We are partnering with Cavalia to bring you info about the show. For 10% off gold tickets or 15% off VIP tickets, use the promo code: HORSE

If you've driven around Nashville lately, you've probably seen billboards like this--

The billboards are everywhere and they're causing quite a stir. People are wondering --

"What is this show about?"

"What's with the horses?"

"What is that white, gargantuan (not an exaggeration) tent being set up on Briley Parkway, near Opry Mills mall?"

I'll have details about the show itself in a later post. (Cavalia is hosting our family on opening night, so I'll let you know how family-friendly it is, and if it's worth coming to town if you live outside of Nashville.)

For now, I want to show you a sneak-peek into the lives of the stars behind the show.

Are they being ethically and humanely treated?

That was my main question.

In light of tragic stories from Barnum and Baileys and circus shows of the like, I was very curious about the treatment of the 65 horses performing during this big-stage road show. I think that any entertainment group that includes animal performances has a duty to highlight the behind-the-scenes experiences of those animals.

The staff from Odysseo invited us out to a farm in Franklin for an exclusive and up-close look at their 4-legged performers. 

Here's what we learned.

Marco Leprohon, Artistic and Equestrian Operations Director for Odysseo, spoke with us right after the horses had arrived in Nashville. Among many things, he explained how the horses are handled, how the show manages adequate rest for the horses, and what happens after a horse retires. 

My kids came along; here's what we all learned.

The horses:

• perform 18 numbers in the show
• are microchipped and have passports
• receive two turn-outs per day in open paddocks
• are matched with loving families once they retire from the show or seem to tire of performance life
• are trucked to new show locations or flown in a 747-aircraft
• are given 9-10 days vacation before each show

That's where we found them -- on vacation.

It was a beautiful thing to witness these majestic and muscular horses up-close. I can't wait to see them on show-day. I hear they are a force to behold.

Side note:

Now all my daughter wants for Christmas -- is a horse. Please pray for me.

Read more: For more info about the horses and upcoming Nashville performances