HISTORY This Week: Jumping Off a High Dive on a Horse (While Blind) – Detailed Summary

Introduction

In the June 9, 2025 episode titled "Jumping Off a High Dive on a Horse (While Blind)," hosted by Alana Casanova Burgess, HISTORY This Week delves into the extraordinary and perilous world of horse diving—a once-popular American entertainment act. This episode explores the origins, rise, tragic decline, and enduring legacy of this daring spectacle through engaging storytelling and expert insights.

The Birth of Horse Diving

The narrative begins in 1938 at Lake Worth Casino in Fort Worth, Texas, where a unique and thrilling show captivates audiences. Central to this act is Red Lips, a pinto horse, and his co-star, Sonora Carver, who performs high-dives from a 40-foot platform into a water tank.

Origins and Development

The story traces back to William Frank Carver, known as Doc Carver, whose penchant for showmanship led him to pioneer horse diving as a mainstream attraction in America. As Cynthia Brannigan, author of The Last Diving Horse in America, explains:

"Doc Carver is definitely the first person to make horse diving a mainstream attraction for Americans." [10:27]

Doc Carver's collaboration with the legendary Buffalo Bill in the 1880s laid the groundwork for their traveling Wild West show, which initially featured sharpshooting and reenactments of frontier life. However, Doc's desire for more thrilling performances led to the creation of the horse diving act in 1894, debuting with a horse named Black Bess in Kansas City, Missouri.

Rise to Fame

By integrating a rider into the act, Doc elevated the performance, drawing larger crowds and solidifying horse diving as a sensational attraction. In 1906, introducing Lorena Carver (likely born Lorraine Lawrence) as his daughter marked a significant turning point:

"The more dramatic high stakes performance quickly draws bigger crowds." [11:09]

This family-oriented marketing strategy contributed to the act's widespread popularity, eventually making Sonora Webster (later Sonora Carver) the most renowned diving horse rider.

Tragic Accident and Sonora's Blindness

In July 1931, during a performance at Steel Pier in Atlantic City, a critical mistake occurred. Sonora, performing without her helmet, misaligned her dive, resulting in face-first impact with the water:

"Sonora hits the surface of the water face first... Suddenly, white patches start to cloud her vision." [28:57]

Despite initial denial, Sonora eventually sought medical help, revealing that repeated dives caused retinal detachment. At 27, she was left completely blind, marking a devastating turn in her life and career.

Resilience and Comeback

Refusing to let blindness end her career, Sonora adapted by learning Braille and enhancing her other senses. Five years later, in 1932, she made a triumphant return to horse diving, this time secretly performing blind:

"Sonora Carver buckles on her new helmet and begins to climb the ramp... She did it." [36:22]

Her return not only restored her place in the show but also inspired countless individuals facing disabilities, earning her the title "the Bravest Girl in the World."

Decline and End of the Act

World War II brought significant challenges, including labor shortages and material restrictions, leading to the eventual closure of the horse diving act in 1942. Sonora and her husband Al transitioned to more stable lives in New Orleans, with Sonora becoming an advocate for the blind.

Legacy and Reflections

The episode concludes by highlighting the lasting impact of horse diving on American culture and animal welfare. Cynthia Brannigan reflects on the moral complexities:

"There is value in what they have to contribute, even if it is 'just entertainment.'" [42:17]

Despite being discontinued due to ethical concerns, the legacy of Sonora Carver and the diving horses remains a testament to human resilience and the blurred lines between entertainment and animal rights.

Conclusion

"Jumping Off a High Dive on a Horse (While Blind)" offers a compelling exploration of a daring yet controversial chapter in American entertainment history. Through the harrowing experiences of Sonora Carver and the visionary endeavors of Doc Carver, the episode underscores themes of risk, resilience, and the evolving standards of entertainment and animal welfare.

Notable Quotes

• Cynthia Brannigan, Author:

  "Doc Carver is definitely the first person to make horse diving a mainstream attraction for Americans." [10:27]

  "There is value in what they have to contribute, even if it is 'just entertainment.'" [42:17]

• Sonora Carver, in Autobiography:

  "I never allowed myself the luxury of mourning over the loss of my sight. Nor indeed had I any inclination to." [32:00]

• Vicki Gold Levy, Cultural Historian:

  "They were looking for a young rider for the horse... my father told me to go up the ramp and jump off without the horse. I couldn't do that." [39:08]

Final Thoughts

This episode not only recounts the thrilling yet dangerous spectacle of horse diving but also sheds light on the personal triumphs and tragedies of those involved. It serves as a poignant reminder of the lengths individuals go to pursue their passions and the profound impact such endeavors can have on both participants and audiences alike.