Jennie Turner Garlington's backstage pass at Cavalia turned into a front-and-center gig with the internationally touring horse show. An accomplished competitive rider, Garlington was touring the stables with sister Laura Turner Seydel when Cavalia tour publicist Bradley Grill threw a crazy idea her way: ride with us.
"I said, ‘of course -- I'd love to!'" she recalled. "But I didn't know if he was kidding or not."
Garlington, executive producer and host of EcoSense for Living, an environmentally-minded television show, will appear Wednesday night in the internationally touring show created by Cirque du Soleil co-founder Normand Latourelle. The daughter of media mogul Ted Turner is no stranger to live performance, having competed for years and winning the 2008 five-gaited show pleasure category in the Kentucky State Fair World's Championship, but this type of show is a new animal, she said.
"I've ridden horses in front of a couple thousand people, but this is entirely different. Everything is choreographed down to the second," she said in between rehearsals. "[But] I'm totally psyched. It's unreal. I've been spending hours and hours with the trainer and he's given me confidence. This show is such high-energy."
Grill explained that while Cavalia occasionally showcases guest riders, Garlington's appearance marks the first-time for a mother-of-four to join the ring.
"I ran it up to our artistic director and founder, Normand Latourelle, and he agreed," Grill said. "With her Atlanta family ties and equestrian philanthropic work, we couldn’t have asked for a better candidate to join us as that special guest."
Garlington wouldn't divulge details about her one-time appearance. She hasn't even told her sister, Laura, she said. But don't expect her to flip and fly from sky to horseback, just one of the many feats the regular performers dazzle the crowds with each show.
"These people are acrobats. Their level of riding is so much more advanced than what I do," Garlington said. "They are finding a very gentle way for me [to be involved]."
Extended through Jan. 3, under the White Big Top at Atlantic Station. Schedule varies but runs 8 p.m. most weeknights, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Regular tickets, $34 to $109. VIP packages, including tour of stables and cocktail/dinner reception, run from $99 to $199. Special pricing for children, students and seniors. For complete packages, detailed list of show dates and reservations, call 866-999-8111 or visit cavalia.net .
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