Video: Spanish Riding School of Vienna in Sheffield

The Spanish Riding School of Vienna, which was founded in 1572 and is the oldest riding academy in the world, is due to perform at Sheffield’s Motorpoint Arena later today as part of its UK tour.

This is the first time the majestic, highly-trained horses and riders of the 430-year-old “High School for Classical Horsemanship” will have performed in the North of England.

Fresh from their success at the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, world-class dressage sensation Carl Hester and 10-times Paralympic gold medallist Lee Pearson will be opening the show with a master class to showcase some of the dressage moves that the modern day sport includes.

Mr Pearson said: “It’s a true honour and a privilege to be performing alongside the Spanish Riding School once again.

“I was lucky enough to be part of the tour in 2013.

“The unparalleled harmony that I witnessed between horse and rider was absolutely mesmerising.”