Elliot In The Morning

EITM: Watch The Horses Dive 10/23/26

Elliot In The Morning

Summary

Sarah Hart, a former high-diving horse rider at Atlantic City's Steel Pier, recently passed away at the age of 90. Hart was known for her daring performances, where she rode her favorite horse, Gamal, off a 40-foot platform into a 10-foot pool of water. This spectacle, which captivated audiences in the 1960s, was part of a unique entertainment act featuring diving horses, a practice that has since faded from public view.

The high-diving horse act, which began in the late 19th century, was a thrilling yet dangerous performance that drew large crowds. Hart's involvement in the act not only showcased her bravery but also highlighted a bygone era of amusement that many today find hard to believe existed. The act faced criticism and eventual decline, with animal welfare advocates raising concerns about the treatment of the horses involved. Despite its controversial nature, the diving horses were a notable attraction, and Hart's legacy continues to spark interest and nostalgia among those who remember the performances.

Show Notes

From the high above! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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