A History of Equestrian Drama in the United States

8  Epilogue and Conclusions

During the nineteenth century, which was an age of melodrama and theatrical spectacle in the United States, the horse reached the zenith of his importance in both theatre and society. The horse at this time was exceptionally useful, providing transportation, enhancing commerce, and serving as an essential element of the military machinery of virtually every country in the world. At the same time that the horse reached this pinnacle of utilitarian importance in human society, the horse also achieved his greatest popularity in the theatre. The decline of equestrian drama roughly paralleled the decline of society’s dependence on the horse, a period in history whose hallmark was increasing mechanization. As human dependence ...