Horse Show

From the tale of Lady, the mare who read a Duke University psychologist’ s mind, to television palomino Mr. Ed’ s hypnotic hold over Wilbur Post, the thirteen tales in Horse Show explore how humans have used, abused, and spectacularized their equine companions throughout American history. Wrestling with themes of obsolescence, grief, and nostalgia, Bowers guides us through her museum of equine esoterica with arresting imagery, unflinching intensity, and dark humor.

The Mammoth Horse Waits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Two on a Horse . 15 One Trick Pony . 23 Granddad Swam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Lady, The Mind-Reading Mare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 The Lost Hoof of Fire Horse #12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Shooting A Mule . 67 Stock Footage . 73 Midwest Utilitor Breakdown . 83 Based On A True Story . 91 Fred W. Loring and His Mule, “ Evil Merodach,” 48 Hours Before Death . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111 Motion Studies . 125 Of Course, Of Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Prior Appearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143 Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145 About the Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147