DAREDEVIL riders and a horse with a sense of humour are just some of the highlights of an equestrian spectacular which gallops into Newport tonight.

Spirit of the Horse, a two-hour show, has already been seen by more than a quarter of a million people and is stabled until Sunday in a 2,000-seat equestrian touring theatre in the grounds of Tredegar House.

Among the acts ready to amaze audiences are the Ali-Bek Cossacks, of Cavkas, who have become the most famous daredevils in Russian cinema, having notched up more than 200 movies.

The group was formed more than 75 years ago to preserve a unique style of horsemanship, and they perform tricks on horses galloping up to 25 miles an hour.

Yana Shanikova, of Moscow, will show off her gymnastic skills on the back of a cantering horse, while eight magnificent Arabian horses will execute a dressage sequence under the control of Nikki Fossett.

While much of the show will make the audience gasp with astonishment, one part should have them rolling in the aisles.

Silver, a seven-year-old Connemara, is said to have a "very human sense of humour", and he has returned for a second season after proving a big hit on last year's tour.

He was bought by Irishman and former cowboy Texas Ollie, but refused to be trained for riding and instead showed off in his own inimitable way. Within a few years their comic act became one of the best-known in Ireland and is sure to be enjoyed by the Newport audiences.

Created and directed by Phillip Gandy and equestrian producer Nikki Fossett, the show even allows the audience to visit the stars in their stables after the fun.

Tickets for Spirit of the Horse, which can be seen from tonight until Sunday, cost from £12 to £32, and are available from the box office on 0870 160 9559.