THE world's finest daredevil Russian horsemen will be riding into Malvern on Thursday as Europe's largest touring equestrian show hits town.

Spirit of the Horse is a lavish production starring 30 horses, including Arabian stallions, Friesians and Lusitanos, thundering Cossack horses, spirited Shetlands and the poetic motion of stunning Andalusians.

The two-hour show, which runs at Malvern's Three Counties Showground from Thursday, November 20, to Sunday, November 23, features an international cast of riders, dancers and performers from Russia, Argentina, Spain and Ireland.

The show was launched in 2002 and created by Phillip Gandey, one of Europe's most respected directors of live family entertainment, and Nikki Fossett, the internationally acclaimed equestrian producer and presenter.

It has previously been flown to the United Arab Emirates for a three-week performance at the 2003 Dubai shopping festival.

One of the highlights is the daredevil Russian riders, the Ali-Bek Cossacks of Cavkas, performing feats on their mounts at speeds of up to 25mph.

Led by Mairbek Kantemirov - the grandson of the founder - the Ali-Bek Cossacks formed more than 75 years ago to preserve traditional skills of horsemanship.

Other highlights include a choreographed series of movement and manoeuvres by eight Arabian horses, controlled by only one person, and several dramatic displays by Spanish riders Real Escuela Del Arte Ecuestra Antonia Perez.

Six-year-old Irish horse Silver will also enthral audiences with the sense of humour it has developed in interacting with its owner.

The show also includes equestrian ballet and a performance from Spanish mime comedian Suso, one of Europe's funniest comedy artistes.

"It's spectacularly lavish entertainment, where the stars of the show are, in fact, the 30 horses," said Tony Wilkie-Millar, public relations manager.

"It really celebrates the bond between horse and human and illustrates their loyalty, intelligence, agility and sense of humour."

After each performance, the audience can visit the stars of the show - the horses, and their riders, in the specially-designed stable pavilion.

Performances run at 5pm and 8pm from Thursday to Saturday, with an additional show at 2pm on the Saturday. On Sunday, there will be performances at 2.30pm and 6pm.

Tickets are £12 to £32 and available by telephoning the box office on 01260 288681.

Use of ground under scrutiny

MALVERN'S Three Counties Showground is facing restrictions on its future growth designed to prevent it moving further away from its traditional role in supporting agriculture.

Events at the showground are already under the microscope after complaints from residents about noise and disruption.

They claim certain events bear no relation to agriculture and that the showground is in breach of its 1956 planning permission.

Malvern Hills District Council has been investigating the complaints for more than a year, but this week, said it was still not ready to decide whether to accept or reject them.

However, the council has indicated how it sees the showground's future role in the newly published Local Plan, a blueprint for the development of the district in the period to 2011.

The draft plan outlines the council's likely opinion if the Three Counties Agricultural Society were to apply for planning permission for new buildings or facilities in the future.

The plan says development would only be allowed if it was "directly related and necessary to support the operation of the TCS in performing its intended primary role as a rural show-ground for agricultural-related exhibitions, displays, shows, and related uses".

Residents have been supported by Malvern Wells parish Council in their concerns over noise from public address systems and fireworks.

In response, the showground has already stopped hosting two events.

In a statement, the society's chief executive officer Gareth Smith, said: "Balancing the economic benefits of showground activity with any impact on the environment is an obvious consideration and the provisos laid down in the plan reflect this. We will, as always, be working closely with MHDC on any future business planning.''

Assault charge

A MAN accused of indecently assaulting a 13-year-old girl has had his case adjourned.

Gary Biddle, aged 21, of Teme Road, Worcester, denied the charge at Worcester Magistrates Court on Friday. He was ordered to reappear at the court on Friday, November 21, and was released on bail.