While all ways comfortable riding and being around horses, it was not until the age of 18 that he was introduced to circus style vaulting and bareback riding. This led to a full time circus career lasting over a decade. Constant touring, town after town, mile after mile takes a toll on one.

Mr. Winslow left the circus industry for a variety of reasons, including building a home, where he currently resides.

Today JD Winslow gives unprecedented displays of his Artistic Riding. Never using any harness or surcingles, he adjusts his riding to accommodate the horses needs. This can be most difficult, especially at large public events. Unfortunately, the general public does not appreciate the lack of harness, with regards to controlling the horse, and the training that this takes. Giving demonstrations and clinics for various equestrian groups has been very rewarding. It is common practice for JD to remove the bridle and perform freestyle vaulting as the horse trots at liberty, controlled by vocal command alone!

Horses

JD Winslow uses Draft, or Work Horses. These gentle giants of the horse world have wonderful dispositions, making them excellent partners for dancing on! Their large backs provide a solid stage, however they can be a challenge vaulting on and off from the ground! The rare colored silverback red roan American Belgian that JD performs his freestyle vaulting on, was purchased at auction. He was quite spoiled and used to doing whatever he wanted. He was bold and would approach and then push or knock you around. He did however, have a weakness for carrots! JD took his aggressive nature and turned it into something constructive. Challenging and rewarding him over and over again, eventually turned him into what he is today. The only, at liberty, vaulting horse!

For a unique display of roman riding JD has obtained a pair of Brabants. These magnificent horses date back to medieval times, and were known as the great war horse. They are one of the strongest and heaviest of the draft breeds. Seeing these two up close and personal makes the day an unforgettable experience! Largest and heaviest of the draft breeds. These two in particular are very sweet and love the attention that the public shows them during backstage down time. They also are very experienced and comfortable with all the excitement and noise that is generated as we ride and mingle with the public in both large and small areas.

The Hanneford Years (by JD Winslow)
Tommy Hanneford was one of the best comic bareback riders of his time. I feel fortunate to have known him and worked under him. Although his riding career was over when we first met, mine was just beginning. He encouraged me and was happy to show me a few things. When I left riding to run his show, he was successfully producing some of the largest Shrine circus shows in the country. The last few years before his death, we would meet and talk about horses, riding and show business. He loved the horses, and the ring. If I touch half as many people as he did, I will consider my career successful. Tommy Hanneford, my mentor, my employer, my friend, I wish you could be here to see what I have accomplished with my horses. The Royal Hanneford Circus continues to operate in a scaled down version. The lessons and values I learned there continue to influence me and my corporation. Thanks Struppi!