The Centre Of Horseback Combat

Nice footage from Al Faris International Horseback Archery Championships in Jordan that Karl and Zana were invited to in April by the King himself.....great event!

Weapons skills show in our International Dzhigitovka show. Cossack Lance, Horseback Archery and sharp Shashka swords all shown in choreographed formations of Cossack riders. Remember these guys are the real deal, they don't just pop on a Cossack fluffy hat and say they are Cossacks! Oh no, and we are honoured to have The World Dzhigitovka Champion with us from Russia displaying his skill set of all weapons skills and beautiful Trick Riding techniques!

Loving this little Cossack girl in Russia displaying her Shashka sword spinning skills.

Carnaval our Spanish chap at his Vogue shoot in London, he's so cool when he's on a shoot! September Vogue is out now!

Time for a pint! Photo from our International Dzhigitovka show at The Lowther show over the weekend. Anton and Boris having a drink on Jupiter our Spanish horse. #dzhigitovka #cossacks #internationaldzhigitovkateam

Looking forward to Ana Sololska coming back tomorrow to perform at The Lowther Show with the team and perform some new skills. Ana is the world's best female Horse Archer and a lovely soul!

Nice to have an article about Circus 250 and our stables yard plus about our show we did here to celebrate Philip Astley and Circus 250 year anniversary in Country Life magazine this week plus Carnaval our Spanish horse modelling in Vogue this month for Ralph Lauren!

Really like this picture taken at Liverpool International Horse Show last December! Horses and pyrotechnics.

We have been praying for rain as our fields are getting so bare, but today we were running a full day stunt course so it wasn't that welcome today, but we all continued and everyone did fab! here are some photos from the course.

****** 2 Places have come available on our Stunt Day course this Sunday July 29th 2018 ****** Due to short notice we are offering 10% off on these places. On this special full day course you will learn to ride performance stunt horses with weapons, ride to set marks and in formations, learn to rear, fall, learn about falling horses and learn some Cossack trick riding techniques. No novice riders please. See website for all info https://www.horsebackcombat.co.uk/…/pro fessional-stunt-rid…/

Tonight's Horse Archery club. Nice evening for it.

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO SERGEY FROM RUSSIA. HE IS NOW THE WORLD CHAMPION IN DZHIGITOVKA, and we are honoured he has been riding with our team and helping at our centre all this year! He has worked so hard and throughly deserves it! Zana got bronze in the ladies placements overall and 8th place (but also top female) in all the weapons category. Freddie was 12th overall which was great, Zana 14th and Mary 16th overall. Not bad. Zana was injured day one after a fall and could...n't perform 5 of her 6 tricks and had to visit hospital so a bronze medal and a special award for bravery was great to receive. Tomorrow is show time for all the teams and the official awards ceremony! More pictures to come!
See More

Little update after day one here of the Trick Riding part of the World Dzhigitovka Championships - Freddie and Mary our trainees did great, Freddie came 10 th out of 24 riders from different countries who entered the World Dzhigitovka Championship and he's only been training 5 months. Today is weapons so Lance, pistol, throwing knife and sword cutting. Then we get a overall winner from the two days. Sergey who rides in our shows here in the UK and helped on our Dzhigitovka c...ourse is the new Russian silver medalist so we are proud of him! He now has a chance also to be placed in the World Dzhigitovka Championships. We are having a great time with our Cossack family and being inspired.
See More

So here is a video from the Russian National Championships with a guy from Russia competing and looking Fantastic, tomorrow we start The Word Dzhigitovka Championships! Freddie and Mary look good and ready to go....we will keep you posted, today we had a Horseback Archery competition and Zana came 5th and highest placed female.

At Heathrow with team GB heading to Moscow for The World Dzhigitovka Championships!! Whoop whoop.

Having fun in the sun on the Horseback Archery Advanced Course......with AMM Archery

Day one of our Intermediates/Advanced weekend with guest instructors AMM Archery from Poland. Ana Sok is now ranked the top female champion Horse Archer in the world, delighted to have her with us again on year 3 of this course here with the AMM team and performing in our shows. Day two now in progress. www.horsebackcombat.co.uk

Day one of our intermediate/advanced Horseback Archery course with AMM Archery and with Ana Sok who is the best female Horseback Archer now in the world! Well done ANA.

