World-class equine liberty trainer Sylvia Zerbini is no stranger to performance. She and her stunning team of Andalusian and Arabian horses have wowed audiences all over the world by performing an awe-inspiring, choreographed “equine ballet” where she expertly guides up to 17 loose horses all together through a series of synchronized movements and impressive routines.
She has brought the splendor of her act all over the world, touring with global companies such as the Ringling Brothers Circus and Canada-based Cavalia, and we now have the pleasure of welcoming her to the World Equestrian Center – Ocala for three, hourlong shows. Performances take place in Arena 1 and begin at 7pm on Friday, December 17 and Saturday, December 18 with a 3pm matinee on Sunday, December 19. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to witness true harmony between horse and human; general admission for adults starts at $25 and children under 6 are $12.50. Click here to purchase tickets.
Zerbini’s masterful communication with her horses allows her to direct them both mounted and from the ground while they are moving freely at liberty, without saddles or bridles. Her team showcases almost all white horses with just two black Arabians, but all have long, flowing manes and tails that flutter seamlessly in the wind as they move around the arena. From a distance, Zerbini can cue each individual horse and groups of horses to canter in rhythm, bow, and perform other impressive routines perfectly in sync. They are a mixed team of geldings and stallions, which is somewhat of a rarity in the equestrian world where stallions, especially loose stallions, are not usually seen working calmly in harmony with other horses.
Zerbini’s performances spark wonder and mysticism as audiences are captivated by her unique ability to communicate with her team. Using eye contact, vocal cues and body language, she imitates the way horses communicate with one another in a herd. By listening and responding to the horses, horse and human act in harmony. “The work I share onstage is really just a demonstration of the transfer of energy between me and the horses,” she says. “It’s truly an impressive dynamic to see all the horses performing together.”
Her deep familial history of performance and equestrianism has lent her part of the passion she has for her work today. Her mother was an aerialist and her father, a wild animal trainer, so she learned to perform and communicate with animals from a young age. In addition to her booked performances, Zerbini also offers training sessions, clinics and aerial yoga courses here in Florida at Grande Liberté Farm, her training operation and performance center in Williston, Florida.
As a member of the audience, it is a powerful experience to watch all 17 of the horses performing together and at liberty. Book your tickets to share in the magic of this feel-good, family-friendly show.
VIP Experience
Guests interested in an up-close-and-personal experience of the show can purchase VIP tickets for $100. Enjoy appetizers, beer and wine during the show as well as a barn tour with Sylvia’s horses immediately following the performance.
Standard Winter Wonderland parking rates apply for attendees; parking will be $20 per vehicle from 4pm-9pm Thursday-Saturday. Find additional details for the holiday performances through the dedicated event website: wecwinterwonderland.com.