THE FULL STORY: In 1993, a majestic Lusitano stallion stepped into the spotlight at the famed French equestrian exhibition Crinières d’Or (Golden Manes). Named Templado, he stole the show – and continues to do so, wherever he goes. Handsome and powerful, with a long, cascading mane that even Rapunzel would envy, he’s a dreamlike image from a fairytale. His aura is magical as he dances around the arena, performing such beautiful movements as the levade and a graceful bow to his master’s silent signals. According to renowned equestrians Frédéric Pignon and Magali Delgado, Templado is as astounding a teacher as he is a performer. Foaled in 1985 on the Delgado farm in southeastern France, the lively son of Perdigon VI was sold as a yearling but returned three years later as a rebellious young stallion. Although his name is Spanish for “temperate,” Templado was anything but! In fact, he was hypersensitive, unpredictable and resistant to traditional teaching. So Pignon tried game-playing to build respect and trust. Progress was slow, but humility and patience won out. Eventually, Pignon learned that to keep Templado happy, one must allow him to feel free. Now the luminous white stallion is the star of Cavalia, an acclaimed traveling show that blends dressage with liberty work and even Roman riding. It’s a multimedia extravaganza, featuring horses, dancers, riders and acrobats performing in perfect harmony before an ever-changing background. Templado’s staggering beauty also makes him a natural for commercials and advertisements. So complete is his trust in Pignon that he even agreed to roll in the mud for one photo session! Yet this supreme showman can still be temperamental. Will he allow you to stroke him? Or will he shake his long mane and gallop away? Welcome to the many moods of Templado.
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