“A WORLD WITHOUT HORSES IS NO WORLD FOR OUR CIRCUS”
Nell Gifford
OUR ANIMALS
HORSES 
DOGS 
POULTRY & BIRDS Horses at Giffords Circus
All the horses and ponies you will see in the show, their passports, medical records, stables and paddocks are inspected by the local council.
They are all trained using positive reinforcement techniques, are visited regularly by vets, dentists, and farriers.
Dogs at Giffords Circus
Cowboy, the dog in our 2025 show Laguna Bay is also owned and trained by Emma Tytherleigh. Cowboy has grown up with the horses and has a unusual natural ability to be part of their herd. He has performed with the ponies all over Europe and the UK. Cowboy was only ever ment to be a companion for Emma, but never wanting to miss out on the fun, Emma learnt to Trick train him which ment he could be part of all the action! He’s Emma‘s best friend, he lives with her and even sleeps in her bed!
Cowboy’s passport, medical records and accommodation are inspected by the local council.
Our shows have included various feathered friends - doves, a turkey and chickens.
The chickens took a starring role in the 2017 show Any Port in a Storm and a turkey in My Beautiful Circus in 2018.
Doves once again ruled the roost in The Hooley.
FAQS
Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018
Toti Gifford
Stroud District Council
Licence Number: 25/01118/AWACT
All of our horses are trained using positive reinforcement techniques, which means rewarding good behaviours as a teaching tool.
All the horses live in a stable tent backstage throughout the tour and spend their time showing off and learning in the ring, out in makeshift mini pastures within the circus site to cool off and their stables.
SIGN UP TO THE GIFFORDS CIRCUS NEWSLETTER
and become part of the Giffords Circus family to receive news straight into your inbox every month...
Click to Sign UpTo understand how we use your personal information, please view our Privacy Policy