The Intriguing World of Circus Animal Acts: Lions and Tigers on Horseback

Circus animal acts are captivating and steeped in history, showcasing the extraordinary bond and training between animals. From lions and tigers riding horses to other exotic performances, these acts demonstrate remarkable skill and precision. However, they also bring attention to the importance of animal welfare in such settings. Discover the fascinating stories and examples of these acts throughout history and their evolution. Explore our collection to learn more about the legacy and the ethical discussions surrounding circus animal acts.

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One of the strangest circus acts involves a lion or other large exotic feline (or sometimes bears) to "ride" a horse. Circus posters show that these acts can be found in the late Victorian period, where they were often described as "Equestrian Lions". However, when you research this act further, you find that many websites that show pictures of this type of act do not provide any information about when or where the picture was taken. These sites generally treat the pictures as a humorous situation or curiosity. However, there is a serious side to this act--it demonstrates advanced training kills and also raises considerable animal welfare issues.

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How is it done?

Other than a great deal of training for the cat and horse, the trick is accomplished by attaching a frame, platform or large pad to the back of the horse. This allows the cat to grip and balance without harming the mount. Both animals must be habituated to sensations that are unpleasant to them to cooperate with this spectacle. That cat balances on a small, moving platform--and even more remarkably the horse to not bolt or rear while carrying a large predator on its back.

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Known Examples:

Below are a few documented examples of circuses producing an act of this type, currently and historically. Examples are listed in reverse chronological order.

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Taiyang Circus, China (2018)

Video from a training session shows a lion and tiger attacking the horse they're meant to be performing with, demonstrating one of the risks to animals from this kind of act.

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Xiamen, China (2008-2009)

Pictures taken in Xiamen, China's Fujian province, show a male lion and tiger riding a horse. These particular pictures originate from a Daily Mail story on February 7th, 2008. This rather angry article shows that while acts of this type used to be common in European and American circuses, they are now widely considered unacceptably cruel in these markets. However, a few exceptions can be found.

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