On the morning of Sunday, 12^th March 2023, I joined up with a group of youngsters to photograph their own trick riding taster lesson with The Knights of Middle England at their Warwick base.

The Knights of Middle England

The Knights of Middle England is a thrilling and unique equestrian display team based in Warwickshire, UK. Founded in 2003 by Karl Ude-Martinez, the team consists of skilled horse riders who perform a range of impressive stunts and tricks on horseback, all while dressed in authentic medieval attire.

The team’s performances showcase the historic skills of knights, such as jousting and sword fighting, and are set to a dramatic soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere of the show. The Knights of Middle England performances have been described as being both entertaining and educational, as they provide an insight into the world of knights and chivalry.

James Denny and Toby the Super Cob demonstrate their abilities for the Knights of Middle England

One of the team’s most popular acts is jousting, where two riders charge towards each other at high speeds while holding lances, aiming to strike their opponent’s shield or armour. This exhilarating display requires both skill and courage and is a highlight of many of the team’s shows.

In addition to jousting, the team also performs a range of other exciting tricks, such as the “Swiss Rings,” where a rider jumps through a series of rings that are suspended in the air, and “Fire Stunts,” where a rider jumps over a ring of fire while on horseback.

Charge! James Denny and Toby the Super Cob – Trick riding taster lesson with the Knights of Middle England

The Knights of Middle England have performed at various events and locations throughout the UK, including the Royal Welsh Show, the Royal County of Berkshire Show, and Warwick Castle. The team also provides educational talks and demonstrations for schools and historical events, giving audiences a glimpse into medieval life and history.

In addition to their performances, the Knights of Middle England also offer training sessions and workshops for those interested in learning the art of jousting and other medieval riding skills. These sessions are conducted by the team’s experienced riders and are suitable for both beginners and more advanced riders.

Overall, the Knights of Middle England are a talented and impressive team of horse riders who provide a thrilling and educational experience for audiences of all ages. Their displays are a testament to the skill and courage of knights from the past, and their dedication to preserving and showcasing these skills is truly admirable.

Trick Riding

Trick riding is a type of horse riding that involves performing daring and acrobatic stunts while on horseback. This thrilling and dynamic equestrian discipline requires a high level of skill, balance, and coordination, and often involves riders standing on the backs of horses or performing various flips and spins.

Becoming acquainted with the trick riding saddle and some basic manoeuvres during her trick-riding taster session with the Knights of Middle England

Trick riding has its roots in the traditional horsemanship of various cultures, including Native American and Mexican horsemanship. In the past, trick riding was often used as a form of entertainment and was performed in circuses and travelling shows.

Today, trick riding is a popular sport and entertainment discipline, with various competitions and exhibitions held around the world. Trick riders often use specially trained horses and equipment, such as saddles with handles and stirrups that allow riders to maintain their balance while performing stunts.

Superman! Trick riding taster lesson with the Knights of Middle England

Some of the most common tricks performed in trick riding include the “flying lead change,” where the rider jumps from one side of the horse to the other while in midair, and the “backbend,” where the rider leans backwards off the horse and holds onto the reins.

Overall, trick riding is a dynamic and exciting equestrian discipline that requires a combination of athleticism, courage, and skill. It is a true testament to the bond between horse and rider and is sure to leave audiences in awe.

Waving to the crowd! Trick Riding taster session with the Knights of Middle England

Trick Riding Taster Lesson with The Knights of Middle England

On the morning of Sunday, 12^th March 2023, I joined up with a group of youngsters to photograph their own trick riding taster lesson with The Knights of Middle England at their Warwick base.

Group shot! Trick riding taster lesson with the Knights of Middle England

Upon arrival we were welcomed and given the opportunity to make use of restroom and tea/coffee making facilities, while the horse the children would be using for their session – Toby the Super Cob no less, who very much lived up to his name! – was prepared.

Once everybody had arrived and Toby had been readied, we all walked down to the arena where the lesson would take place. Positioned close to the gate was a large barrel on legs that would be used to learn the manoeuvres prior to putting them into practice on Toby.

Leading the session was none other than former Team GB diver and former dive partner of Tom Daley, James Denny! James and Tom won a silver medal in the 10m platform synchro at the 2014 Commonwealth Games! Remarkably, James only started working with horses in 2016, but it’s clear that core strength is incredibly important in each discipline, which likely helped James pick it up so fast.

James Denny introduces the barrel to the young riders during a trick riding taster session with the Knights of Middle England

Providing instruction on the barrel was Chelsea Marie, who has appeared in numerous film and TV shows as well as on the stage and as a part of the Knights of Middle England’s large set piece shows.

The youngsters took it in turns to put what Chelsea Marie had taught them into action on Toby, with James offering additional guidance along the way. Each and every one of them achieved all of the tricks they were tasked with performing – even if some of them had doubts at the time! – and they all had a brilliant time!

Hanging upside down on a moving horse! Trick riding taster lesson with the Knights of Middle England

The husband and wife team of Karl & Kelly Ude-Martinez even took the time to come over for a chat, which was a lovely touch.

At the end of the session, James gave a hugely-impressive demonstration of some more advanced manoeuvres.

James Denny performs a trick riding demonstration for the Knights of Middle England

Because of how the sessions are structured, the children can go back for further sessions where they are able to build upon what they learnt in the taster and add to their repertoire.

The level of instruction was fantastic throughout, and the Knights of Middle England Trick Riding Taster Session comes highly recommended for anyone fancying a go!

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Karl Drage is a professional Northamptonshire-based photographer who also covers surrounding counties such as Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Rutland, Oxfordshire & Warwickshire. If you are looking for an equine photographer in the towns of Northampton, Kettering, Wellingborough, Oundle, Corby, Peterborough, Leicester, Huntingdon, Towcester, Rugby, Daventry, Oakham or nearby, please use one of the methods on the Contact Us page to get in touch.