Andalusian on a Grand Piano doing the Passage

It is with a saddened heart to hear that Apassionata has just canceled their entire North American tour due to the European Financial Crisis as of Tuesday, June 12, 2012.

From the reaches of Europe is a traveling Equestrian Extravanganza known as “Apassionata.” Their current show “The Beginning” is now visiting North America and providing a unique opportunity to see amazing horses and riders.

For over 10 years, Apassionata has been in 15 different countries in the European continent with over 5 million guests. The show contains over 40 horses with a wide variety of breeds, along with exciting and exceptionally trained acts.

Having heard of Apassionata from my friend Charlotte Wittbom who had ridden with Apassionata on three European Tours. I had the unique pleasure of meeting and training with Charlotte at a beautiful hacienda tucked in the hills outside of Lisbon, Portugal at Morgado Lusitano.

Needless to say, when I heard that Apassionata was coming to the United States for their first tour, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to see this fabulous show.

Sparkling Icelandic Ponies

Andalusian at an Extended Trot

demonstrating perfect classical dressage form.

Knowing that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, in purchasing the tickets at Ticket Master I saw VIP tickets available. These front-row, next to the arena catered tables offer ring-side seating. There is nothing like having sand kicked in your face by thundering hooves flying past.

They do allow photographs without flash and many people were taking video with their smart phones. The lighting proved to be a photographic challenge, but choosing lighter colored horses and figuring out where the spot lights where, I was able to capture the moment.

One of the most popular acts were the acrobats and daredevils that created pyramids on top of galloping Azteca horses. I can only imagine just how much fun this group has during practice sessions. With energetic music, one’s breath is held while watching riders continuously jump up, down and all around the galloping horse.

It was great to see their sense of humor, and in particular this man and his donkey. Starting the act sleeping in each other’s ‘arms’ the man woke up to realize that the audience was there. He attempted to get the donkey up, but he just wouldn’t budge. The donkey with his head on a pillow, and warmly covered with a nice blanket, he just refused. Even grabbing the blanket to keep himself covered when the man attempted to remove it.

But at the end, the man succeeded in getting the donkey up, only to be quickly head bumped to the ground with the donkey showing who was really boss.

An elegant Portuguese rider and flamenco dancer demonstrated flavors of Andalusia.

Several times acts included horses working freely showing the partnership between human and horse. These horses showed high levels of training through voice commands,  a hand whip and of course horse cookies tucked at one’s side.

Most impressive was this elegant woman and her small herd that clearly loved and adored her.

The show is presented with beautiful lighting, incredible music and world-class equestrian acts. With no narration, one is captured in the art of equestrianism rather than getting caught up in the details.

It does help to have some understanding of the world of dressage and the movements, as well as the types of breeds offered. However, one with no knowledge of the horse world will certainly be astounded by the interaction between horse and human.

The VIP tickets we purchased provided us light refreshments, two drink coupons, a small gift bag and the opportunity to meet several horses and riders following the show. Fortunate to speak Spanish, I was able to communicate with the Spanish and Portuguese riders, while stumbling in communication with the rider from France.

Apassionata has a summer filled on their American Tour, returning to the Washington DC area in August, 2012. Plenty of tickets are still available through TICKET MASTER with the show continuing through the end of 2012.

A variety of show locations are available from Texas through the East Coast, including Toronto in July.