Cavalia — an acrobatic and horse riding extravaganza

Cirque du Soleil is so last year. Why not add 44 horses to the acrobatic mix then? That’s Cavalia.

Cavalia was missing the story, humour and precision of Cirque du Soleil. But what is lacked in those areas, it made up for with magnificent, highly trained horses and the people riding them.

I attended the opening night of Cavalia in Brisbane being held at the Brisbane Airport DFO site. The show begins with, essentially, a PowerPoint presentation providing some information about the show and the horses, and encouraging some audience interaction. The show proper begins with acrobatics and the odd horse thrown in for good measure. As the show progresses, it becomes a mix of acrobatics, horse dressage and stunt horse riding. All enjoyable entertainment.

Cavalia's big top tent

Cavalia’s big top tent

Before the show

Before the show

The fun police were out asking people not to take photos, but I managed a couple of poor quality shots

The fun police were out asking people not to take photos, but I managed a couple of poor quality shots

Half time

Half time

The fun police were out asking people not to take photos, but I managed a couple of poor quality shots

The fun police were out asking people not to take photos, but I managed a couple of poor quality shots

A few hints:

  • If it is raining, take an umbrella – it can be a dash between the registration tent and the main ring.
  • If you are taking children, take some kids’ size ear plugs; not only was the music loud, it was uncomfortably piercing.
  • Don’t wear stilettos. The stairs are basically scaffold stairs, NOT designed for unstable foot ware. This is a horse show, you do not need to wear high heels!
The stairs under the grandstand -- be careful if you are wearing stilettos or are elderly

The stairs under the grandstand — be careful if you are wearing stilettos or are elderly

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