Europe’s largest touring equestrian show featuring the world’s finest daredevil Russian horsemen is coming to SCOTLAND for the first time. Described as “a unique bonding of horse and human in spectacular and creative dramatic entertainment.” SPIRIT OF THE HORSE will tour Scotland in June, appearing at AYR, HAMILTON, PERTH, ABERDEEN and EDINBURGH.

Starring 30 magnificent horses, the lavish production includes magnificent Arabians, Friesians and Lusitanos; thundering Cossack horses descended from the Don, Akhal-teke and Tersk; spirited Shetlands contrasting the giant grace of the gentle Shire; and the poetic motion of stunning Andalusians – the Classic Horses of Spain.

One of the many highlights of the two-hour show is THE ALI-BEK COSSACKS OF CAVKAS.. In an amazing demonstration of the outstanding trust between horse and rider, the Cossacks perform what appear to be impossible feats on their mounts galloping at speeds of up to 25 miles an hour. Led by Mairbek Kantemirov the grandson of the founder, the Ali-Bek Cossacks were formed more than 75 years ago to preserve the traditional skills of their unique style of horsemanship. They have become the best-known daredevil riders in Russian cinema - appearing in more than 200 films – and creating the stunt riding techniques that are still used in films throughout the world.

Staged in the 2,000 seat EQUESTRIAN TOURING THEATRE – with state-of-the-art lighting and sound, this is equestrian theatre at its best combining music, dance and verse to demonstrate the beauty, skill, loyalty, intelligence and courage of the horse in a performance of outstanding quality.

From Spain’s classic equestrian training centre REAL ESCUELA DEL ARTE ECUESTRA ANTONIO PEREZ, a brilliant and exciting display of horsemanship. Led by ANTONIO PEREZ, the riders demonstrate their complex and precise skills a series of dramatic displays including the memorable DANCE OF THE GARROCHA.

SIR ROBERT FOSSETT’S ARABIAN STALLIONS will be presented by NIKKI FOSSETT in her internationally acclaimed free-style display of horses at Liberty. The eight magnificent Arabian horses perform a carefully choreographed series of movements and manoeuvres controlled by only one person – Nikki Fossett. Her equestrian reputation is established throughout Europe where she has given demonstrations in Scandinavia, Holland, France, Germany, Belgium and Spain.

SUSO, one of Europe’s funniest and most exciting comedy artistes also joins SPIRIT OF THE HORSE. His hilarious performances have made him one of the most popular performers on the Continent.

Also appearing in his debut season with the show is a remarkable “star” - SILVER - a six –year- old Connemara with a highly developed and wicked-sense of Irish humour. Bought at auction by a former cowboy nicknamed TEXAS OLLIE, the horse has developed his show business career after refusing to be trained as a riding horse. Instead he showed that he had a natural aptitude for interaction with OLLIE with hilarious results. Within a couple of years he had become one of the most-talked about horses in Ireland

Man’s relationship with the horse at work and play is a central theme of the show portraying the love and respect that bonds horse and human. The legends, myths, magic and magnificence of the most potent symbols of loyalty, courage and freedom made this an unforgettable event.

After each performance the audience can visit the ‘stars’ of the show – the horses – and meet their riders in the specially designed stable pavilion

Launched in 2002 – “The Year of the Horse” - SPIRIT OF THE HORSE has established it as one of the most popular touring shows in Britain – consistently playing to capacity audiences in its own 2,000 seat Equestrian Touring Theatre.

The dazzling two-hour production was flown four thousand miles from Britain to the UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Maktoum, for a three-week run of performances at the 2003 DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL.

With an international cast of riders, dancers and performers from Russia, Argentina, Spain, Ireland and the horses that are the heart and soul of the show, SPIRIT OF THE HORSE brings excitement, daring, glamour, passion and comedy to a spectacle that will endure in the hearts of everyone who sees it for a long time to come.

Created and directed by Phillip Gandey, one of Europe’s most respected directors of spectacular live family entertainment, and Nikki Fossett, the internationally acclaimed equestrian producer and presenter SPIRIT OF THE HORSE brings an unique theatrical spectacular to a land in love with its ‘stars’.

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