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Articles

Dreamriding – a Career in Equestrian Performance
Childhood dreams can come true. Those who have worked their way from helping out in the stable to being a skilled rider can run away to the circus. This unconventional yet exciting path can lead to a very exciting and rewarding career in equestrian performance.

Those of us who have had the chance to catch El Caballo Blanco since it began touring New Zealand since January have seen just how impressive such shows can be. White stallions and flamenco dancers perform together in harmony, giving a true taste of Spain. This show, by Swiss-born Rene Gasser who is now based in Australia, illustrates how rewarding it can be to work so closely with horses to train then perform alongside them. A reviewer wrote in Australian Stage: “El Caballo Blanco is not to be missed by any horse-lover or follower of dressage.”

But it is not a simple path. First, it is controversial. As soon as one mentions performing animals, you can be sure that questions are, quite rightly, raised about animal welfare. How can you be sure that the ‘Five Freedom’s’ relating to animal welfare (food and drink, shelter, behaviour, considerate handling and protection from illness) are being met unless you have first-hand
experience? And how do you go about gaining that experience in this niche area?

Welfare
Concerns about animal welfare are of course paramount. But thankfully the ill-treatment of animals is far less frequent than it was in recent decades. Various codes of conduct and legislation in many countries mean that inspection, heavy fines and even sentences can be imposed upon violators. The World Society for the Protection of Animals is hoping that an ongoing governmental review of the Animal Welfare Act will further protect animal rights in New Zealand.

At the same time, the general public now has an increased awareness of issues of animal welfare. This has helped to create an environment in which any successful performance troupe seeks to ensure that not only veterinary and animal rights experts are satisfied that it is caring for its animals, but also its potential audience.

Take El Caballo Blanco as an example. Its website informs potential audience members what the horses are fed as well as how much they work, play and perform; they train 4-6 days a week and perform up to four times a week.

Or there is Cavalia, a much-acclaimed equestrian Montreal-based show by Cirque de Soleil co-founder Normand Latourelle, which is set to continue a successful tour of North America in March. Cavalia outlines its philosophy on
its website and says: “The well-being of the horses is the primary preoccupation of Cavalia.” Horse transportation by road is complicated enough, with various issues such as horse trailer insurance  to take into consideration. But Cavalia goes on to explain that its horses undertake any air travel for shows accompanied by both a vet and their own transport team.

Track

So if you find that you are satisfied with the welfare practised by an organization you want to work with, how do you then go about it? As for most equestrian careers, the place where most of us start is the stable. And the more courses you pick up to improve your skills along the way the better. National Certificates offered by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority are valuable markers of your knowledge, work and commitment. The Equine Trader website has a list of courses offered in New Zealand to develop riding and other skills.

But as with many career paths, it might just be a case of volunteering with an organization you have reason to respect to gain experience and learn as you go along. Keep an eye on relevant websites, like that of El Caballo Bianco’ which currently invites those looking for work to get in touch.

And if you don’t believe it can happen to you then talk to Gillian Hayes, who runs a horse training centre on the Kapiti Coast. She has been competing as a rider since she was 11 and was recently asked  by El Caballo Bianco if she would fill in for an injured member. She spent five weeks touring after which she said: “There is honestly nothing more exciting than ditching all responsibilities and running away with the circus.”