As early as 1931, Dorothy Herbert was taking her horse Satan across burning hurdles while blindfolded, but each season she pushed herself harder with even more spectacular stunts.

In 1935, she presented an act that she later said was the most difficult thing she ever did. While tied to the back of a horse, Miss Herbert and 32 horses raced around the Hippodrome track leaping over the flames! This poster was used to promote that stupendous attraction.

Circus bandmaster Merle Evans even composed a special tune for the number – “Fire Jump.”

In later years, Dorothy Herbert talked about the challenges of the act – including the fact that when 32 horses are running at liberty they bite and kick and are extremely difficult to control. Still she did it twice a day, 90 years ago.

Circus Historical Society members can learn more about Dorothy Herbert by visiting the CHS Bookstore where they can purchase a copy of Dorothy Herbert, a Memoir by Dale Riker.

-C. Berry