Over 40 horses are ready for their close-up as Cavalia, the multimedia equestrian spectacle, prepares for opening night in Edmonton Tuesday.

Joining the show for the next year are five-month-old foals Sirius and Canopus from two farms in Leduc County.

Named after the two brightest starts in the night sky, the foals open and close the show to mark the evolution of the relationship between humans and horses, said rider Fairland Ferguson at a media event Thursday.

“It’s only natural to start with a baby. At the end, you bring it back to the baby horses, which brings you back full circle. (After) all the stuff we just saw with these horses, they start off so delicate and new, tender and little. It gives you an overall appreciation,” she said, adding that the horses won’t become part of the regular cast, but will be sold to caring homes after their run is over.

All horses at Cavalia are purchased before riders are chosen to join the crew, making sure that the rider and horse can establish a strong relationship. All the acts are based on rider and horse ability.

“Everyone is very different, and it’s really based on the time with the animal, patience, respect and things like that,” said Ferguson.

“Horses very rarely have problems, it’s normally rider error. We keep that philosophy here at Cavalia, and we really try to weed out bad riders.”

The horses go on vacation in between each show, and most recently spent a few days at the Amblelea Meadows in Leduc County before being set up in the show stables at the city centre airport.

The show has been extended until Oct. 7 due to strong ticket sales.

Cavalia facts

• If the horses are being transported for more than a three-hour drive, they are flown using a cargo 747, especially overseas.
• The show is home to 48 horses, including 16 stallions and 32 geldings, 11 different breeds and origins from around the world – and right here in the capital region.