Depending on which horse lovers you ask, it's either a celebration of the human-animal bond or a glorified circus.

The controversial new show The Spirit Of The Horse features equine and human entertainers performing to music and verse.

Spokesman Tony Wilkie-Millar said: "The performance celebrates the bond between man and horse.

"It has acts from all over the world, including classic Spanish riding with flamenco dancers, daredevil Russian Cossacks and Arabian stallions. There is also equestrian comedy."

A total of 30 horses, including Arabian, shire and Shetland breeds are taking part in the two-hour shows.

But the event has angered some animal lovers.

Frances Lindsay-Hills, who chairs the Mid Sussex and Brighton RSPCA, has called for a boycott.

She said: "This is just a circus under another name. These animals are being shipped around 15 towns in England.

"Anyone who has any compassion for animals should not pay to watch this."

Mr Wilkie-Millar said the animals were in no way mistreated.

He said: "It's monstrous anyone should suggest this. We have very strict guidelines about how the horses are cared for and moved."

Culture councillor Ian Duncan said the show complied with Brighton and Hove City Council policy.

Spirit of the Horse is being held at Patcham Place, Brighton, until July 28. For more details, call 01273 709709.