THE CIRCUS HORSE 
T HE ring-horse used by the bareback riders is one 
of the most important horses in the circus. He is 
called a “rosinback” because of the powdered resin 
put on his back to keep the rider from slipping. 
Most ring-horses are white, cream, or dappled grey so 
that the resin will not show and because they are 
flashier in appearance than a dark-colored horse. 
The “rosinback” is short-legged, broad-backed, and 
broad-hipped. He must be very calm and trustworthy, 
and is trained to pay no attention to things that would 
frighten and cause an ordinary horse to shy. This 
horse must continue his steady, springy motion 
around the ring, no matter what happens, until the 
music stops. If he were to make a mistake or go too 
fast or too slowly, the rider might fall and be hurt. 
Circus people are always on the lookout for good 
“rosinbacks.” These ring-horses are of no special breed 
and are often picked up in strange places. One of the 
best was called Colonel S. who was found while pull- 
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