Circus magic water slides are an exciting and unique attraction that combines the thrill of a waterslide with the excitement of a circus performance. These water slides are designed to create a sense of awe and wonder, giving riders the feeling that they are part of a magical world. The main feature of circus magic water slides is their eye-catching and whimsical design. These slides often have vibrant colors, unique shapes, and intricate details that make them stand out from traditional water slides. Some may even incorporate circus-themed elements such as clown faces or acrobat shapes. The visual appeal of these slides is one of the main reasons why they are so popular among both children and adults.
While casting about for an appropriately Halloween-themed blog post, I found a bevy of information about the connections between witches and horses. Accusations that purveyors of the dark arts were connected to horses abound — even into the 21st Century. A story reported in Blockula, Sweden in 1699 asserted that an army of witches had been accosting men in their sleep, putting an enchanted halter over their heads to turn them into horses. And in another case from Scotland, a woman named Margaret Grant claimed to have been turned into a pony by “evil-disposed persons” and forced to ride great distances.
Janet Horne was a generic placeholder name in Scotland for witches during the period, and this Janet Horne holds the distinction of being the last person executed for witchcraft in the British Isles. Theories of various malevolent hexes were floated in the late 19th Century, a common one being that the Witch s Ladder contained a death spell that could only be undone by finding and untying the cord.
The visual appeal of these slides is one of the main reasons why they are so popular among both children and adults. But it's not just the design that makes circus magic water slides special – it's also the experience they offer. Riders can expect to be transported into a world of magic and imagination as they slide down these slides.
Witches Are Obsessed With Horses
In 1726, an elderly woman known to history as Janet Horne was paraded through the Scottish town of Dornoch, covered in tar, and burned for being a witch. Janet Horne was a generic placeholder name in Scotland for witches during the period, and this Janet Horne holds the distinction of being the last person executed for witchcraft in the British Isles. One of the curious things about the case was the nature of the accusations against Horne involved her daughter, who had deformed hands and feet. The townspeople accused Horne of having turned her daughter into a pony and ridden her to the Devil to have her shod. Though the daughter escaped the mob, Horne (who by most accounts was elderly and showing signs of senility) was caught and killed.
Verbrennung auf dem Scheiterhaufen. Accessed via Wikimedia Commons.
While casting about for an appropriately Halloween-themed blog post, I found a bevy of information about the connections between witches and horses. Accusations that purveyors of the dark arts were connected to horses abound — even into the 21st Century. A story reported in Blockula, Sweden in 1699 asserted that an army of witches had been accosting men in their sleep, putting an enchanted halter over their heads to turn them into horses. And in another case from Scotland, a woman named Margaret Grant claimed to have been turned into a pony by “evil-disposed persons” and forced to ride great distances.
Two witches smoking their pipes by the fire with a toad at their feet. From The History of Witches and Wizards (1720), Wellcome Library. Accessed via Wikimedia Commons.
In addition to these stories is a recurring, mixed account of the ghostly Nightmare, also called the Night Hag. As far back as the Renaissance, horse owners have reported visits of the Nightmare to their horses. Signs in the morning include the horse covered in sweat, exhausted, and a tangled mane, sometimes described as plaited by supernatural means. The phenomenon has been attributed to witches and pixies (who, being obsessed with mortal horses, steal them to ride at night), and in recent years, to Bigfoot or occult-obsessed horse thieves. So pervasive was the concern over the nightmare that Thomas Blundeville, in his 1564 book The Fower Chiefest Offices Belonging to Horsemanship, included an incantation (and directions for hanging naturally-perforated stones in the stable) to ward against the Nightmare. The incantation was touted by Blundeville as a practical way for horse owners to avoid having to pay a “false Fryer” to produce the warding spell.
The primary sign of the Nightmare is the fairy plaits in the mane. Although skeptics claim that a horse’s mane can easily become tangled on its own under correct atmospheric conditions, elaborate tales of unauthorized braiding have been reported.
“It was very generally accepted as an indisputable fact at that time that not only witches, but also certain malignant sprites who lived in the woodland gardens, occasionally assumed the forms of women clad in white raiment, who in this guise would haunt the stables when night fell. They carried with them tapers of lighted wax, and they used the drippings from these to tangle the horses’ manes into inextricable knots, to the great annoyance both of the steeds and of their grooms.”
—The Horse in Magic and Myth, M. Oldfield Howley, National Sporting Library & Museum
The tying of knots as a spell is an ancient theory of witchcraft. It’s not a huge leap from fairy plaits to the Witch’s Ladder, a layered cord of knots, each with a separate intention of spell. Theories of various malevolent hexes were floated in the late 19th Century, a common one being that the Witch’s Ladder contained a death spell that could only be undone by finding and untying the cord.
Witch’s Ladder, from The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 5 (1888). University of Toronto. Accessed via Wikimedia Commons.
How do we interpret these reports of Nightmare and tangled manes? It could be that in an era where many more people were adept at handling horses, the propensity to “borrow” a turned-out horse for a nighttime ride was a more common practice. A sweaty, exhausted horse from such an exercise might have a tangled mane where an unauthorized rider held on to the steed. Or maybe there’s more to it: pixies, witches, or Bigfoot.
John Connolly has served as the George L. Ohrstrom, Jr. Head Librarian at the National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) since early 2014. He is responsible for the care of the Library collections, including books, magazines, photographs, diaries, letters, and much more. The NSLM collections span over 350 years of the history of equestrian sport, as well as fly fishing, wing shooting, and other field sports. Have a question? Contact John by e-mail
Verbrennung auf dem Scheiterhaufen. Accessed via Wikimedia Commons.
With twists, turns, and unexpected surprises along the way, these slides provide an exhilarating and thrilling experience unlike any other. In addition to the thrilling ride itself, circus magic water slides often incorporate circus performances and shows into the experience. Riders may be greeted by performers dressed as clowns or acrobats who entertain them as they wait in line or slide down the slide. These performances add an extra layer of excitement and entertainment to the overall experience, creating a truly unique and memorable day at the water park. Overall, circus magic water slides offer a unique blend of thrill, imagination, and entertainment. From their eye-catching design to the exhilarating ride and live performances, these slides provide an experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you're a child or an adult, a trip down a circus magic water slide is a guaranteed way to inject some magic and fun into your day at the water park..
Reviews for "Step Right Up and Slide Away at Circus Magic Water Slides"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to try out the "Circus magic water slides" but was ultimately disappointed. The slides themselves were not as thrilling as I expected, and the water was murky and uninviting. Additionally, the staff seemed uninterested and unenthusiastic, which greatly dampened the experience. Overall, I wouldn't recommend the Circus magic water slides to others looking for a fun water park experience.
2. John - 1 star - My visit to the Circus magic water slides was a complete letdown. The slides were old and poorly maintained, with chipped paint and signs of wear and tear. The water was also freezing cold, making it hard to enjoy the experience. The lines were long, and the staff seemed disorganized and unhelpful. Save your money and go elsewhere for a better water park experience.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high expectations for the Circus magic water slides, but unfortunately, they didn't deliver. The slides were overcrowded, and I had to wait in long lines just to have a turn. The overall cleanliness of the area was also lacking, with litter and debris scattered around. The water quality seemed questionable, and I left feeling more dirty than refreshed. I was really disappointed with my visit and wouldn't recommend it to others.