Cavalia is a magical evening showcasing the beauty of the horse and the incredible connection that is possible between human and horse, and if I could sum up the experience in just one word—extravaganza darling!
Cavalia was not only a feast for the eyes, but the ears as well with incredible feats of horsemanship, coupled with amazing acrobatics, set against ever-changing spectacular backdrops, and accompanied by a band as in sync with the horses as the performers are.
Two local horses, Kodak and Bruno, adopted by Cavalia here in Perth, take on starring roles opening and closing the evening’s entertainment.
Throughout the show you get a sense of the joint journey humanity and horses have been on throughout history, from that first connection on the cave walls in Lascaux, to the glory of the Roman Coliseum, to the grandeur of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, and to the stunt riders of the Wild West.
It takes an incredible three to four years training for the horses to be able to be worked on stage with voice commands and body language alone. That attention to detail shows throughout Cavalia as the horses truly are the stars of the show.
Since premiering in Canada in 2003, Cavalia has been touring across the globe spreading the majesty of the horse, in all male show of forty three horses, covering thirteen different breeds.
Sixteen stallions perform in the show, and although they are more difficult to train, they are chosen for their natural athleticism and showmanship, as well as their ease at performing high school dressage movements.
Cavalia is a must see experience for everyone, and even if you are not a horse lover, I can almost guarantee you will come away from it with a new found appreciation for these magnificent creatures.
Troy Treeby
image: Lynne Glazier
