The journey of every equestrian has its own unique destination. Clémence Faivre was 12 years old when her father gifted her with her first horse. Ironically, this was around the same time she met world- renowned equestrian stuntman and trainer (Mario Luraschi) who would become her future husband. Her love and dedication for horses was the genesis of what made her the triple threat she is today: an equestrian star, accomplished stunt woman and aspiring actress. When she performs alongside Gotan her horse the crowd is often mesmerized by the connection they have. It is clear that they share an intense and unique bond which has blossomed into a true partnership forged through trust and genuine love. Faivre has full trust in her horses and performs without a bridle or saddle. Her remarkable performances have resulted in worldwide invitations, with a captivating show in Saudi Arabia at the end of 2019. The breath-taking show was glittered with a rich storyboard, enchanting music, and complex figures and asymmetrical movements. As the first foreign female rider to perform on horseback in Saudi Arabia, Faivre hopes to go back again soon.
How are you able to have such incredible communication and harmony with” Gotan” your horse
I have a very special relationship with Gotan, he only needs to speak… We were made for each other. He is an extraordinary horse and it’s because he is so exceptional that I have been able to do such things with him. We’re nothing, without a good horse.
He is the most generous, intelligent, and sensitive horse I have ever encountered. He’s a real partner and he never lets me down. We know each other by heart.
What training techniques do you use to communicate with your horses?
I do not choose in advance the figures of my horses, I take advantage of the character and the aptitudes of each one. I make them do what they like to do, and the figures for which they are most gifted. If I see that he does not like a figure or they are not talented I make them do something else … It changes everything, I am free, I take the best of each horse. It is also true that I make aselection at the start of my horses …Without a bridle, I teach the horse the « leg languages ». It takes many months of preparation, I only take off the bridle when I feel that I don’t need to use the reins and that I can control him completely with my legs, my voice and my body. It’s a wonderful feeling of freedom and fusion with your horses. My philosophy is that I want the horse to feel good with me, that he likes my company. I mean that’s the point, otherwise for what to make dressage? I don’t want a slave or a machine that obeys to my order, making a figure, I want a friend, a partner. My horses are part of my family! He didn’t choose this life, he will spend his whole life with me, it’s better that we enjoy both of us and spend a good time together. That’s the minimum I can do, my best to make him happy…
What types of off-horse activities have you found to be helpful to your riding over the years?
I love dancing, that makes me feel very good and its fun, just for pleasure. Listening to some music makes me dream about new performances. Movies, and different artists give me inspiration for costumes.
Who was your inspiration and who have you trained with throughout the years?
Horses are the best Inspiration. When I get a new horse, it’s a great new story! It’s always very exciting, discovering his character, his morphology and mobility that will inspire me for a new show. Then I will adapt myself to him…I train many horses in Haute Ecole and Freedom technique. I have show horses that I will never sell, those ones are part of my family and I have others that I prepare for business. I sold Kahlo an incredible palomino Lusitano horse to the wonderful singer Shania Twain. He was fully dressed in Haute ecole (training) without a bridle and in complete freedom. I have sold horses to Thailand, South Africa, Italy, Dubai.
You have performed all over the world, what was your most memorable experience?
The very 1st time I presented my Freedom show with Gotan in Saintes Marie de la mer (France), Bahrain in front of the king, Oman in front of the Sultan, unforgettable.
But what I am most proud about was my first time performing in Saudi Arabia in Damman.” it was absolutely amazing”
How was your experience in Saudi Arabia? You were the first woman ever in Saudi to perform in public on horseback? How did it feel?
It was very exciting, and I saw in women’s eyes something different. It was much more than a horse show; it was a new era starting!
I was the 1stwoman on stage dancing with my horse, in complete freedom, without my hair or body covered.
It really meant something for them. They were full of questions, who I was, where do I come from, how did I do that, they were very very excited. They watched me as an extra-terrestrial! I think they didn’t know that a woman would be able to do that! When I left the arena to go to the stables, it literally took me two hours to make 50 meters. Everybody wanted to take photos with me and to touch my horse. It will be one of the most remembered and wonderful times I have experienced in my career. That’s the show I am proudest of, as an artist and also as a woman…
Will you be returning soon to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, I hope, I would love to.
Is it true that you also practiced stunts and trained as an actress?
Yes, I have started to train for trick rides and have doubled for different actresses in several films.
Will you continue and have you been in any films?
Why not? I like it and it changes my routine. If I have time I would love to.
Your horses have also performed in fashion shows such as Franck Sorbier Haute Couture, how was that experience?
I loved it! And I love Franck Sorbier and his wife Isabelle. I love what they do, their creativity, their style. Each costume is a real piece of art! It’s so beautiful and I am very happy to work with them! It’s very exciting to work with my horses so close to the public. They are perfect for fashion shows and I think that’s even more impressive and new for the public. Unfortunately, due to the Corona Virus all of our presentations and shows had to be cancelled
We heard that you breed horses and own a stud farm for thoroughbred horses, can you give us some more information?
I breed Lusitano horses, they are the best for my work. Everything about them is artistic, their beauty, morphology, the way they move, their personality, they are real dancers.
I founded my own breeding of Lusitano with a Veiga blood base, primordial. All my mares are mothers, daughters or sisters of exceptional horses in dressage and Haute Ecole. All my mares came from the great champion Navalheiro, son of the famous Opus 72 or the great champion Novilheiro, brother of Opus 72. I have an outstanding stallion, FUEGO FG, one of my best horses. I love fine horses, with lots of blood, intelligent, generous and courageous. I look for horses with strength and movements but with above all an exceptional character …
I have been concentrating on the development of my lusitano horse breeding. and I also give master classes in my farm in the north of Paris.
With so many experiences what are the future plans and goals?
Life has already spoiled me, I do a job that I love, I have a wonderful husband, and wonderful horses. I feel very grateful about everything I have.
I live the life that I always dreamt about. The only thing that I miss in my life now is a child and then it would be a perfect paradise…
We all at Al Sharkiah Thank you Clemence
For further information, http://www.clemencefaivre.com/contact/
Text by Suna Ahmed
