Equestrian excellence
‘Gala of the Royal Horses’ showcases the skills of fourlegged nobility
René Gasser and horses go hand in hand. In fact, Gasser’s family has been involved with training horses for seven generations. This is also the impetus behind the creation of the master rider’s “The Gala of the Royal Horses.”
“This show has been running for 12 years, and it continues to get better,” Gasser says in an interview from El Paso. “This is our first time in North America, and this is our first show of the new year. It’s been amazing.”
Gasser will bring “The Gala of the Royal Horses” to Albuquerque for two weekends at Expo New Mexico.
Before he took the show on the road, Gasser says, it was seen only at the famous riding schools in Austria and Spain.
The Royal Horses of Europe are some of the most celebrated in history, favored for centuries by royalty and equestrian riders, and this performance celebrates the tradition, athleticism and grace of these revered creatures.
For the past 12 years, Gasser had been touring both in Australia and abroad with his various productions, which include “Lipizzaners With the Stars,” “Equestra” and “The Horseman from Snowy River.”
“The Gala of the Royal Horses” will include performances that feature the Lipizzaner stallions, the Spanish Andalusian, Friesian, and the majestic Arabian breeds, as well as the recently added quarter horse.
“The event is dedicated to showing off the amazing beauty and maneuvers these horses are capable of, including the stunning maneuvers once used on the battlefield now known as ‘The Airs Above the Ground,’ ‘Art of Garrocha,’ as well as ‘Roman Riding,’” Gasser says.
In the show, there are 15 horses of various ages.
Gasser says that there are some younger horses in the show and that all have adapted well.
“It usually takes about three years to properly train a horse for this show,” he says. “We also take our time working with the horses. With all the traveling, each horse has to be able to handle it. Each animal has its own personality. Some are made to travel and do well in the show. Once the show gets started, it’s pretty well-rehearsed. We have a team that travels ahead of us to check out the facilities. We don’t travel too far with the horses, as they need breaks to
rest. They even travel in trailers that have airbag suspension.”
Gasser says his staff is also aware of what each horse can handle.
“We want to put less pressure on an older horse,” he says. “You can’t retire a horse too early, either. They are a lot like people. When they are ready for retirement, they will let you know.”
Gasser and crew had a two-month break in which everyone got rest.
With three shows a week, it was much needed.
“It feels great to get back in the saddle,” he says. “I really missed being in front of an audience. I know the horses look forward to the shows. It’s important for us to keep them in shape. There is an off day, where the horses don’t have any training. But their life is like one of a professional athlete. There is always some type of training on a daily basis. They have to remain in top condition.”