Clémence Faivre has caused quite a stir in the equestrian world with her theatrical horse shows.
Grace and Faivre —
Clémence Faivre has caused quite a stir in the equestrian world with her theatrical horse shows.
Joe Scarnici/Getty Images
With sumptuous costumes and mastery of some of dressage's most difficult moves, Faivre is bringing equestrianism to new audiences around the world. The levade maneuver -- where a horse rears up and holds a pose on its hindquarters -- is one of several she performs in her shows.
Grace and Faivre —
With sumptuous costumes and mastery of some of dressage's most difficult moves, Faivre is bringing equestrianism to new audiences around the world. The levade maneuver -- where a horse rears up and holds a pose on its hindquarters -- is one of several she performs in her shows.
Joe Scarnici/Getty Images
Faivre is trained in the Haute Ecole or "High School" of classical dressage.
Grace and Faivre —
Faivre is trained in the Haute Ecole or "High School" of classical dressage.
Courtesy Clemence Faivre
Faivre trains her trusty stallion Gotan. The 32-year-old says it takes about two years to train a horse in a particular skill. Here, Gotan can be seen perfecting a Spanish Walk.
Grace and Faivre —
Faivre trains her trusty stallion Gotan. The 32-year-old says it takes about two years to train a horse in a particular skill. Here, Gotan can be seen perfecting a Spanish Walk.
Courtesy Clemence Faivre
Faivre has eight stallions in total including this Welsh pony Romeo.
Grace and Faivre —
Faivre has eight stallions in total including this Welsh pony Romeo.
Courtesy of Clemence Faivre
Dressage was developed to improve the obedience and maneuverability of cavalry horses. Today, the discipline lives on in more peaceful events like the Olympics.
Grace and Faivre —
Dressage was developed to improve the obedience and maneuverability of cavalry horses. Today, the discipline lives on in more peaceful events like the Olympics.
Joe Scarnici/Getty Images
Part of the fun of doing the shows is dressing up. "I take my ideas from movies and I get them made by a French (design) studio -- they make many costumes for opera, theatre, movies, designers," Faivre says.
Grace and Faivre —
Part of the fun of doing the shows is dressing up. "I take my ideas from movies and I get them made by a French (design) studio -- they make many costumes for opera, theatre, movies, designers," Faivre says.
Joe Scarnici/Getty Images
"I think costume is really really important. When you make a show -- the music, the lights, the costume, the horse, the choreography is altogether. If something is missing, it's not the same," Faivre says.
Grace and Faivre —
"I think costume is really really important. When you make a show -- the music, the lights, the costume, the horse, the choreography is altogether. If something is missing, it's not the same," Faivre says.
Joe Scarnici/Getty Images
Faivre has performed in 10 countries and visited the U.S. for her first shows at the LA Masters in September.
Grace and Faivre —
Faivre has performed in 10 countries and visited the U.S. for her first shows at the LA Masters in September.
Joe Scarnici/Getty Images
The 32-year-old has performed in Europe, Asia and Africa -- most recently at the Salon du Cheval d' El Jadida in Morocco.
Grace and Faivre —
The 32-year-old has performed in Europe, Asia and Africa -- most recently at the Salon du Cheval d' El Jadida in Morocco.
Xaume Olleros/Getty Images
Faivre signs autographs during a break between shows at the LA Masters.
Grace and Faivre —
Faivre signs autographs during a break between shows at the LA Masters.
David Buchan/Getty Images for Masters Grand Slam Indoor
Faivre and Gotan. "It would be hard to find another horse like him," she says.
Grace and Faivre —
Faivre and Gotan. "It would be hard to find another horse like him," she says.
Courtesy Clemence Faivre