Diving Horse at the Steel Pier Atlantic City
- Historic Diving Horse at the Steel Pier
Atlantic City Diving Horse Steel Pier, Atlantic City, NJ
Once upon a time, long ago (1950′s – 70′s) and not so far away (The Steel Pier, Atlantic City, N.J.) a well trained and apparently fearless and frisky, water-loving horse with no fear of heights would leap off a tower into a pool of water with a pretty young women in swimming attire on their back. Legend has it that the horse did not always wait for his or her rider, but would bolt up the ramp and off the tower and into the pool below, without so much as a please or thank you.
The Atlantic City Diving Horses gained “star” status after completing extensive training and, fared well until their age, or perhaps a sudden dislike for water, or, fear of heights, disqualified them. When no longer able or willing to perform their death defying act, they were sold. I will write about that sad story a little further on.
I am unable to uncover any information about injuries to the Diving Horses. The rider, however, would suffer an injury once or twice a year, usually a broken bone, the result of swimming around in a small pool with four thrashing hoofs attached to an animal much larger than they or, sustained while climbing out of the pool. There was one tragic accident. In 1931, a rider named Sonora Carver lost her sight. Impact with the water damaged her eyes.
Amazingly, Ms. Carver continued performing as a diver until 1941. She later wrote a book about her experiences riding the diving horses at the Steel Pier. The book was made into a movie “The sad, and happy, end of the horses” – sold at auction for any intended use, but the final two diving horses, Garmal and Shiloh, were sold to an animal protection fund. The Fund arranged a quiet retirement for them in pleasant surrounding and with caring responsible owners.
I was very blessed to have the opportunity to work on the Steel Pier. One of my jobs was to feed the diving horses their lunch as a favor…..at the time, I sold tickets on the Diving Bell. In addition, I was a performer for Tony Grant’s Stars of Tomorrow. Later in life…..while being a lifeguard at JCC of Margate, Sonora and another diver use to come and swim in the pool….she and I always talked about the fun times on the pier.
This segment on You Tube was fun to watch as it brought back many memories for me……seeing Shiloh’s name…..gave me the chills because he was one of the horses who was fed at lunchtime.
I’m looking for more information the the diving horses. My great grandmother was a diver and a rider on the pier. I have some of her photos and other mementos, would love to talk to someone about it.
Family members have told me my Mother was a diver and horse rider on the pier. Her name was Martha and the years were probably in the 1930′s or 40′s. Anyone have any pictures or information relating to the above?
I am looking for anyone that can provide info on my uncle and aunt…Vernon Thornton, Alberta Hughes Thornton. They were connected with the diving horses.
My partners and I are bringing back the diving horse to Atlantic City New Jersey and I would love to speak with anyone who was involved with the Diving Horse at the old Steel Pier…Bill
New information today stated the current owners of the Steel Pier will Not bring back the diving horse. Animal rights activists spoiled the plan. I’ve done lots of research on this topic and really believe the horses lived comfortable happy lives. There are many accounts of the diving horses bowing their heads regally and dancing prior to and following their dive. In addition to this, they were celebrities, so, they were taken care of very well. Ask anyone who worked at the Steel Pier, they know. Bottom line is, it’s not happening, although as an Atlantic City guy, I wish it would come back. We need special events like the diving horse to help rejuvenate our economy in A C.
My grandparents Vernon Thornton, Alberta Hughes Thornton. They were connected with the diving horses.if anyone that may have any pictures or information relating to the show please let me know