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Cavalia DVD and Book
Have you ever been to a play (or a Broadway show) and marveled at what it must have taken to assemble the actors, music backdrops and sets? And thought about the fact that all those folks out there are performing LIVE - in front of an audience - so there is no option to go back and redo if there is a mistake or someone forgets what they're supposed to be doing or saying? Imagine all that - with 33 HORSES thrown into the mix! Cavalia performs in an actual tent - all over the world - for spellbound audiences of all ages.
Cavalia was born of the dream of a few horse enthusiasts with a passion for performing. The production takes the art of dressage to new heights of kindness and respect, countering the traditional domination of horses by humans. During the two hour show, a group of 60 artists - 33 horses and 27 people including 8 acrobats, eleven riders, 1 dancer and 7 musicians - run, jump, dance, swing and twirl in their own way, enacting a glorious account of the history that unites humankind and the horse.
YouTube Video
Click here to watch part of the first act of Cavalia
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#DVDCAV
Cavalia DVD
120 minutes total run time includes:
Cavalia show highlights (40 min)
Inside Cavalia; A documentary behind the scenes (55 min)
Building Cavalia: Raising of the big top (5 min)
A Profile of the Four-legged Artists (15 min)
A special greeting from the Two-legged Artists (5 min)
Also includes 22 page color booklet of awesome photographs that outlines the scenes, each page includes a quote like this:
"Through the sheer momentum of galloping around the earth, I made it turn. Do you remember? Before you invented the wheel, your first, only, and fastest vehicle, was me."
This DVD is dated 2005 - was filmed when Frederic Pignon and Megali Delgard were touring with the show, along with their Andalusian stallion Templado. Sadly, Templado has passed on and Frederic and Megali are no longer performing with the show.
Price $34.95
#BKCAV
Cavalia Book
Text by Francois Brousseau and Valerie Martin, Photograps by Jacques Nadeau
Softcover 166 pages 9" wide x 11" tall. Beautiful color photographs on each page illustrate all facets of this amazing performance. Read about how Cavalia came to be, how they care for and train the horses, plan the shows, build the sets, etc. Every question you might have about how in the world they pull this off is answered in the book.
Price $44.95
#CAVSET
Set of Cavalia Book & DVD
Price $74.95
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#BKBLT
Building A Life Together
You and your horse; Nurture a Relationship with Patience, Trust and Intuition
By Magali Delgado and Frederic Pignon - Former stars of Cavalia and Authors of Gallop To Freedom
Hardcover, 122 pages; Profusely illustrated with color photos by Gabriele Boiselle
Price $34.95
Like perhaps no other couple in this world, Magali Delgado and Frederic Pignon have strived to live their lives in perfect partnership with their horses. It was this essence-in combination with their genuine talent, unquestionable integrity, and immense appeal-that captured the hearts of audiences around the globe when they and their horses toured as part of the original cast of Cavalia from 2003 to 2009.
Now, in the eagerly awaited follow-up to their bestselling book Gallop to Freedom, Magali and Frederic welcome us to their home in France. There, the stable doors are thrown open, and we are invited to share all that they've discovered in both the hands-on and more delicate, intangible areas of horsemanship.
The remarkable result is a book that offers a series of practical and ethical guideposts to help us build an honest, open, happy life with horses. Magali and Frederic's words, their lessons, and hundreds of emotionally charged photographs by internationally renowned photographer Gabriele Boiselle provide deliciously enlightening glimpses into the kind of relationships we all dream of having with our horses, and with each other.
As we journey into the pastures, the practice ring, and down the trails with Magali and Frederic, the veil is lifted, and we can indeed begin to see how what they have alongside and on board a horse can be ours. The secrets are here for the taking. The rest is up to us.
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#BKGTF
Gallop To Freedom - Training Horses With The Founding Stars of Cavalia
by Magali Delgado & Frederic Pignon - hardcover, 184 pages; Profusely illustrated with color photos
Price $29.95
If you've seen the DVD, (or the live show) and wondered how in the world they get those horses to perform so brilliantly, show after show, then this is the book for you. When Cavalia-the amazing equestrian-themed "spectacular," melding costumes and theatrics with stunt riding and haute ecole-first took North America by storm in 2003, few people knew who Frederic Pignon and Magali Delgado were. But the whole world was soon abuzz with talk of the magical display these two remarkable individuals provided their audienceÑwhether horse-crazy or layperson, none could walk away unaffected by the powerful connection they demonstrated with their unparalleled cast of beautiful horses.
