Seventy majestic horses, stars of the 30-million dollar theatrical production Odysseo, are taking up residence in their new home in Toronto after enjoying a two-week vacation in the lush fields of a farm in Georgetown, Kentucky. The specially equipped trailers transporting the four-legged stars to their spacious stable tent, erected next to Odysseo’s massive White Big Top at the Port Lands, were the last to arrive of the 110 semi trailer trucks necessary to move the biggest touring show on earth from its last stop in Dallas, Texas.
Before, during and after transport, a 20-person stables team including trainers, veterinarian, health technicians, grooms and a farrier (a specialist in equine hoof care) create a comfortable environment and provide daily health care, grooming and activities. Once settled in the 1,600 square-meter stable tent, the horses each have a designated box with ample space to stretch, lie down, sprawl out, roll and relax. They always have the same neighbours to ensure a familiar and comforting environment in each city.
Every day the horses get their share of pampering, including showers, grooming, massages, workshops with their riders, and outings to the paddocks where they roam and play. The performance aspect for each horse lasts roughly 12 minutes. The rest of their daily activities include warm-up, recouping, grooming and free time. Odysseo’s horse training is based on communication, observation and patience as well as a keen understanding of each horse’s talents and needs. The tone of the show, embraced by the entire company, is one of mutual respect, kindness and trust.
With less than two weeks before opening night, scheduled for April 8, workers are completing the installation of the largest touring production in the world. “It takes 10,000 tons of stone, earth and sand to create a phenomenal stage, an open space where man and horse come to enjoy each other’s company in complete complicity”, explains Odysseo’s resident Artistic Director and Choreographer Darren Charles. “Overhanging the performance area is a technical grid that can support 80 tons of equipment, including a full-sized merry-go-round. This defies everything that has ever been done under a tent to date in the world.”
Tickets are priced from $34.50 to $139.50 + applicable taxes and fees. For a memorable evening, the Rendez-Vous package offers the best seats in the house, buffet-dining before the show, open bar, desserts during intermission and an exclusive visit of the stables after the show. This unique VIP experience takes place in a tent alongside the White Big Top. The Rendez-Vous package prices range from $144.50 to $264.50 + applicable taxes and fees.
Learn more at www.cavalia.net
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