WESTPORT, CT – February 10, 2010 – With Equestrian Idol just a few days away, the pressure is really on for the singers. The producers of Cavalia will have the 2010 winner of Equestrian Idol sing during an upcoming Cavalia performance. The contestants, undiscovered talent with the potential of a musical career, are accomplished equestrians and take time from their busy schedules to help raise funds for The EQUUS Foundation. In its 4th year, Equestrian Idol has raised more than $600,000 and over 400 people attend the event annually.

Proceeds from Equestrian Idol will be used for grants to equestrian and horse-related charities involved with the equestrian sport, horse rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, foster care, and retirement, equine ambulance services, and veterinary education and research. Grants are also awarded to charities that provide therapeutic riding or equine-assisted activities to individuals with physical, emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities, life-threatening or other serious illnesses, and underserved, economically-disadvantaged youth. 

 “Equestrian Idol’s contestants are already accomplished riders and the winner will have the opportunity to combine their passion of singing by performing alongside our 4-legged stars. We have never had a guest singer in the show and we are thrilled to be partnering with Equestrian Idol and The EQUUS Foundation,” says Cavalia founder and artistic director Normand Latourelle. “It’s going to be a lot of fun, all while helping a great cause that is paving the way for excellent philanthropy in the equestrian world.”

Seen by over 2.5 million people worldwide, Cavalia is a tribute to horses and a celebration of the relationship that we have enjoyed together. This multimedia extravaganza features more than 100 two- and four-legged artists, including beautiful horses of 12 breeds, riders, acrobats, aerialists, dancers and live musicians. It is this combination that sets the mood in the majestic White Big Top, the largest touring White Big Top in the world.

Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec (Canada), Cavalia is the brainchild of Normand Latourelle who has become renowned for producing popular events throughout the world. The show is currently running in Miami through February 28, 2010. To date, more than 50,000 people have witnessed Cavalia’s magic. Since opening night on January 19, Cavalia has played too sold out audiences every night. “Our artists and staff love Miami and our horses enjoy being in the sun and eating the grass in Bicentennial Park,” says Normand Latourelle. “In addition, with the way tickets sales have been going, we could stay forever!

“We are thrilled that Cavalia has given this tremendous opportunity to the winner of Equestrian Idol”, said Lynn Coakley, President of The EQUUS Foundation. “I am sure that our 2010 performers – Dianna Bricker, Heather Caristo, Hillary Dobbs, Casey Hodges, Jordan LaPlaca, Brian Lookabill, Colton Mason, and Rick Rockefeller-Silvia, along with Ki-Juan Minors and Jen White Kane, the 2008 and 2009 Idols – are up to the task.”

“Thanks to these performers and the guests that have attended our events, we have been able to award over $1.3 million in grants to equestrian and horse-related charities across the United States since our first awards in 2003 and help the public understand how horses enrich and empower us, not just in the competitive arena, but in our everyday lives,” she added. “We are honored to be associated with Cavalia.”

Cavalia’s on tour publicist, Bradley Grill has signed on as a Judge for the Equestrian Idol event, joining judges Margie Goldstein-Engle, Leslie Howard and Frank Madden on Friday, February 12, 2010, at the International Polo Club in Wellington, Florida.

To R.s.v.p for the Equestrian Idol, please contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., by phone (203) 259-1550, by email at  equus@equusfoundation.org, or R.s.v.p. online at About Cavalia