Penny riding Cisco in the middle position of the drill ride - commonly used to open and close displays and shows around the world (normally carrying flags of your country or matching the show theme.
Such was his affection for the circus that he returned to it for a short season with the American Three Ringed Circus touring the UK, putting together a Wild West treat for the audiences.
He completed his schooling in Staffordshire leaving formal education as soon as he could; practical work had always been his passion – horses, mechanics and hard graft. Spencer joined Helen on and off through his teens to train with his mother and her partner, producing horses for film work and live shows. Spencer worked hard to become a performer and his first live appearance before an audience was at the age of sixteen as a Trick Rider and Jouster. By the age of eighteen he was working with Gandeys Circus, at the time one of the best touring circus in the UK,
as a dashing Knight, doing battle with sword and battle axe against the bad guy. It was a lifestyle he thoroughly enjoyed, being one of a team, the Circus family. The work was hard, helping to erect the big top and animal tents in addition to training and keeping the horses well and fit, all leading to the sparkling performances that enthralled the viewing public. The work ethic of circus life suited him well; everyone helped to make the show a success. He even stood in as a comedy acrobatic lion in a clown act for a couple of weeks when the actual performer had injured himself.
Spencer, with The Company of Horsemen, continues to perform all over the UK and abroad, using his devilish behaviour and great sense of humour to stun, amuse and entertain audiences. It is his rapport with the audience, and insistence that his team perform at the same standard, that makes The Company of Horsemen one of today’s leading live action attractions at many country shows and gala’s.
The Company of Horsemen was founded by Spencer and Helen in 1999/2000. They had the trained horses, the expertise, a love of entertaining and contacts in the world of show business and film that meant they also had access to some of the best stunt and trick riders in the country.
Twelve years on, The Company is going from strength to strength.
As the company director and lead rider Spencer continues to enjoy the thrill of performing, both live and in front of the camera. So much so that 2 years ago Spencer and fellow Trick Rider, Karis McCabe opened a licensed training centre to give the opportunity for people, including children down to 8 years of age, to learn the skills they see in the Movies and in the live shows. Equitainia, their training centre in north Shropshire, was a fabulous opportunity to combine Karis’ teaching skills with their joint love of performing and training - not just horses but people - to develop skills previously only dreamt of and achieve standards beyond their own expectations.
As Spencer is fond of saying “Don’t just think about it – do it!” in the process of learning, both Spencer and Karis hope that all their pupils will not only discover that there is no limit to what can be achieved, but also that there is nothing like the relationship between human and his four legged friend.
8. Spencer demonstrating the extended version of the ‘back wing’.... the hand hold has changed from the front of the saddle (on the horn) to the back of the saddle/tree. Each trick saddle can be made to be personalised for the rider with whatever straps, handholds or shape horns that the rider feels most comfortable using. You will see some have an arch (horseshoe ish shape) pommel/horn at the front and sometimes even on the back. You will also get the horns built to different lengths - some are for double hand holds, some made for women (shorter), some angled forward or more upright..... the list goes on
9. ‘back wing’ by Penny
10.An unnamed duo trick - this would just be the combination of Penny riding ‘on-the-neck’ whilst Spencer, although riding normally on this occasion, would have also gone into a trick - maybe a back drag or a vault. Duo tricks are great fun, great crowd pleasers. They make the rider become more aware of their actions and effect on the horse and the other rider - therefore making the rider neater and more accurate
11.‘the stand’ at standstill including the saluting one hand up in the air (used for the full trick at gallop)
12.Using ‘Steady’ the barrel horse to practise the stand/getting into the squat position (Steady was given his name as he’s the most reliable horse we have for going a steady speed for people to learn on. The rest of the gang of metal horses are his Mustangs)
13.Using Steady to practise the full stand position, looking at why the knees need to be bent.
14.Practising the ‘body board’ on Steady (Penny)
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