Nov 20
The Gala of the Royal Horses comes to Gwinnett Arena
By: Katie Morris
Published: November 20, 2014
DULUTH — Lipizzaner Mozart circles around himself in front of the Gwinnett Arena before rearing regally on his hind legs. Rider Christine Drentwitt and expert trainer Rene Gasser both congratulate the Royal Horse for his performance.
Mozart is just one of 14 Royal Horses flown in from across the world to perform at the Arena this Saturday. The Gala of the Royal Horses Inaugural North American tour is an entertainment event combining some of the most beautiful horses in the world with live performers. The Royal Horses of Europe have been favored for centuries by royalty, equestrian riders and bullfighters.
Producer Rene Gasser comes from seven generations of equestrians and has worked alongside some of Europe’s best riders and trainers. He recreated this show, only previously seen at riding schools in Vienna and Spain, for its U.S. debut. Gasser said the debut tour has been very well received both by horse lovers and first-time spectators.
“The audience is just overwhelming. It’s a special audience, a horse audience, they’re very dedicated,” Gasser said. “Most people come and they bring someone along, their wife, grandfather or whoever, and they are surprised that they enjoy it so much. Not just the horses and the costumes but also the music and the whole thing put together. It’s very enjoyable, even if you’re not a horse person.”
The Gala of the Royal Horses celebrates the Andalusian, Friesian, Lipizzaner and Arabian breeds, showing off their athleticism and grace with stunts and maneuvers once used on the battlefield. According to Gasser, the Royal Horses start their training at 3 years old and spend the next three years learning simple stunts, discovering their talents. They are fully-trained and ready to perform around 10 years old. The show also features 24 performers including riders, Spanish flamenco dancers and guitar players.
“We have dancers and musicians. The Andalusian horses will actually be dancing the flamenco dance on boards. It’s just another aspect because you don’t just see them dancing, you hear them. The people love it,” Gasser said.
The Gala of the Royal Horses will be at the Arena at Gwinnett Center on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $33 to $78 and are available at gwinnettcenter.com, The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office or by calling 1-888-9-AXS-TIX. For more information, visit gwinnettcenter.com/events.