Equestrian Scenes.
With such an unrivalled stud as that of Mr. Myers, and with such a company of equestrians, it is, of course, inevitable that the scenes of the circle will be on a commensurate scale. Mr. Myers has enlisted the services of almost all the best-known riders, and his horses fulfil all the requirements of the circle, both for high breed, for docility, and for training. There is not a more accomplished and graceful horsewoman in the world than Mrs. Myers; and her performance on her thoroughbred steed “Cromwell” will form one of the most pleasing features of the exhibition. Madame Nyegaard’s feats, performed while riding a barebacked steed, are also unique; while the Madigans are unsurpassed in those daring gymnastic feats which would almost lead one to the belief that the rider was born and brought up on horseback, that he lives, takes his meals, and sleeps on horseback, and that a visit to terra firma is an abnormal occurrence which occasionally breaks the monotony of his ordinary life.
James Madigan’s double somersaults, performed while the horse is at full speed, and Charles Madigan’s riding of four trained horses at once, are feats which have excited the admiration of all the towns on the Continent which Mr. Myers’ Hippodrome has visited. Special attention must also be drawn to the quadrille of eight thoroughbreds ridden by four ladies and four gentlemen, all accomplished performers, who guide their intelligent steeds with the utmost grace and dexterity through the most intricate figures of the dance.
Amongst the most notable of Mr. Myers’ horses are the thoroughbred “Cromwell,” mentioned above; the horse “Mexican,” presented to Mr. Myers by the ill-fated Emperor Maximilian; and the seven coal-black horses from the Imperial stables of Trakhene, in Prussia.
Parades and Processions, Sports, &c.
One of the features of the performances in the Roman Circus Maximus was the grand procession which preceded the sports, and in which all who were about to exhibit took part. These will be reproduced during the stay of Mr. Myers’ establishment at the Crystal Palace; the chariots, constructed on the classic model, gorgeously decorated and lavishly plated, and drawn by horses of the highest breed and mettle, being daily paraded on the great course constructed on the First and Second Terraces, as before described. There also will take place from time to time the hurdle-races, steeple-chases, and other entertainments, in which the great resources of Mr. Myers will be utilised. The classical character of this portion of the entertainment will be maintained by the decorations, which have been entrusted to Mr. Fenton, and in which, amongst other items, the fasces and ova, which formed important features in a Roman circus, will be reproduced.