French equestrian magic: the Cadre Noir

Montpellier received in December 5th, 6th and 7th the famous gala of the Cadre noir from Saumur. 69 € for a correct seat: it looks expensive, but contributing to the expenses of this gorgeous team of splendid horses and riders is a priviledge, the transaction was very fair given the quality of the show, and well, it is less expensive than going to Saumur.

I have, by the past, seen beautiful equestrian shows. Lipizzans in Vienna, Crinières d'Or in Avignon, Bartabas & Zingaro & the Versailles academy of equestrian arts, Jean-François Pignon, Lorenzo... I have an inclination to dressage. It is less spectacular at child's sight, but it is upsetting. I am sooo lucky I could witness lessons given by Lucien Gruss, Catherine Henriquet, and the regretted Michel Henriquet, a maître écuyer who past away a few days ago. Michel Henriquet studied 30 years long with Nuno Oliveira, the portuguese master. He was 90 years old. I was tetanized in front of him. I once rode a stallion at his place, just to see. I was tetanized by the horse too. He was sweet but I was lost, perfectly sure that he expected me to possess a science I didn't have and wished me to ask passage, croupade and all the stuff he did so gracefully.

Seing the Cadre Noir for the first time in reality was quite a treat.

Xmas before Xmas.

The gala is sober on some points: the riders (female and male) are extremely discreet (dark clothes and hats, and this will to focus and let the audience focus on the horses). Military discipline. Old school elegance. All the horses are bay or chestnut, with one or two exceptions. Same size, just as crazy horse dancers, for perfect choregraphies... The orchestra is good enough.

But it is art.

Those horses jump well - military tradition - but they also dance. They know so well Bizet's Carmen that they could certainly play it. They are supernatural. One could easily worship them.

   

 

 

"The creation of the French National Riding School was aimed at organizing the teaching of riding in France; its vocation to prepare for high level teaching diplomas and top level competition. Under the wing of the Minister for Health, Youth and Sport, the National Riding School is founded on the knowledge and experience of the ecuyers (Riding Masters) of the Cadre Noir who have rediscovered their ancestry at Saumur; with a mission to develop horse training, to teach riding for sport, and to teach the equestrian professions.  

All the teachers of the National Riding School are members of the Cadre Noir. The principal purpose of the ecuyers, each one a real expert in their own discipline, is to pass on their technical and theoretical knowledge. They also have to train and keep in condition the horses presented in the Reprise de Manège (Musical Ride), and those who perform the airs above the ground, as well as representing the school in national and international competitions. They are also entrusted with the preparation of the horses used in the training of their pupils.  

Taught by the great masters and with a great interest in the evolution of riding, the ecuyers of the Cadre Noir actively support and influence French equitation by their public presentations in France and abroad."