EUROPE'S largest touring equestrian show featuring the world's finest daredevil Russian horsemen is coming to Malvern.

Described as "a unique bonding of horse and human in spectacular and creative dramatic entertainment", Spirit of the Horse stars 30 magnificent horses from all over the world

One of the many highlights of the lavish 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.

Staged in the 2,000 seat Equestrian Touring Theatre - with state-of-the-art lighting and sound - the show 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 Escuelda Del Arte Ecuestra Antonio Perez, comes an exciting display of horsemanship in which the riders demonstrate their complex and precise skills in 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.

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.

Man's relationship with the horse at work and play is a central theme of the show which portrays 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 make this an unforgettable event.

Tony Wilkie-Millar, Press officer for £1m to create.

"It appeals to everyone, no matter whether they are horse people or not but obviously we attract huge support from the equestrian community wherever we go," he said.

"The idea is to present spectacular entertainment celebrating that unique bond between horse and human. In our show, the horse is the star. Humans are there to help."

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 itself 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 and Ireland it is 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.

n Spirit of the Horse takes place in the Equestrian Touring Theatre at Three Counties Showground, Malvern, from Thursday, November 20, until Sunday, November 23.

Show times are as follows: Thursday and Friday 5pm to 8pm; Saturday 2pm, 5pm and 8pm and Sunday 2.30pm and 6pm.

Adults £16, £24, £32 and concessions £12, £16 and £24.

The ticket office is open at the showground from Tuesday, November 18 at 9.30am to 8.30pm daily.