Horsing around

Young Chang

When Gilles Ste-Croix looks into the eyes of a horse, he says he sees

the history of man.

Good, evil, war, peace, the importance of a decision made 3,000 years

ago when man chose to ride a horse instead of eat it.

They’re emotional animals with sharp memories and distinct

personalities, said the former director of creation for Cirque du Soleil.

And because they carry a beauty and grace and sense of humanity,

Ste-Croix has paired people with horses to showcase equestrian artistry.

“Cheval -- Imagination at Full Gallop,” which will open at the Orange

County Fairgrounds for three weeks starting Wednesday, stars more than 30

horses and 30 people. Acrobats, actors, musicians, dancers, trainers and

17 breeds of horses will perform a theatrical show in a 46-foot center

ring, under a tent designed like a fairy-tale castle from the Loire

Valley in France.

The international cast for “Cheval” includes equestrian choreographers

Bernard Quental, known for his work with “Zingaro,’ and Igor Kassaev,

heralded for his performance in “Riders of the Night.”

Moves involve acrobats standing on running horses, jumping from them,

doing gymnastics and turning other tricks on the moving animal.

Breeds include Belgian Percherons, Haflingers, Canadian horses and

Spanish horses whose look has been emulated by artists and sculptures

throughout time.

“In the show, I tried to enhance the human relationship with these

animals,” said Ste-Croix, the creator. “They’ve been a strong companion

of man for more than 3,000 years. They’re a big support for what we’ve

become as a civilization.”

Caroline Mace, an acrobat in the show who is part of a drill/vaulting

number, says working in “Cheval” is about more than just performing on

top of a horse.

“We use the horse’s movement to propel our own movement,” she said.

“It’s not like a bicycle. The horse might change a movement or he might

decide to take a look at the man wearing a bright yellow shirt. You

always have to concentrate on the moment.”

Ste-Croix said that a general interest in horses is coming back.

Though people don’t depend on them for transportation or manual labor

anymore, audiences like seeing them up close and getting to know their

talents.

“I think people like to see a preoccupation with natural things to

feel nature so close in this environment,” he said.

The Montreal resident grew up with horses on his family’s farm. He

rode them, drove carts that were led by them and grew to respect their

stylish grace.

Ste-Croix wants his audience to have the same close-up experience.

“When people come in, they’ll go through the stable. They’ll go

through the stable and see up close, get to ask questions to the

groomers,” he said. “It’s like walking through the backstage of a theater

and seeing the artists prepare.”

FYI

* What: “Cheval -- Imagination at Full Gallop”

* When: Wednesday through April 7. Show times are 8 p.m. Tuesday

through Friday, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 and 5 p.m. Sunday.

* Where: Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

* Cost: $49 or $30

* Call: (877) 528-0777