All hail Iranda Dyer—Tournament of Kings’ first female horse rider. The medieval dinner show extravaganza at Excalibur welcomed Dyer last October, and she says she’s loved every minute of her new job. Known as a first maiden, Dyer is teamed with horse Nobilissimo, and together they perform dressage (practiced movements) during the act celebrating the king’s coronation. “I’m on horseback the whole time. I’m riding Nobilissimo through a routine that’s choreographed with eight dancers on the ground,” Dyer said. The horse and rider also join the entire cast during the grand finale.
Dyer has been riding for a very long time. “My mom was a cowgirl, and she shared that passion with me when I was younger,” said the 28-year-old Dyer, who has more than 20 years of riding experience. “As soon as I took my first riding lesson I was hooked.”
Working with Nobilissimo has become a relationship of trust between Dyer and the Andalusian horse. It took nearly four months of practice before the duo performed for the first time. “You form a friendship,” she said. “There’s a huge trust between him and I when we’re working in the arena.” And that trust translates to a great working environment. “There hasn’t been a day here that I’ve been nervous,” she said. “Horses for me are everything, so I love it. I’m just enjoying the ride.”
Excalibur, 6 p.m. Mon. & Fri., 6 & 8:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs. & Sat.-Sun., $59 plus tax and fee, includes dinner and show. 702.597.7600
