JUST HORSING AROUND
Even the equine stars of Odysseo need a vacation
The four-legged stars of Cavalia’s
Odysseo have bolted from the big top and are officially on vacation.
On a luxe Burlington farm, the 66 horses were having their hair braided and being spoiled in the spa-like stables. It’s a far cry from the daring stunts and synchronized performances on display as they tour cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
“For us, it’s important that they take a break, mentally and physically,” says Marc-Olivier Leprohon, artistic and equestrian operations director for Cavalia.
“We’re here so they can enjoy grazing and running around with their friends.”
Cavalia aims to marry equestrian arts and high-tech theatrical effects on a 1,626-square-metre stage but, on this day, under a hot sun, the trainers removed the bridles and the 11 Arabians darted into an open field. They stayed in formation, as they do in the live shows, moving like a school of fish through long grass. Groomer Megan Morris could see a change in the horses immediately.
“They’re very focused onstage, but here you get to see them graze, run, enjoy the weather and just be horses,” Morris says. “It’s a whole different side of them, which is so much fun because they’re such multi- dimensional animals.”
During their time off, the horses stay limber with a daily program of stretching and gymnastics. After 10 days rest, the world’s largest touring production makes its way to Mississauga for their next show, next to the Hershey Centre on Wednesday. You can see a video of the horses on vacation at thestar.com.