Words can't explain how amazing this place is! Get down there and see for yourself! I learnt so much, great people, horses and venue! Thank you so much what a wonderful experience! ��

Wonderful place, wonderful people. My son is autistic and has hypermobility problems. Although he is an adept rider his bow work can be a little slower than some peoples' but the patience, friendliness and dedication of the instructors cannot be faulted. It was his second time here and, due to the instructors and the well trained, patient horses, he did marvellously and wants to come again this year.

What an awesome morning spent (attempting!) horseback archery. Fabulous surroundings, lovely staff, impeccably behaved horses (despite a tough mudder taking place next to us!) Would highly recommend and can’t wait to come back for more.

We had a fantastic Sunday morning learning horseback archery - absolutely will be coming back for more again. Lovely staff - Freddie is very encouraging and Karl is an excellent teacher; very clear instruction. Horses were superb, beautifully responsive and well suited to the range of riders we had in our group. Definitely want to do more, and we shall all be practising standing in our stirrups before we return!

This is truly an amazing centre and if you love horses and want to try something new then highly recommend this centre. Once you walk into the 250 year old stable yard you are immediately transported back in time at the wonderful Gaddesden Place Stables. You are welcomed by the incredible Zana, Karl and their team. What they can do on horse back is truly outstanding. My husband was attending the horse back archery course and hopes to return for more tuition when he has mastered the art of the thumb draw at speed! Super course, Extremely professional, great tuition, fun and informative and I was just a spectator!

Thank you so much to Zana, Karl, Freddie and Mary (and the extremly well trained horses) for an absolutly fantastic time on the Rider Confidence course last Saturday. Thank you all so much for being so friendly, encouraging, positive and passionate about your jobs and the course. I will definitely be making the journey from Bristol to attend another one of your courses again in the near future :) Xx

My friend and I had planned to do this for months and finally we did it this weekend.

When we arrived we were made to feel very welcome and it was lovely to meet everyone, rather than seeing them on FB!

An introduction from Zena and then Karl came in and explained how the brain works and how we need to keep our intellectual brains working and how to have a certain mindset about horses and about them not being dangerous.

We then did our first practical session before lunch which was interesting and fun. We then did the rearing and by lunch I was just smiling so much!

After lunch we then had another theory input with Zena, then back out for a practical session on how to fall safely. This was explained very well.

In my enthusiasm I over rotated on one of my ‘falls’ and managed to land awkwardly which was a bit tweaky, but I got up and carried on for a bit.

I had to go and get a cuppa before I rejoined the group and the last bit was showing how to stay safe if you and your horse fall over.

It was an amazing day and we were smiling and talking about it all the way home.

I mention I fell awkwardly because I received a follow up call in the morning to see how I was. I wasn’t expecting it and it showed just how they cared. We needed up having quite a chat. They genuinely care about you.



We were *so* positive about what we had done, we took our boy out in the school and practiced what we had learnt and he stood there just looking like ‘what *are* you doing!?’



Everything they teach makes sense, they are very welcoming. An awesome place and I believe EVERYONE who rides should do the course, confident or not.

We would certainly recommend it and might even come back for the two days!

Thank you x �

Meg & Mandi loved the half day horseback archery course, thank you. The whole experience was awesome. Welcoming, well taught & great FUN.

Just the best experience this weekend for horse archery! The team were so friendly and welcoming and Karl needs a second career in stand up comedy! I learnt so much and got a lot out of the day. Will be returning as soon as possible for more horse archery. Can't thank you enough.

Just come back from a fantastic #Dzhigitovka course! We all had an amazing time, were brilliantly taught by the entire team (and special guests - cheers guys), and we were perfectly looked after by the wonderful horses. This is my second visit to the centre (previously archery) and I have loved every minute. Terri and I will be back. Thanks Karl and Zana xx

I’ve been following the Centre + Stampede Stunt Company on Facebook for a few years and am over the moon that I have finally made it there! Had an immense weekend doing the Dzhigitovka Course, what a remarkable discipline to experience. Karl, Zana, Freddie and Mary were all warm, encouraging, patient and supportive and we were really lucky to have Sergei, Anton and Bruno from the Russian and German teams giving us a hand as well. I just want to spend every weekend there, this has been THE MOST fun. Zana took loads of photos as well so that we will all have evidence to take away, which is hugely appreciated. Thanks guys, hope to see you again soon!

