The company of horsemen ltd & The horse activity centre

General information

The new training centre, set in Staffordshire the Heart of England, Makes for easy access for all those wishing to train with The Company of Horsemen to become stars of the future. Spencer and his team are the driving force behind the success of the training centre and, with even bigger plans to come, its’ development is still going strong.

There are now an ever growing core team of young people training hard at the centre to hopefully become team members or potentially grab a place on the first UK junior trick riding display team, soon to be at a show near you. To find out how their training progresses, the ups and the downs, keep an eye on our Facebook page – making sure you Like what you see and remember we always welcome new faces to train with us!

Whichever way you look at the Company of Horsemen and Equitainia the training centre – the future looks bright.

The Company of Horsemen have over 40 years experience in the entertainment business, providing a full and professional service to the Film and TV industry. Recent credits were the pacey BBC drama South Riding – see Spencer’s take on the wonderful David Morrisey (he played his stunt double) and Cisco in the latest Plusnet TV advert for the ‘Freedom of a rolling monthly contract’! From their extensive collection, saddles trappings and props to cover all periods can be supplied, or should a Production Company require something special this can be made in their own workshop. Full pre-production consultation is provided for Film and TV

Public Liability Insurance is provided for Live Entertainment

The Company of Horsemen Live Arena Shows: The Joust, Cossack Trick Riding and Wild West shows can all be tailored to suit your venue and budget

Using skills on horseback which once struck fear into the hearts of millions The Company of Horsemen transform what were once battle techniques into a celebration of acrobatic expertise on horseback known as Djigit. You will truly believe that these fantastic horsemen and women are true descendants of the Golden Hordes of the Genghis Khan, as they hang upside down, stand on their heads, leap, vault and much more on their galloping horses. The Cossacks are coming!

Medieval Jousting Tournaments:
Helmets glinting, lances poised, a clash of swords and battleaxes as the noblest knights in the land do battle with the evil black Knight, all for the favour of a fair maiden. Fully choregraphed blood curdling action, performed with a flair and abundance of stunts which our audiences have come to expect. Colourful costumes, exciting background music and voice over commentary add to this spectacular production. Scaled down shows are perfect for Medieval Banquets where horses and performers are trained to work at close quarters in confined spaces. With Heroes and Villains – it's the stuff of legends.

Wild Times
Our Wild Times Show celebrates The Cowboy. A living legend in his own lifetime – riding straight from the prairie and onto the silver screen. Since Buffalo Bill first produced his own Wild West Show in 1896 the popularity of live performances depicting the skill and courage of the Cowboy has never waned. Choregraphed to include lots of drama, trick riding of the sort seen in the best western rodeos and humour too with Handsome Stranger whose educated horse is just a little too clever for him.Join with us in saluting the true American Hero.

WANT TO GIVE IT A GO? JOIN US FOR LESSONS AT OUR STAFFORDSHIRE BASED TRAINING CENTRE...

Trick and Stunt Riding Lessons
Trick & Stunt Riding Lessons – for all ages and abilities!
Non-riders Welcome!
Looking for a unique way of getting fit or fit for riding?
Want to work on your balance and confidence on horseback?
Or simply looking for the next buzz in horse back riding?

A standard lesson is 1 and half hour of training. After warming up, your first taster of trick riding will be on a team of metal barrel horses before going on to being taught on horseback, on the lunge.

Your instructor will select one of our unique programs for you to follow which allows the basic foundations of trick and stunt riding to be linked to your age, physical frame and fitness. All stunts are taught with a depth of knowledge and best practice that ensures safety – giving riders the ability to learn how to be aware of their own safety and limitations, as well as their horses’s.

Jousting Experience Day
Greeted on arrival by the Black Knight and his brave steed, the day will begin shortly after with a brief demonstration of what you and the group will get to have a go at. With personal training from commercial riders, you will have a go at the games of the Tournement as well as jousting against one of our Knights! No riding experience is necessary, an eye for a target is helpful, and the dream of riding down the tilt essential! The day concludes with a presentation to the group and a group photo with the Black Knight and his charger. All riders will be as closely matched to their horse as possible to ensure that everyone gets the most out of the experience. For this reason we have limited numbers on each day

Birthday Parties
For budding Trick Riders and Have a Go Harrys! A pony party with a difference – come and have a go at the tricks you see in the movies and in our live shows! A high energy, adrenaline fuelled way to celebrate getting a year wiser! Or a unique way at celebrating your birthday with your horse mad friends! Have a go at your own pace – a guaranteed smile on everyone’s face, with photos and memories to tell everyone at school (or work!) about. Greeted on arrival by Spencer and his number one trick riding horse, your party begins with a short demonstration of what you and your friends will get to have a go at. With personal training from a commercial trick rider, you will get to learn and practice the moves on our team of metal horses. Progression is safely controlled by your instructor where tricks will be repeated and performed on the lunge, at walk first, all under the careful eye and coaching of Esjay. No riding experience is necessary. The day concludes with a presentation to the group and a group photo with Esjay and your trick riding horse for you to take home to remember you time with us!