Cheekiemonkies: Singapore Parenting & Lifestyle Blog: Cavalia's Horses Gallop into Singapore Cheekie Monkies

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If you have been around the Marina Bay area the past two weeks, it will be difficult to miss the huge white tent that has mushroomed beside Marina Bay Sands. This tent - it is the largest touring tent in the world by the way - will be home to Cavalia, a multimedia and acrobatic spectacular show, come 12 August 2014.

But Cavalia is not your usual theatrical show. For one, it features live animals - 50 majestic horses to be precise, as they are the true stars of the show.

Conceived by Normand Latourelle, one of the co-founders of famed Cirque du Soleil, Cavalia deftly combines equestrian and performing arts, multimedia and special effects with innovatively integrating acrobatics, dance, aerial stunts and live music. All of these coming together for a show fit for families and friends, young and old alike.

Two weeks ago, I witnessed its White Theatre Tent being brought to life with its fairytale spires towering 10-storey high. And yesterday, it was the turn of the main stars of the show to arrive and strut their stuff.

FIFTY horses had made the 11,000km journey from Belgium, on board a roomy 747 aircraft no less!

The Cavalia herd consists of 11 breeds including Arabian, Spanish Purebred, Percheron, Lusitano, Warmblood, Quarter Horse, Comtois, Australian Stock Horse, Criollo, Miniature Horse, and Paint Horse.

Frankly, how can anyone resist these magnificent and graceful creatures? Especially so when the the smallest stallions of the lot, Troubadour the miniature horse, made his appearance on the red carpet... to the sounds of 'Awww' from the crowd.

During Cavalia's one-month stop in Singapore, the horses will be housed in a 1,500 square-metre stable, with each horse having its own designated box and having ample space to stretch, lie down, sprawl out, roll and relax.

And here's an interesting fact I found out: the horses ALWAYS have the same neighbours no matter which part of the world they are performing in, to ensure their environment is familiar and comfortable in each city.

Not only that, the horses get their own specialised Spa treatments too! Every day they get their share of showers, grooming, massages and exercises with their riders and outings to the paddocks. And if there is time, perhaps a trip to the hairdresser's too?

Because Cavalia's horse training is based upon a philosophy of understanding the needs, preferences and emotions of the four-legged stars, the tone of the show is one of mutual respect, kindness, patience and trust. In fact, the performance aspect of each horse during the show lasts approximately 12 minutes.

A few good has emerged from the show too. Like Renato, a Comtois Stallion and the braided one in the photo below. He was close to being slaughtered for meat at a slaughter house before being saved, and recruited into the Cavalia family.

With fifty horses, it can get a tad overwhelming when it comes to picking one's favourite noble steed. Unless of course, the presence of Troubadour the miniature horse makes everyone's choice much easier.

Undoubtedly the cutest star at Cavalia, everyone just cannot seem to get enough of this little star. And so will the kids too when it comes to the show proper, I suspect.