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Now in this remarkable book, Frederic-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 Frederic 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 trainingÑand 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 Frederic 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.
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Animals in Translation - Book and DVD Set
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#BKAT - Price $24.95
Animals in Translation - By Temple Grandin PhD
Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior
This is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. In writing this copy - to tell you all about it - I referenced the publisher's promotional notes - and discovered them to be very specific, but a little dry and uninviting:
"Applies the autism theory of "hyper-specificity" to animals, showing that animals and autistic people are so sensitive to detail that they "can't see the forest for the trees".
"Explores the "interpreter" in the normal human brain that filters out detail, leaving people blind to much of the reality that surrounds them - a reality that animals and autistic people see, sometimes all too clearly...."
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The reality is, that Temple Grandin is an amazing person, and this book is an amazing work. She went from being a child that doctors urged her parents to institutionalize - to a PhD, author, college professor, and lecturer. She was advisor to the film-makers for the movie "Rain Man" - which was acclaimed for it's humorous, and very accurate portrayal of the relationship between an autistic man and his brother.
Animals in Translation is a wonderfully factual, well-researched book that describes Temple's view of the world, and her theories surrounding animal's views as well. Because she is not an animal trainer by trade (but a very thoughtful observer) her views and theories described in this book are totally untainted by any previous animal training experience. Full of thought-provoking information that will cause you to look at your animal's behavior through new eyes! Hardcover 356 pages
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#DVDTG
Temple Grandin DVD - By Temple Grandin PhD
Regular Price $26.95 - Sale Price $19.95
This supremely well done movie paints a picture of a young woman's perseverance and determination while struggling with the isolating challenges of autism, at a time when it was still quite unknown. The film chronicles Temple's early diagnosis; her turbulent growth and development during her school years; the enduring support she received from her mother, aunt, her science teacher and her emergence as a woman with an innate sensitivity and understanding of animal behavior. This is an HBO film that has been nominated for 15 Emmy awards. 109 minutes, also includes special features - The Making of Temple Grandin with commentary by Dr Grandin.
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#TGSET
Temple Grandin Book & DVD set
Set Price - $39.95 (save $5.00)
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Gina's note:
I looked forward to seeing this for months - as soon as I heard it was coming out, actually. But I was worried that it might disappoint, as the book was so very good. This film met my expectations (hopes) and then some. The actors are brilliantly chosen - each perfect for the roles as I imagined them when reading. All the important events in the book are chronicled with incredible visual accuracy. There are heartbreaking moments, and humorous moments, and everything in between, but as the film progresses you will find your heart bursting with pride and admiration for Temple and those who supported her remarkable journey. Her contribution to society has been immeasurable.
Her candid account of how she believes that animals perceive their world is a very good one and it explains a lot about why horses act the way they do in certain situations. One of my favorite analogies she uses (in the book) is this: Imagine that you lived somewhere where you saw people frequently walking down the sidewalk. And one day, you stepped outside your door and saw people walking down the sidewalk.... on their hands. You'd probably freak out (I know I would). This is the type of situation that arises when a horse spooks at a perfectly familiar item - in a context that is unfamiliar. The book and movie are full of thought provoking theories like this - that can really help us understand, and empathize, with our animal friends when they do things that don't make sense.
The movie shows these moments as if you're looking through Temple's eyes. Which is really cool - because she was there during the making - to help them create the most accurate portrayal of her life. This one is a must-see for everyone.
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The Path of the Horse DVD
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When I first learned of this work, it was many months from completion. I was elated to learn that someone was producing a documentary featuring the work of nearly all of my very favorite horse authors. I was so excited I could hardly contain myself. Then the doubt started to creep in. How in the world could a video be made that would adequately portray and explain these concepts about working with horses that defy words.
Somewhere between the six year old girl who dreams of galloping off on her wild stallion - and the professional who's work involves getting results with horses... is a whole group of us confused souls who may have worn both "hats" during our lifetimes. Now the second "hat" feels wrong, and the first one feels totally unrealistic. Describing that unknown third "hat" defies words - let alone images...
I began to have reservations that such a project as Path of the Horse could even be accomplished, let alone be done well enough to paint a picture of the "third hat" that most of us have never seen...
When the pre-release version finally came, I held my breath - hoping for the best, but prepared to be disappointed.
