Sketch of Mr. Astley's System
Date1802
CultureUnited Kingdom
MediumInk on paper, engraving
Etching
ClassificationPrints
Credit LineTibbals Circus Collection
Object numberht8000739
Astley's Amphitheater grew out of the equestrian school, and Astley continued to create resources to educate the curious. Along with pamphlets on magic and other types of performances, he wrote a booklet titled <i>Astley's System of Equestrian Education</i> which detailed how to train horses. Additional information on the care, feeding, and grooming of horses was also part of the volume.
This <i>Sketch of Mr. Astley's System</i> depicts “the professor” at center in the act of training. His assistant holds two pistols to acclimate the horse to their sound. The dog at the assistant’s feet as well as the trumpet, drum, flag, and fireworks all mounted on the pole are also tools to acclimate a horse for possible distractions. The basket to the far right was to hold apples, carrots and other rewards for good performance.
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