboy actor Hoot Gibson rides to the championship in the Roman race, and the film Ben Hur, as well as in equestrian events such as Equitana and the official opening of the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre, rodeos, and much more. Trick riding as a popular entertainment was practiced in Europe in the 18th century. The 18th century trick rider and memoirist Thomas Hammond describes performances in several European countries, including by himself and by James Wolton, the master who taught him. Some of their stunts, and those of their only competitor, the more famous Mr. Price, are illustrated in the old engraving shown here. The captions of the depicted stunts, clockwise from top left, read: On full speed between 2 Horses, riding only on his Arms. Leaping a Bar standing upon 2 Horses with one foot on each Saddle on full speed. Jumping as He rides 2 Horses on full speed. Riding upon His Head and fireing a Pistol on full speed. Riding backwards standing on the Saddle on full speed. Laying across 3 Horses on full speed. Standing with one Leg on the Saddle on full speed. Takes his Whip from the Ground on full speed. Hammond's memoir included 14 hand-colored...