 In 1873, he joined the Potter Hart Colossus Circus where he performed a "bounding jockey act" in which he rode horses and performed acrobatics.During his time at the circus, "Ludwig Pflum" changed his name to "Lew Bloom" and would use that name for the remainder of his performing career.Bloom spent several years touring in variety shows with his jockey act before relocating to Dover, Delaware where he competed in horse match races.