Just for budding cowboys and cowgirls, these traditional Western Skills workshops, which are run at magnificent performance studios in London, are great fun and certainly make a good talking point with your friends!
After a welcome briefing, you'll be split into two groups and you take it in turns to try out different wild west skills:
- Lasso - ideal for (literally) capturing the man/woman of your dreams!
- Knife throwing - err...don't try this at home!
- Whip cracking - always a very useful skill to have!
With small numbers on each course, you will get plenty of expert tuition and time to perfect your new found rodeo skills. All activities are overseen and led by highly trained teachers in the specially converted 'Generating Chamber' of the former power station that the centre occupies. These activities do involve an element of risk, but all practicable measures are taken to ensure the workshops take place in an environment of maximum safety.
Western Skills workshops last approximately three hours and give you the chance to learn knife throwing, lassoing and whip cracking. There's usually a maximum of 12 people attending each session.
Courses run on Saturday afternoons from 2:30pm - 5:30pm on selected dates. The next scheduled dates include: 1st October 2011, 25th February 2012 and 23rd June 2012. Due to the popularity of these courses, they are often booked up three months in advance.
London, near Old Street Tube Station.
The minimum age for this experience is 17 years. There is no upper age limit, but participants need to be able to cope with moderate strenuous activity. It is of paramount importance that the operator is made aware of any medical conditions, illnesses or injuries. Please abstain from drinking alcohol for 24 hours before the workshop as this can lead to dehydration and fainting - and that's not how real cowboys behave! Participants will need to bring comfortable clothing such as tracksuit bottoms and a T-shirt. Please bring a clean pair of trainers to wear during the workshop. No jewellery to be worn during the workshop. There are changing facilities, toilets and showers on site.
There is a small seating area near windows offering a good view of the Generating Chamber, but please telephone the operator prior to your course to check it is okay to bring spectators. There is a small cafe on site, which may be open during the day.