The Circus Blog

Posted By thecircusblog on April 18, 2013

Shorty was first trained by Smoky Jones, a well known elephant trainer and considered one of the best in his field. At that time, Shorty who I think was named by Smoky, was owned by Margaret Holter. I bought Shorty from her in the fall of 1975 and he became part of Henry Bros Circus. Shorty had a mind of his own and he dummied up on me with what he was taught by Smoky. He was just too smart for his own good and I played along with him. In winter quarters before going out on the road I would set up the ring curb and put out the bull tubs, spindle and the plank walk prop.  I would sit on a chair and would just watch him for at least an hour or more.  I also would bring with me a few apples, not for him but for me. Shorty would walk round the ring  and throw a  little dirt on his back and would play dumb by going close to the props and trunking them. Every time I took a bite of an apple he would look at me from the corner of his eye. It was just a matter of time. My Dad told me anything that eats can be trained. I didn’t know if I was right or wrong but I did know that this elephant knew his routine. It was on the fourth day he walked up to me as to say “ok you win”.  At that time I led him to the center of the ring did a lay down and sit up,  and a hind leg stand.  Incidentally he did get an apple and  from that day forward he was good as gold. That first year I added 7 more tricks to the act. He got so good that he would work himself so from time to time I would pull an Arkie Scott and would sit in the audience while Shorty went through his routine. The above photo was taken in 1977.  Extra note, I am not suggesting that the apples that I ate in front of Shorty broke him  again. That elephant knew what he was doing to me, I was the new guy. I did not give up and let him know that food can be a reward.

Categories: Legend City
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