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.
“I believe Frédéric 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 of Tellington TTouch Training™
and author of many books including The Ultimate Horse Behavior and Training
Book
FRÉDÉRIC PIGNON and MAGALI DELGADO were
born to horse-loving parents in the south of France. They both developed quite
radical ideas about the treatment of horses and when they married in 2003
it was as if they had been made for one another. Horses became their passion
and their family. An extraordinary Lusitano stallion, Templado, entered their
lives and showed them that they had not only much to learn about horses but
much to “unlearn.” The only way to tame this uncompromising but beautiful
and talented horse was to go along with his wishes. This “reversal of roles”
is now the key to their approach, the success of which has been illustrated
by Frédéric’s ability to perform in front of huge audiences with up to six
loose stallions, and by Magali who, with her horse Dao, has reached the summit
of European dressage competition. Frédéric and Magali were the founders of
Cavalia, along with Normand Latourelle, which toured the United States
and European capitals from 2004 to 2009 playing to more than two million spectators.
In addition they have worked with such leading figures as Corky Randall (trainer
for the legendary film The Black Stallion), Don Manuel Vidrié Gómez
of the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, and Linda Tellington-Jones.When
not performing, Frédéric and Magali live in France on their family’s breeding
farm, raising horses in accordance with their principles. It would indeed
be surprising if we do not soon hear about new exploits of this remarkable
duo. Follow them at www.pignon-delgado.com.
DAVID WALSER is a man of many interests and pursuits--writer
of short stories and poetry, part-time teacher of poetry to primary school
children, water color artist, ceramicist, cellist, composer for pianoforte,
keen gardener, translator, and one-time horse owner but of very modest riding
ability. He fell into this book by accident, rediscovered his passion for
horses through that so clearly exhibited by Frederic and Magali, and now believes
that, if he takes up riding again, he will be a better horseman--and, he hopes,
a better rider!
192 pp • 8 ¼ x 10 ¼ • 187 color photos • 978 1 57076 420 2
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GALLOP TO FREEDOM CONTEST WINNER!
Val Bentley of Lisbon, Connecticut, was the lucky winner of our “win a live phone conversation with the authors” contest. She is a full-time emergency room RN at her local hospital and a lifelong horse-lover. She has two horses: Peter, a 21-year-old Morgan gelding, and Fyrstic, a 10-year-old Arabian gelding. Val loves to trail ride and has been competing in competitive trail rides and endurance riding for about 12 years.
“I loved the book Gallop to Freedom, and ordered my friend a copy for her birthday,” says Val about her winning book order. “We were both lucky to have seen Cavalia when it was in Boston a few years ago. It's something I will never forget. I look forward to speaking with Frédéric and Magali and will take what I learn from them directly to my horses.”