I had an incredible day at my first horseback archery course yesterday. With top quality teaching and friendly staff, I felt in very safe hands. Karl had such a lovely positive and patient approach to teaching which got me from having never done archery before to shooting a target at canter on the track. Will definitely be returning for another course someday.

I experienced the half day horseback archery, It was fantastic. The tuition was excellent they really know their stuff! Very professional and lovely people with the most fabulous trained horses. I highly recommend and hope to go again to another course.

I did the confident rider course on Wednesday last week, it was exactly what I was hoping it would be! It has given me a great set of tools which mean I now feel equipped to deal with it if things go wrong, 2 days after the course I got on my pony bareback for the first time, I’ve been wanting to do it for months but always bottle it st the mounting block, not anymore � Today I went for a group lesson at my trainers yard, there were 2 horses galloping round in the field next door, not so long ago that would have been way too much for me but actually I coped fine, my instructor couldn’t believe the difference in me, I’m now sitting up rather than trying to curl into the foetal position � I’d honestly recommend anyone to do this course even if they don’t have confidence issues and I’ve been telling anyone who will listed! Massive thankyou to the whole team, you’re all fabulous!

I cannot stress enough how great the team is here.

They are very patient and always friendly.

A prime example of superb customer service and outstanding knowledge in horseback archery.

Would be there every week end if I didn’t live so far away...

I came with 5 friends for a full day archery course as part of my horsey hen! We all had such an amazing time and felt that we all achieved something ( although still with a lot to learn!) . Such a fabulous day - entertaining, exciting and great to learn a new skill. Would recommend to any keen horse riders out there - we are already thinking about booking again! Also really appreciated the brilliant photographs they took for us. Hard working and cheerful team. Very well taught. Thank you!

Had a great time on a half day horse back archery course the other weekend. everyone was friendly and great at teaching, the horses where fantastic, very laid back and well mannered. Definately want to go back . 😍 A*****

Amazing evening of entertainment on horseback!! Really enjoyed performances from Classical Dressage to fire jumping Andalusians. Great stunt riders, beautiful horses, def highly recommend a visit � �

After participating in the confidence course with Karl and Zana I have done things with my pony that I never thought I'd do again, we have hacked, alone and in company, I have ridden in the school and I've even ridden bareback! We have jumped ditches and logs in the woods. I have been able to deal with my ponys foibles calmly and confidently (napping, spooking and the odd buck) so if you are toying with the idea of booking I would definatly recommend it! Thank you Karl and Zana!

Words can't explain how amazing this place is! Get down there and see for yourself! I learnt so much, great people, horses and venue! Thank you so much what a wonderful experience! ��

Wonderful place, wonderful people. My son is autistic and has hypermobility problems. Although he is an adept rider his bow work can be a little slower than some peoples' but the patience, friendliness and dedication of the instructors cannot be faulted. It was his second time here and, due to the instructors and the well trained, patient horses, he did marvellously and wants to come again this year.

What an awesome morning spent (attempting!) horseback archery. Fabulous surroundings, lovely staff, impeccably behaved horses (despite a tough mudder taking place next to us!) Would highly recommend and can’t wait to come back for more.

We had a fantastic Sunday morning learning horseback archery - absolutely will be coming back for more again. Lovely staff - Freddie is very encouraging and Karl is an excellent teacher; very clear instruction. Horses were superb, beautifully responsive and well suited to the range of riders we had in our group. Definitely want to do more, and we shall all be practising standing in our stirrups before we return!

This is truly an amazing centre and if you love horses and want to try something new then highly recommend this centre. Once you walk into the 250 year old stable yard you are immediately transported back in time at the wonderful Gaddesden Place Stables. You are welcomed by the incredible Zana, Karl and their team. What they can do on horse back is truly outstanding. My husband was attending the horse back archery course and hopes to return for more tuition when he has mastered the art of the thumb draw at speed! Super course, Extremely professional, great tuition, fun and informative and I was just a spectator!

