A Sanctuary Where Every Horse is a Star

Anyone that has volunteered at Mid America Horse Rescue knows that releasing a horse from its halter to join a corral full of others is a magical experience:

Enthusiastic and carefree, the horse kicks up a bit of dirt and canters over to his buddy to say hello, before rounding the corral in a series of footraces. The sleek brown figures float among the dust clouds, basking in their freedom.

Witnessing a moment such as this, one cannot help but feel the impact of Mid America Horse Rescue’s efforts in rescuing ex-racehorses from slaughter.

It's this awe-inspiring grace that inspired Normand Latourelle, creator of Cirque du Soleil, to develop the show Cavalia, http://www.cavalia.net/en. The "Equestrian ballet," opens in St. Louis on March 21.

Performed in the largest touring tent in the world, the horses to move freely, and are enhanced with multimedia projection, lighting, live music, acrobatics, dance and aerial artistry. The fairytale setting encourages the audience to discover the natural wonder of horses. Each act serves as a tribute to the relationship between man and horses throughout history.

According to Erick Villeneuve, director, "Everything is done with the horses in mind." Following a philosophy focused on nurturing the horses and maintaining their well-being, the bond is continuously strengthened by the amount of respect and tenderness given to the stars of the show. For the Cavalia team, performing each show is accomplishing "A dream of freedom, cooperation and harmony."

Touring for 9 years across North America and Europe, Cavalia features 38 riders, aerialists, acrobats, dancers, and musicians and 55 horses. The variety of breeds include: Appaloosa, Arabian, Ardennais, Belgian, Lusitano, Canadian, Comtois, Criollo, Oldenburg, Paints, Percherons, Quarter horses, Spanish purebreds and Warmbloods. Latourelle praises the horses as some of the greatest in the world.

At Mid America Horse Rescue, keeping the horses in the limelight is our mission as well. Saving them is our first act and enabling them to thrive is our concept.

We understand that each horse has a past and strive to understand them and their personalities. Each volunteer plays a role to fulfill the organization’s dream of second chances. Volunteers connect with the horses opening the gate for an exchange of hello and returning neigh, a good rub under the neck and a quick peppermint treat. Our horses find their own ways to get attention, following the fence line, prancing in pairs, or giving a grunt as you pass the stall.

Whether you are fortunate enough to see Cavalia or not, we invite you to come out for a visit to Mid America Horse Rescue, and experience the magic that takes place every single day at our stables.

The horse is at the center of everything we do, and it’s amazing what can be accomplished when horses and humans work together.

-Katie Schergen