A diving horse is an attraction that was popular in the mid-1880s, in which a horse would dive into a pool of water, sometimes from as high as 60 feet. The shows received very strong criticisms of animal welfare abuses, which contributed to the decline of its popularity.

William "Doc" Carver "invented" the idea of horse diving exhibitions. Allegedly, in 1881 Carver was crossing a bridge over Platte River (Nebraska) which partially collapsed. His horse fell/dived into the waters below, inspiring Carver to develop the diving horse act. Carver trained various animals and went on tour. His partner, Al Floyd Carver, constructed the ramp and tower and his rider Lorena Carver was the first rider. Sonora Webster joined the show in 1924. She later married Al Floyd Carver. The show became a permanent fixture at Atlantic City's very popular venue, Steel Pier. There, Sonora, Al and Lorena continued the show following his death.

In 1931, Sonora and her horse "Red Lips" lost their balance on the platform. Sonora survived the fall, but was blinded (caused by detachedretinas in both eyes). She continued horse-diving while blind. In 1991, the film Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken based on Webster's life and her memoir A Girl and Five Brave Horses was released.

The shows received very strong criticisms of animal welfare abuses, which contributed to the decline of its popularity after World War II. The horses sometimes dove four times a day, seven days a week. There were allegations of using prods, electrical jolts, and trap doors to get unwilling horses to dive. A recent attempt to revive the shows at Steel Pier was halted when animal welfare advocates petitioned the owners not to hold the shows. The president of the Humane Society of the United States stated: "This is a merciful end to a colossally stupid idea."

For more pictures check out our gallery on Facebook: Tattini Riding UK - Diving Horse Gallery

Sources:
Ecology.com 
Wikipedia