Thank you so much to Zana, Karl, Freddie and Mary (and the extremly well trained horses) for an absolutly fantastic time on the Rider Confidence course last Saturday. Thank you all so much for being so friendly, encouraging, positive and passionate about your jobs and the course. I will definitely be making the journey from Bristol to attend another one of your courses again in the near future :) Xx

My friend and I had planned to do this for months and finally we did it this weekend.

When we arrived we were made to feel very welcome and it was lovely to meet everyone, rather than seeing them on FB!

An introduction from Zena and then Karl came in and explained how the brain works and how we need to keep our intellectual brains working and how to have a certain mindset about horses and about them not being dangerous.

We then did our first practical session before lunch which was interesting and fun. We then did the rearing and by lunch I was just smiling so much!

After lunch we then had another theory input with Zena, then back out for a practical session on how to fall safely. This was explained very well.

In my enthusiasm I over rotated on one of my ‘falls’ and managed to land awkwardly which was a bit tweaky, but I got up and carried on for a bit.

I had to go and get a cuppa before I rejoined the group and the last bit was showing how to stay safe if you and your horse fall over.

It was an amazing day and we were smiling and talking about it all the way home.

I mention I fell awkwardly because I received a follow up call in the morning to see how I was. I wasn’t expecting it and it showed just how they cared. We needed up having quite a chat. They genuinely care about you.



We were *so* positive about what we had done, we took our boy out in the school and practiced what we had learnt and he stood there just looking like ‘what *are* you doing!?’



Everything they teach makes sense, they are very welcoming. An awesome place and I believe EVERYONE who rides should do the course, confident or not.

We would certainly recommend it and might even come back for the two days!

Thank you x �

Meg & Mandi loved the half day horseback archery course, thank you. The whole experience was awesome. Welcoming, well taught & great FUN.

Just the best experience this weekend for horse archery! The team were so friendly and welcoming and Karl needs a second career in stand up comedy! I learnt so much and got a lot out of the day. Will be returning as soon as possible for more horse archery. Can't thank you enough.

Just come back from a fantastic #Dzhigitovka course! We all had an amazing time, were brilliantly taught by the entire team (and special guests - cheers guys), and we were perfectly looked after by the wonderful horses. This is my second visit to the centre (previously archery) and I have loved every minute. Terri and I will be back. Thanks Karl and Zana xx

I’ve been following the Centre + Stampede Stunt Company on Facebook for a few years and am over the moon that I have finally made it there! Had an immense weekend doing the Dzhigitovka Course, what a remarkable discipline to experience. Karl, Zana, Freddie and Mary were all warm, encouraging, patient and supportive and we were really lucky to have Sergei, Anton and Bruno from the Russian and German teams giving us a hand as well. I just want to spend every weekend there, this has been THE MOST fun. Zana took loads of photos as well so that we will all have evidence to take away, which is hugely appreciated. Thanks guys, hope to see you again soon!

I had an incredible day at my first horseback archery course yesterday. With top quality teaching and friendly staff, I felt in very safe hands. Karl had such a lovely positive and patient approach to teaching which got me from having never done archery before to shooting a target at canter on the track. Will definitely be returning for another course someday.

I experienced the half day horseback archery, It was fantastic. The tuition was excellent they really know their stuff! Very professional and lovely people with the most fabulous trained horses. I highly recommend and hope to go again to another course.

I did the confident rider course on Wednesday last week, it was exactly what I was hoping it would be! It has given me a great set of tools which mean I now feel equipped to deal with it if things go wrong, 2 days after the course I got on my pony bareback for the first time, I’ve been wanting to do it for months but always bottle it st the mounting block, not anymore � Today I went for a group lesson at my trainers yard, there were 2 horses galloping round in the field next door, not so long ago that would have been way too much for me but actually I coped fine, my instructor couldn’t believe the difference in me, I’m now sitting up rather than trying to curl into the foetal position � I’d honestly recommend anyone to do this course even if they don’t have confidence issues and I’ve been telling anyone who will listed! Massive thankyou to the whole team, you’re all fabulous!

