Overview

When Cavalia--the amazing equestrian-themed spectacular, melding costumes and theatrics with stunt riding and haute école--first took North America by storm in 2003, few people knew who Frédéric Pignon and Magali Delgado were. But the whole world was soon abuzz with talk of the magical display these two remarkable individuals provided their audience--whether horse-crazy or layperson, none could walk away unaffected by the powerful connection they demonstrated with their unparalleled cast of beautiful horses. Now in this remarkable book, Frédéric--a specialist in liberty and ground work--and Magali--a talented dressage rider at the Grand Prix level--combine efforts and share the secrets of the breathtaking relationships they have cultivated over the course of their lives with horses. They tell the story of Templado--the gorgeous but rebellious stallion who demanded they question all they had learned as horsemen and look at, in a whole new light, what it means to train horses. It was this tempestuous character that taught them that the process of building a relationship with a horse can be on more equal footing than most would dream possible. It is with this life-altering lesson in mind that Frédéric and Magali now explain their Six Golden Principles. These include how you can become a safe haven--the most important being in your horse's life--while ensuring he gets the leadership he craves and deserves. And, how to establish acceptable limits of behavior, as well as respect, without ever succumbing to anger or using force. They describe how to read horse behavior so you can better understand and communicate with your equine partner as an individual. Plus, you'll see what it means to be patient and give your horse a say in his own training--and just how rewarding the results can be. In a chapter devoted to their practical approach, you'll explore what is perhaps most central to their methods: the idea of play and how games can be used to develop a horse's intelligence, confidence, and desire to perform, whether at liberty or in the most difficult of competitive environments. Magali shares the example of her Grand Prix mount Dao, with whom she has reached the pinnacle of European competition, and whom dressage judges praise for his supple and stress-free performances. Both Frédéric and Magali once thought they had become skilled and compassionate riders and trainers, but found that the monumental challenges presented by Templado turned their beliefs upside down and made them start again from the beginning. They now view their work with horses as a journey of endless discovery and infinite rewards. With this book, full of phenomenal color photographs of their horses, many of whom appeared in the show that first made them famous, you can join--and learn from--them.

Full Product Details

9781570764202

Table of Contents

Reviews

""[Cavalia's] star 'horse whisperer'and equestrian co-director, Frederic Pignon, engages in a scene of blissful play with three beautiful white stallions. Of course, I can't say what's really going through the horses' minds, but the impression is one of an intense bond between horses and man--the most emotionally charged moment of the show."" --""Los Angeles Times"" ""Frederic and Magali exemplify the art of humane training and illustrate the magical results of what is meant by the human-animal bond. To watch them interact with their horses is breathtaking."" --Karen Rosa, vice president, film & television unit, American Humane ""I believe Frederic Pignon and Magali Delgado are two of the finest horsemen in the history of horsemanship. Their unique ability to relate to the hearts and minds of horses has inspired millions of horse lovers who have been awed by their performances in North America and Europe."" --Linda Tellington-Jones, creator, Tellington TTouch ""Seeing Frederic Pignon and Magali Delgado work their horses is a joy to behold . . . We all thank them for letting us, as an audience, get that glimpse of their world."" --Tim Farley, theblackstallion.com ""The greatest show I've ever seen!"" --Larry King, CNN, on the show Cavalia ""There is very valuable information here regarding 'reading' your horse and developing a relationship with him based on trust and respect . . . There are many gorgeous color pictures that augment the text, like a miniature coffee-table book. The more you hear this book and reflect on the principles it puts forth, the more valuable you will find it."" --""California Riding"" ""This maybe the ultimate equine coffee-table book that is equally at ease in the barn."" ""--Trail Blazer"" ""When [Frederic] Pignon simply plays with the horses, he provides some of Cavalia's best moments."" --""The Oakland Tribune""

There is very valuable information here regarding 'reading' your horse and developing a relationship with him based on trust and respect . . . There are many gorgeous color pictures that augment the text, like a miniature coffee-table book. The more you hear this book and reflect on the principles it puts forth, the more valuable you will find it. -- California Riding

The greatest show I've ever seen! --Larry King, CNN, on the show Cavalia I believe Frederic Pignon and Magali Delgado are two of the finest horsemen in the history of horsemanship. Their unique ability to relate to the hearts and minds of horses has inspired millions of horse lovers who have been awed by their performances in North America and Europe. --Linda Tellington-Jones, creator, Tellington TTouch [Cavalia's] star 'horse whisperer'and equestrian co-director, Frederic Pignon, engages in a scene of blissful play with three beautiful white stallions. Of course, I can't say what's really going through the horses' minds, but the impression is one of an intense bond between horses and man--the most emotionally charged moment of the show. -- Los Angeles Times When [Frederic] Pignon simply plays with the horses, he provides some of Cavalia's best moments. -- The Oakland Tribune There is very valuable information here regarding 'reading' your horse and developing a relationship with him based on trust and respect . . . There are many gorgeous color pictures that augment the text, like a miniature coffee-table book. The more you hear this book and reflect on the principles it puts forth, the more valuable you will find it. -- California Riding Frederic and Magali exemplify the art of humane training and illustrate the magical results of what is meant by the human-animal bond. To watch them interact with their horses is breathtaking. --Karen Rosa, vice president, film & television unit, American Humane Seeing Frederic Pignon and Magali Delgado work their horses is a joy to behold . . . We all thank them for letting us, as an audience, get that glimpse of their world. --Tim Farley, theblackstallion.com This maybe the ultimate equine coffee-table book that is equally at ease in the barn. --Trail Blazer

Author Information

Frederic Pignon is an equine performer and the owner of his own stable. He and his wife Magali Delgado worked with Norman Latourelle, the pioneer of the Cirque du Soleil, in the multimedia spectacle Cavalia. Magali Delgado trained under master horsemen Jose Ataide and Carlos Pinto and is a state-certified dressage instructor. She furthered her competitive dressage career through the upper levels representing France and performing in shows such as Cavalia and Passion Cheval.

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