It's About The Horse

PasoBaby_CarolU · Site Admin Joined: 31 Jan 2009 Posts: 9013

I have been asked by several people what my thoughts were about Cavalia and thought I'd start a thread on it. Although it is not a training method, it is a horsemanship philosophy that I think most here would enjoy learning and applying.

First, the show itself is a sensual fantasy of horses and humans together. The beautiful horses (Rik, mostly Lusitanos!), natural horsemanship, music, stage design, and performances are all a celebration of the horse and human relationship, what it can be, and how beautiful it is when it's done right.

If you enjoy Liberty, then it is especially beautiful when turned into an artform. There were a few Liberty productions, but my favorite featured nine Arabians, eight grays and one black, who was in his first shows, a little uncertain of himself and he kept coming into the woman for reassurance. He reminded me so much of Bruiser that it brought tears to my eyes. He had that same, eager, expression.

The free dressage (without any tack) was beautiful, and probably my ideal of the ultimate example of excellent horsemanship. Karen Rohlf would fit into this production beautifully.

A rider fell during the Roman riding and landed under the horses. It was right in front of us (we were in the 4th row) and we're all sure if he didn't get stepped on, he at least was kicked. But, he got back on and completed the stunt, which was him letting go of the reins and jumping a high jump while the horses went underneath it. He also rode in the trick riding near the end, so hopefully wasn't hurt too badly.

As I mentioned before, I have their book on training and thought I'd share some of their philosophy. I should also mention that the main Cavalia trainers are a married couple, Magali Delgado who has won at Grand Prix dressage in France, and Federic Pignon, who is a trained stunt rider and natural horseman.

They have six principles of training. These are:

1) To foster a more equal relationship, based on trust and respect, in which horse and man learn from each other.

2) Never to adopt "standard" or inflexible methods of training but to recognize that each horse develops as an individual and reacts differently to the same stimulus.

3) To reduce stress as well as to become a safe, trusted "haven" for the horse.

4) Always to be patient and never push too fast or too insistently - and on the other hand, not to allow the horse to get bored.

5) Never to use force or become angry.

6) To establish a more "natural" form of communication - that is, to further new methods.

There is a great deal in the book about using games and liberty in training, to make it all enjoyable for the horse.

I'm not sure if it was the performance or the book, but it has all struck home with me to focus the direction I want to take myself and my horses...and that is really to keep doing what I've been doing...natural horsemanship + Fun.
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Carol Nudell
Corazon de Oro Paso Finos

"The path to your horse's heart lies through your own."

Rumors are carried by haters, spread by fools, and accepted by idiots. - Words of Wisdom - Mhar

‎"Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss activities; Small minds discuss people." - Eleanor Roosevelt

cheerios · Member Joined: 17 Feb 2009 Posts: 1163 Location: TEXAS

sounds like so much fun!!

Is the book just philosophy, or does it have actual instruction and exercises in it?
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~Mary
Currently playing with 20 rescue horses in North Texas

check out my blog: http://stalecheerios.com/blog

thelmanelle · Member Joined: 20 Sep 2009 Posts: 3246

I got the same book as gift last year, Carol. After I saw the show. Really beautiful and good read.
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A Good Apple Pie. II Corinthians 4:16-18

PasoBaby_CarolU · Site Admin Joined: 31 Jan 2009 Posts: 9013

Rik(The Sequel) · Member Joined: 03 Oct 2010 Posts: 102

Did they still do the Mirror thing with a horse either side of the Mirro?

Missed this last month but it's back in May.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dsOYiBy5-Y

Some looks good, some a little iffy to me, WAYYY to many whips in action.

PasoBaby_CarolU · Site Admin Joined: 31 Jan 2009 Posts: 9013

The Mirror was two long haired sisters riding nearly identical horses exactly opposite of each other. It was pretty awesome. Good timing and beautiful.

That video looks like very typical Spanish horsemanship displays. Beautiful, but I agree, too many whips.
_________________
Carol Nudell
Corazon de Oro Paso Finos

"The path to your horse's heart lies through your own."

Rumors are carried by haters, spread by fools, and accepted by idiots. - Words of Wisdom - Mhar

‎"Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss activities; Small minds discuss people." - Eleanor Roosevelt