Part One: Cavalia Odysseo Media Sneak Peek

Can you hear my spurs jingling? I've been invited to attend TWO special media previews of Cavalia Odysseo in Scottsdale, Arizona. In this first recap, I've captured footage of the horses arriving and walking the red carpet, 'Liberty' horse training demonstrations, and a tour of the stable. In the second recap, I'll be sharing a sneak peek of the performance featuring 70 horses, 50 riders, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, stilt walkers and musicians. This is an equestrian show nothing short of spectacular!

Seventy majestic horses, stars of the theatrical production Cavalia Odysseo, have officially taken up residence at their new home in Arizona ahead of the equestrian extravaganza’s opening night in Scottsdale on Wednesday, February 21.

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A Tour of the Big White Top

Cavalia Odysseo is a unique theatrical production and a grandiose multi-dimensional spectacle. Audiences are taken to a live Hollywood-style movie set, where the moving interactions between human and horse are at the heart of the action. Layers of mesmerizing decor are combined with live music, gravity-defying acrobatics and aerial stunts. Add the staggering effects created by state-of-the-art scenery creating a sumptuous feast for the senses. During the media sneak peek, workers were completing the installation of the largest touring production in the world.

Completing Installation of the Odysseo Big White Top - Photo Credit Cavalia

“The production has grown considerably in size and scope over the last few years without losing its soul. The performance area is almost twice the size as the one seen during the last stop in Arizona, enabling larger-scale, cutting-edge creative performances. The new scenic space allows us to build a full 3-story high mountain made of 10,000 tons of stone, earth and sand for astounding perspectives, literally recreating nature on stage, where man and horse come to enjoy each other’s company in complete complicity,” explains Cavalia Odysseo’s resident artistic director Samuel Alvarez. “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. You really don’t need to go to Vegas to see a Vegas show while we are in town!”

The Big White Top - Photo Credit: Cavalia

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The Horses Walk the Red Carpet

Arriving from a relaxing 10-day vacation at a lavish farm in California under the watchful eye of a dedicated team of Cavalia’s equine specialists, the 70 horses have settled into their 17,200 square-foot stable tent next to Cavalia Odysseo’s signature White Big Top raised near Red Mountain 202 at McClintock Dr. in Scottsdale. The specially equipped trailers transporting the four-legged stars to Arizona were the last to arrive of the 110 semi-trailer trucks necessary to move the world’s largest touring production from its previous stop in Ventura County, California.  Following their red-carpet arrival, the horses reconnected with their human co-stars and will soon start rehearsals ahead of the premiere show next week.

The Arrival of the Horses - Photo Credit: Cavalia

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The Liberty Demonstration

Cavalia 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.

The Liberty Demonstration - Photo Credit: Cavalia

The performance aspect for each horse lasts roughly 12 minutes. The rest of their daily activities also include warm-up and free time. 

Cavalia Horse Trainers at the Liberty Demonstration - Photo Credit: Cavalia

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Stable Tour: Meet the Cavalia Odysseo Horses

The Odysseo herd comprises horses of 12 different breeds - Appaloosa, Arabian, Canadian Horse, Holsteiner, Lusitano, Paint Horse, Percheron Hanoverian Cross, Quarter Horse, Selle Français, Thoroughbred, Spanish Purebred (P.R.E.) and Warlander. Before, during and after transport, a 20-person stables team including trainers, health technicians and grooms create a comfortable environment and provide the horses with daily health care, grooming and activities. 

Cavalia Odysseo Stable Tour - Photo Credit: Cavalia

In their spacious stable tent, the horses each have a designated box stall with ample space to stretch, lie down, sprawl out, roll and relax. They always have the same neighbors to ensure a familiar and comforting environment in each city. Each day the horses receive their share of pampering, including showers, grooming, massages, workshops with their riders, and outings to the paddocks where they roam and play.

Grooming during the Odysseo Stable Tour - Photo Credit: Cavalia

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Video: Cavalia Odysseo Behind the Scenes 

Can you hear my spurs jingling? Come with me as I film behind the scenes footage  of the Big White Top, Odysseo's horses walking the red carpet, Liberty horse training demonstrations, and a tour of the stable meet and greet.

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Stay tuned for PART TWO in this series on Cavalia:
​I'll be recapping the upcoming Odysseo media sneak peek performance, too! 

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Want Cavalia tickets? Here's what you need to know!

The shows begin February 21, 2018 and matinee and evening performances are scheduled through March 18. The performances are held under the White Big Top in Scottsdale located at Red Mountain 202 at McClintock Dr. (1475 N. McClintock Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85257). 

Tickets for Cavalia Odysseo are available at www.cavalia.com/scottsdale/ 
​or by calling 1-866-999-8111.

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About Cavalia Inc.

Cavalia Inc. is an entertainment company that specializes in the creation, production and touring of innovative shows. Founded by Normand Latourelle, the company reimagines the equestrian and theatrical arts. With its headquarters in Montreal, Cavalia Inc. is an integral part of Canada’s cultural heritage, and the largest Canadian-owned cultural enterprise. Its expertise in high technology, multimedia and special effects creates magical, unique, never-before-seen experiences. Its first show, Cavalia, has been seen by more than 4 million people across North America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East and Asia since its 2003 debut. Odysseo, the company’s second show, has toured to rave reviews and public acclaim since its 2011 premiere. 

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