World Class Stunts Headline At Horse Of The Year Show

This year's Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) which returns to the NEC Arena Birmingham from Wednesday 17th to Sunday 21st September promises to be one of the most dramatic ever as organisers Grandstand Media Limited today announced details of the headline display for the 2003 show. Long established as the pre-eminent event for unique displays and family entertainment, Horse of the Year Show's tradition of innovative ideas will continue this year with a bespoke headline display featuring amazing trick riding and unique stunts.

The headline display, which is billed as a 'HOYS Epic' is the moving story of Equitis Virtus (The Brave Horseman), sponsored by Zinc Management. Set in the days of the Roman Empire, this action-packed feature presentation tells the story of a peasant farmer who is enslaved and trained to be a gladiator. Amazing stunt riding enters a new era in this specially choreographed display, performed in full Roman costume and boasting some of the country's leading professional stuntmen from both film and television who have been brought together for this unique performance.

The display will appear during every Evening performance as well as Daytime performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mike Gill, Director of Grandstand Media Limited commented, "This year's visitors will be treated to some of the best equestrian stunts ever seen in this country. It has been a mammoth undertaking to produce an exceptional piece of equestrian theatre but we always aim to put on entertainment that is exciting and different which is the reason why we have gone to extraordinary lengths to tailor this unique presentation."

The extensive cast stars Ian Van Temperley, whose stunt credits have included Jason and the Argonauts, Sleepy Hollow and Gladiator. "We are thrilled to be invited to Horse of the Year Show," said Ian, who is also the driving force behind the renowned Horsemen of the Apocalypse stunt display team. "We have performed at major shows throughout the country, but we now have the unique opportunity to work with the HOYS organisers to produce an exceptional piece of equestrian theatre. The story will involve several scenes featuring amazing trick riding and we have been rehearsing for several months perfecting some extraordinary stunts which have never been seen before."

The thrilling story climaxes in Rome's Coliseum where the audience will witness a fitting finale to this epic story.

In addition to the headline act, two other unique displays, to be announced shortly will also be in the programme. Visitors to this year's Horse of the Year Show, sponsored by Equestrian Surfaces, will also experience the magic of Britain's top indoor equestrian event which, apart from the stunning entertainment, features the very best in top class competition in show jumping and showing, high speed scurry driving, pony club mounted games and an extensive shopping pavilion which this year sees a record number of tradestands and much more besides.

Tickets start at only £17.50 with attractive discounts for children under 15 and senior citizens and for groups of 12 or more. A new Weekday Special ticket has been introduced which covers day and evening performances on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th September as well as the Friday daytime performance.

For tickets call the dedicated Horse of the Year Show booking line: 08700 10 10 52 or to make a group booking call: 020 8900 9282. Alternatively book online at www.hoys.co.uk where visitors can also find out all the latest news and information on Britain's greatest indoor equestrian event.

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