Yesterday I was invited to go and see the horses for
Cavalia arrive at their Brisbane home for the next few months. I took my assistant, Mr BC along for the ride, as he grew up in a horsey family and knows all about all things equine. I was hoping he would stop me making a fool of myself as my horse experience lies solely in tweenage trail rides at Palomino Corrals, and a nasty case of hay fever.
This is the big top, set up handily next to DFO near Brisbane Airport. Sadly my assistant had a real job to go to so there was no shopping trip afterwards. Sad face!
There are 42 horses and they have been enjoying a relaxing 21 day stay in Quarantine near Sydney. As they where led off the trucks I was astonished at how relaxed, calm and confident they looked, and behaved. I certainly don't look like that after the 12 hour drive from Sydney!
It would be fair to say I have never seen any horse as well loved as the Cavalia horses, and growing up in a mildly horsey area I have seen a few.
Horse after gorgeous horse came out of the truck, all wearing fabulous travelling boots. Unlike me, who thanks to a stupid broken toe had to wear thongs. Entirely appropriate for the weather!
There are only male horses in Cavalia, because females and males are too good at distracting each other when on tour. Sounds reasonable to me, the show has been on tour for 10 years.
There are 44 horses representing 10 different breeds from France, Spain, Portugal, Canada, America, Australia and the Netherlands. The amazing crew of artists, acrobats, dancers, riders, trainers, handlers and grooms are from similarly far flung locales.
My jaw kept dropping at how ridiculously good looking these horses where. Don't you think this is the perfect horse for Prince Charming?
After they where all unloaded and led to their stalls, we where allowed to wander the stable tent and talk to the performers and the horses. Everyone attached to the show has an obvious and reverent love for their horses. Cavalia is a celebration of the relationship between horses and humans, but to me it was very clear that everyone considers the horses the real stars.
How amazing is Poncho with his mesmerizing blue eyes?
As well as fabulous boots there was a lot of long, long hair.
Hello Gorgeous!
The trainer explained to me that Cavalia would never brand a horse, but as they get horses from all over the world, many are already branded before they join the big top.
Everyone was happy to have their photo taken with their horse. This lady explained that she had been riding since she was 4, but dreamed of being a whale trainer at Sea World! I think fate had other ideas for her, because her job is a perfect fit for her. She even matches her horse, both have red hair and blue eyes.
This horse is Merlin, a Percheron. I really really wanted to ride him into the
sunset rainy overcast day if I could just get him past his adoring admirers. I went off to find Mr BC to get him to assist with my plan...
...but he was head over heels with Armas, the other Percheron, and the feeling was mutual - Armas couldn't stop nibbling my husband.
Merlin in all his glory of 18 hands high. Do you think this guy got wind of my plan? Not impressed, Mrs BC...
We where led into another tent and the horses came in to walk around us in a circle. Seriously, if you flip this photo would it look like Shrek 3's Donkey, before and after? When they drink the potion from the Fairy Godmother? Just me?
Cavalia is a mammoth operation of 120 people including 30 artists, a live band, a chef, carpenters, 100 trucks, a private plane (for the horses) 56 walkie talkies, and an immeasurable amount of love, talent, and pride.
Cavalia originates in Montreal, Canada; it was created by Normand Latourelle, one of the founders of Cirque du Soleil. I can only imagine how fabulous the show will be.
'Cavalia' is a word created by the Spanish and French words for horse,
caballo and
cheval; as well as the English word
cavalry.
I know these things because a very informative and charming lady told me. I remarked how the horses where all loving being part of Cavalia, and she said that yes, you can see it in their body language. And behind her this was happening...
Clearly, it's a dream come true for every horse mad girl.
Cavalia premieres in Brisbane on March 6th. It will also visit Melbourne and Sydney, check
here for ticket details.
Linking to
Wordless Wednesday today! This is not a sponsored post, but I was gifted some tickets to see Cavalia.
xx