Within the first thirty seconds, I KNEW that videographer Stormy May had not only risen to the challenge, but she's artfully produced a very powerful, entertaining documentary that will undoubtedly change the way many people relate to their horses forever.
There is no part of this DVD that could be any better. Every bit of it is technically perfect - images are beautiful - footage beautifully choreographed with music - the interviews are very well done and you can hear and understand every single word. Even the non-english speaking horsemen's voiceovers are perfect. At the end, a song written by Stormy herself will bring tears to your eyes. Read Stormy May's remarkable bio
here.
If you only buy one thing from us, ever, let this be it.
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YouTube Video - The Horse Boy
If you are unable to view this video with your browser, click here.
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The Horse Boy - DVD and Book
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#DVDHB
The Horse Boy DVD
Price - $29.95
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Gina's note:
I loved the book, and it was a tough act to follow - but the DVD was up to the task. This documentary film does a great job of fleshing out the visual and auditory details that you may have missed in the book. Consider that all the footage was shot by someone who was also riding a horse (sometimes getting bucked off) and riding in the same van with young Rowan, who was prone to frequent tantrums and at age 6 was still not toilet trained. Mom Kristin does not mince words when she expresses her main hope for the journey was the end of washing poopy underpants. Rowan's frequent tantrums and meltdowns are beautifully contrasted by music by Lili Haydyn and Kim Carroll, a powerful metaphor showcasing what parents of autistic kids endure.
With all that said, if you have a low tolerance threshold for screaming and crying then this may not be the movie for you. Also, while horses are one of the main vehicles for Rowan's healing there is not a great deal of focus on the intricacies of this. There's lots of footage of the family riding, so you'll get to see the mongolian horses, their tack, etc. but there's not much narrative about the horses - their names, etc, like you can read in the book.
#THB-SET
The Horse Book DVD & Book Set - Save $5.99
Get both the DVD (shown above) and the book (shown below)
Save $5.99
Price - $39.95
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#BKHB
The Horse Boy - A Father's Quest to Heal His Son
by Rupert Isaacson
Softcover, 355 pages (14 pages of black and white photographs)
Price - $15.99
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Alexander the Great's Horse - Bucephalus
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About Bucephalus:
Who could forget the scene in the Black Stallion, when Alec's father gives him the little figurine and tells him the story of Alexander the Great and the indomitable Bucephalus? It's such a great story, on multiple levels. The accomplished horsemen of the day could do nothing with the stallion, but young Alexander took the time to notice what was bothering the horse, and to work around it so as to establish a rapport. The rest is history as Alexander became a mighty ruler - but did you ever stop to consider?.. He could have had any horse he wanted - surely the best in his kingdom to choose from. Yet he continued to ride Bucephalus for the rest of the horse's life, until his death at age 30.
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The Black Stallion DVDs
We all grew up reading Black Stallion books, and probably everyone's seen these movies already. But they're good enough to merit watching again, and again. Follow young Alec Ramsay as he meets the wild black stallion, tames him, and grows up. I enjoy contemplating the fact that author Walter Farley started writing the Black Stallion while he was still in high school. Think of the generations of horse loving kids (and adults) who've experienced this adventure vicariously. What an awesome legacy for a horse lover to leave.
Item #DVDBS - $14.95
The Black Stallion DVD
103 minutes
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Item #DVDBS2 - $14.95
Black Stallion Returns
117 minutes
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Spirit, Stallion of the Cimarron DVD
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OK, this is a CARTOON, folks. And it's the best horse cartoon movie ever made. From Dreamworks, (the folks who brought us Shrek) this story about a mustang in the American West is one you will really appreciate. They really did this one up right; they consulted an expert (Dr Deb Bennett - see her anatomy DVD on on this page) to get all the horse details correct. They sent the animators to our National Parks in the west so that the background scenery is accurate. The characters are loosely based on real life historical figures. And they chose a lineback dun Kiger mustang stallion as the star. It couldn't be more perfectly done. Shown to the right is a scene where Spirit is galloping in the valley under the Teton Mountains. An eagle is soaring overhead and his shadow interects with the horse's, making him appear to have wings. The film is full of thoughtful little details like this. If you're one to watch horse movies and pick out the flaws/mistakes - this one is just the opposite; you can pick out all the cool things they did RIGHT! 83 minutes run time + behind the scenes features about the making of the movie.
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Item #DVDSSC - $14.95
Spirit, Stallion of the Cimarron DVD
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