family fun
Royal Horses make a U.S. debut in Rio Rancho
For seven generations, Rene Gasser’s family has been one that rides horses. So it’s no wonder Gasser is the riding master behind “The Gala of The Royal Horses” traveling show.
“Riding is in my blood,” he says during a recent phone interview. “The horses are some of the most beautiful creatures.”
“The Gala of The Royal Horses” is an event that has only been seen at the famous riding schools in Vienna and Spain. This is the first time the show has been brought to the United States and will make a stop in Rio Rancho on Sunday, April 19.
Gasser says the Royal Horses of Europe are some of the most celebrated in history, favored for centuries by royalty, equestrian riders and bullfighters. He says the show he created will celebrate the tradition, athleticism and grace of these revered creatures.
“The unique qualities of the Royal Horses single them out from all other breeds in the equine world,” he says. “Their physical beauty and grace, coupled with exceptional courage and nobility make them an object of admiration and a source of inspiration for horse lovers everywhere.”
Along with the magnificent stallions, Spanish flamenco dancers will be featured in authentic vibrant costumes accompanied by the mellow notes of a guitar to bring the sights and sounds of Spain a heartbeat away.
In the south of Spain, the tradition of flamenco dancing is rivaled only by the tradition of breeding fine, Spanish horses, and Gasser says the breeds have been featured in portraits with European royalty, used in multiple movies and are extremely popular among riders.
“The audience is always surprised when the flamenco dancer comes out and performs,” he says. “Then the horse begins to do all of the same dance steps. It’s an amazing thing to see.”