I cannot stress enough how great the team is here.

They are very patient and always friendly.

A prime example of superb customer service and outstanding knowledge in horseback archery.

Would be there every week end if I didn’t live so far away...

I came with 5 friends for a full day archery course as part of my horsey hen! We all had such an amazing time and felt that we all achieved something ( although still with a lot to learn!) . Such a fabulous day - entertaining, exciting and great to learn a new skill. Would recommend to any keen horse riders out there - we are already thinking about booking again! Also really appreciated the brilliant photographs they took for us. Hard working and cheerful team. Very well taught. Thank you!

Had a great time on a half day horse back archery course the other weekend. everyone was friendly and great at teaching, the horses where fantastic, very laid back and well mannered. Definately want to go back . 😍 A*****

Amazing evening of entertainment on horseback!! Really enjoyed performances from Classical Dressage to fire jumping Andalusians. Great stunt riders, beautiful horses, def highly recommend a visit � �

After participating in the confidence course with Karl and Zana I have done things with my pony that I never thought I'd do again, we have hacked, alone and in company, I have ridden in the school and I've even ridden bareback! We have jumped ditches and logs in the woods. I have been able to deal with my ponys foibles calmly and confidently (napping, spooking and the odd buck) so if you are toying with the idea of booking I would definatly recommend it! Thank you Karl and Zana!

Words can't explain how amazing this place is! Get down there and see for yourself! I learnt so much, great people, horses and venue! Thank you so much what a wonderful experience! ��

Wonderful place, wonderful people. My son is autistic and has hypermobility problems. Although he is an adept rider his bow work can be a little slower than some peoples' but the patience, friendliness and dedication of the instructors cannot be faulted. It was his second time here and, due to the instructors and the well trained, patient horses, he did marvellously and wants to come again this year.

What an awesome morning spent (attempting!) horseback archery. Fabulous surroundings, lovely staff, impeccably behaved horses (despite a tough mudder taking place next to us!) Would highly recommend and can’t wait to come back for more.

We had a fantastic Sunday morning learning horseback archery - absolutely will be coming back for more again. Lovely staff - Freddie is very encouraging and Karl is an excellent teacher; very clear instruction. Horses were superb, beautifully responsive and well suited to the range of riders we had in our group. Definitely want to do more, and we shall all be practising standing in our stirrups before we return!

This is truly an amazing centre and if you love horses and want to try something new then highly recommend this centre. Once you walk into the 250 year old stable yard you are immediately transported back in time at the wonderful Gaddesden Place Stables. You are welcomed by the incredible Zana, Karl and their team. What they can do on horse back is truly outstanding. My husband was attending the horse back archery course and hopes to return for more tuition when he has mastered the art of the thumb draw at speed! Super course, Extremely professional, great tuition, fun and informative and I was just a spectator!

Thank you so much to Zana, Karl, Freddie and Mary (and the extremly well trained horses) for an absolutly fantastic time on the Rider Confidence course last Saturday. Thank you all so much for being so friendly, encouraging, positive and passionate about your jobs and the course. I will definitely be making the journey from Bristol to attend another one of your courses again in the near future :) Xx

My friend and I had planned to do this for months and finally we did it this weekend.

When we arrived we were made to feel very welcome and it was lovely to meet everyone, rather than seeing them on FB!

An introduction from Zena and then Karl came in and explained how the brain works and how we need to keep our intellectual brains working and how to have a certain mindset about horses and about them not being dangerous.

We then did our first practical session before lunch which was interesting and fun. We then did the rearing and by lunch I was just smiling so much!

After lunch we then had another theory input with Zena, then back out for a practical session on how to fall safely. This was explained very well.

In my enthusiasm I over rotated on one of my ‘falls’ and managed to land awkwardly which was a bit tweaky, but I got up and carried on for a bit.

I had to go and get a cuppa before I rejoined the group and the last bit was showing how to stay safe if you and your horse fall over.

It was an amazing day and we were smiling and talking about it all the way home.

