In pictures: behind the scenes at Cavalia

One of Cavalia's stallions nibbles on a bit of sugar. Silvia Razgova / The National

Emilio, a Canadian-born Percheron. Silvia Razgova / The National

Orion, one of the Cavalia's stallions poses, as he and the other horses and their riders line up for a picture. Silvia Razgova / The National

Cavalia groom Charlene Zubrickas re-braids the maine of French horse, Renato. Silvia Razgova / The National

Professional farrier, David Gingras, 34, from Quebec, Canada, demonstrates care of a stallion's hoof. Silvia Razgova / The National

Stallions and their riders walk around as they're being introduced to the media at the Cavalia stables. Silvia Razgova / The National

Katie Cox, a 27-year-old US performer and one of Cavalia's stunt riders, looks up to her horse, Emilio, a Canadian-born percheron. Silvia Razgova / The National

Julian Beaugnon from France and his horse Junior. Silvia Razgova / The National

Merlin, 6, a percheron breed, the Cavalia's tallest stallion, says hello to Troubadour, a 15-year-old miniature stallion and the smallest horse in the stable. Silvia Razgova / The National.

Troubadour walks past his much taller cohorts. Silvia Razgova / The National

Nacarado, a Spanish Purebreed stallion, reaches out to his caretaker. Silvia Razgova / The National

Preparations at the Cavalia stables. Silvia Razgova / The National

The Cavalia equestrian show prepares for the Qasr Al Hosn Festival in Abu Dhabi.