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120 SIDELINES OCTOBER 2012 
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
By Cecilia Lang-Ree
The touring equestrian show Cavalia, has been thrilling horse
and non-horse people alike with its amazing equestrianism,
so when Cavalia opened a new show in San Jose, California,
Sidelines held a contest to “discover” a reporter who could attend
the event. Cecilia Lang-Ree might only be a 17-year-old high
school student; but horses and writing are in her blood - so we sent
her to the Cavalia Media Event. Enjoy Cecilia’s great adventure
at Cavalia and then look for the show at a venue near you – you
won’t be disappointed.
It was a stunning day in July as I drove up the long avenue,
following the little signs that pointed me closer and closer to a
gleaming white complex. The sight of tents silhouetted against the
sky is not entirely new for me; I’ve seen my fair share of circuses.
As soon as I opened my car door, however, it became apparent
that this would be completely different from any performance I’d
been to - I could already smell the horses.
Cavalia, the touring equestrian show conceived by Normand
Latourelle, the founder of Cirque du Soleil, was about to open in
San Jose, California. In a large lot, a mobile equestrian center had
sprung up like magic, complete with enormous trailers, portable
paddock fencing, and - yes - manure piles. After checking in
at the bustling media tent - (“Cecilia Lang-Ree, with Sidelines
Magazine!”) - I had just enough time to help myself to some
chocolate strawberries before heading to the theater. I took my
frst row seat in the media section as the lights dimmed and Mr.
Latourelle welcomed the crowd, introducing his cast of 31 artists
and 49 horses.
Cavalia celebrates the timeless bond between man and horse
across all cultures and everything in the show refected this
purpose. From trick riders hurtling across the stage with fashy
Paints to classical dressage riders on stunning Baroque breeds,
no aspect of equestrianism was left behind.
The people of Cavalia were just as highly trained as the horses
and I found myself most entertained when the acrobats worked in
sync with the equines. As aerialists twirled, suspended over the
stage, dressage horses and riders moved gracefully underneath
them, mirroring the acrobats. The sheer athleticism of all the
performers was awe inspiring - I had trouble taking my eyes off
the performance to write notes! As both a rider and “theater kid,” I
was struck by the ingenuity of the Cavalia producers that bridged
these domains to create a performance high in quality of riding
and performance.
After the preview, I spotted Benjamin Aillaud, the equestrian
director for Cavalia. I introduced myself, and upon mentioning
that I was writing for an equestrian magazine, Mr. Aillaud began
to gush, explaining at great length and detail his philosophies of
horsemanship. Mr. Aillaud knew everything about his horses’ care
– right down to the footing (which is, in fact, a unique blend that he
created!) I was impressed by his description of the Cavalia horses’
cross-training regimens, which include at liberty work and jumping
gymnastics to produce versatile horses at their athletic and mental
peaks – it was refreshing to meet a rider who draws inspiration
from the best parts of every discipline.
An Amazing Day at the
Equestrian Big Top
I made my way to where trick rider Spencer Litwack stood with
her mount Tad, a fashy Quarter Horse. As Tad snuggled in her
arm, snuffing at her sparkly velvet costume, she explained the
rider’s involved role with their horse from the beginning of its
training. Through Ms. Litwack’s description, I got the impression
that despite their unusual “job,” Cavalia horses have a remarkably
normal life – they are worked in the round pen, turned out and
cared for by the show’s traveling farrier and vet techs.
Scratching Tad’s impeccably groomed neck, I could not help
but feel inspired not only by the magic of Cavalia’s performance;
but by the bond I had seen between horse and rider at every
moment in the show. My afternoon at Cavalia was an escape to
a surreal, beautiful world; but it was also a shining example of
honest horsemanship and true equestrianism.
For more information on Cavalia, visit their website at
www.cavalia.net.
About the writer: Cecilia lives in Los Gatos, California and has been
riding since she was six years old. She currently rides with Avalon Hunter/
Jumpers and is having the time of her life with Holly, an affectionate,
sarcastic and athletic Oldenburg mare. The two ride Hunters and Equitation
and love hanging out with their awesome barn “family.”
Cavalia is a touring equestrian show
conceived by Normand Latourelle the
founder of Cirque du Soleil.
Photo courtesy of Cavalia
The Cavalia
performances
are technical,
breathtaking and
entertaining.
Photo courtesy of
Cavalia