I mention I fell awkwardly because I received a follow up call in the morning to see how I was. I wasn’t expecting it and it showed just how they cared. We needed up having quite a chat. They genuinely care about you.



We were *so* positive about what we had done, we took our boy out in the school and practiced what we had learnt and he stood there just looking like ‘what *are* you doing!?’



Everything they teach makes sense, they are very welcoming. An awesome place and I believe EVERYONE who rides should do the course, confident or not.

We would certainly recommend it and might even come back for the two days!

Thank you x �

Meg & Mandi loved the half day horseback archery course, thank you. The whole experience was awesome. Welcoming, well taught & great FUN.

Just the best experience this weekend for horse archery! The team were so friendly and welcoming and Karl needs a second career in stand up comedy! I learnt so much and got a lot out of the day. Will be returning as soon as possible for more horse archery. Can't thank you enough.

Just come back from a fantastic #Dzhigitovka course! We all had an amazing time, were brilliantly taught by the entire team (and special guests - cheers guys), and we were perfectly looked after by the wonderful horses. This is my second visit to the centre (previously archery) and I have loved every minute. Terri and I will be back. Thanks Karl and Zana xx

I’ve been following the Centre + Stampede Stunt Company on Facebook for a few years and am over the moon that I have finally made it there! Had an immense weekend doing the Dzhigitovka Course, what a remarkable discipline to experience. Karl, Zana, Freddie and Mary were all warm, encouraging, patient and supportive and we were really lucky to have Sergei, Anton and Bruno from the Russian and German teams giving us a hand as well. I just want to spend every weekend there, this has been THE MOST fun. Zana took loads of photos as well so that we will all have evidence to take away, which is hugely appreciated. Thanks guys, hope to see you again soon!

I had an incredible day at my first horseback archery course yesterday. With top quality teaching and friendly staff, I felt in very safe hands. Karl had such a lovely positive and patient approach to teaching which got me from having never done archery before to shooting a target at canter on the track. Will definitely be returning for another course someday.

I experienced the half day horseback archery, It was fantastic. The tuition was excellent they really know their stuff! Very professional and lovely people with the most fabulous trained horses. I highly recommend and hope to go again to another course.

I did the confident rider course on Wednesday last week, it was exactly what I was hoping it would be! It has given me a great set of tools which mean I now feel equipped to deal with it if things go wrong, 2 days after the course I got on my pony bareback for the first time, I’ve been wanting to do it for months but always bottle it st the mounting block, not anymore � Today I went for a group lesson at my trainers yard, there were 2 horses galloping round in the field next door, not so long ago that would have been way too much for me but actually I coped fine, my instructor couldn’t believe the difference in me, I’m now sitting up rather than trying to curl into the foetal position � I’d honestly recommend anyone to do this course even if they don’t have confidence issues and I’ve been telling anyone who will listed! Massive thankyou to the whole team, you’re all fabulous!

I cannot stress enough how great the team is here.

They are very patient and always friendly.

A prime example of superb customer service and outstanding knowledge in horseback archery.

Would be there every week end if I didn’t live so far away...

I came with 5 friends for a full day archery course as part of my horsey hen! We all had such an amazing time and felt that we all achieved something ( although still with a lot to learn!) . Such a fabulous day - entertaining, exciting and great to learn a new skill. Would recommend to any keen horse riders out there - we are already thinking about booking again! Also really appreciated the brilliant photographs they took for us. Hard working and cheerful team. Very well taught. Thank you!

Had a great time on a half day horse back archery course the other weekend. everyone was friendly and great at teaching, the horses where fantastic, very laid back and well mannered. Definately want to go back . 😍 A*****

Amazing evening of entertainment on horseback!! Really enjoyed performances from Classical Dressage to fire jumping Andalusians. Great stunt riders, beautiful horses, def highly recommend a visit � �

After participating in the confidence course with Karl and Zana I have done things with my pony that I never thought I'd do again, we have hacked, alone and in company, I have ridden in the school and I've even ridden bareback! We have jumped ditches and logs in the woods. I have been able to deal with my ponys foibles calmly and confidently (napping, spooking and the odd buck) so if you are toying with the idea of booking I would definatly recommend it! Thank you Karl and Zana!