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Naples Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC), a non-profit organization providing therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-facilitated group services to children and adults with physical, social and mental health needs, will once again host the Gala of the Royal Horses, an elaborate traveling horse performance featuring eleven beautiful horses from around the world including Lipizzaner Stallions, Andalusian, Friesian, and the Arabian breed and a Quarter Horse.

A portion of the ticket sales and concessions from the two shows will benefit NTRC’s mission and operations. Concessions will be provided by Earth, Wine and Fryer Food Truck and Birdie’s Gelato.

The shows will be held at NTRC’s main covered arena at 206 Ridge Drive, Naples on Dec. 29 and 30 at 7 p.m.

“The highly-acclaimed performance was last held at NTRC in the summer of 2021 and was so well received it sold out leaving audiences wanting more,” said NTRC Executive Director Martin de St. Pierre. “We are thrilled to be partnering with The Gala of The Royal Horses once again to bring this wildly entertaining, family-oriented equine experience to Naples while raising critical funding for our expanding programs.”

About the Show

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The Gala of The Royal Horses is created, produced and led by world-renowned riding master Rene Gasser, who with the experiences of seven generations has recreated an event only previously seen at the famous riding schools in Vienna and Spain. The Lipizzaner Stallions and the Andalusian horses come from Spain, while the Friesian horses are from the Netherlands, and the Arabians come from the Arabian Peninsula.

The Royal Horses of Europe are some of the most celebrated in history, favored for centuries by royalty, equestrian riders and bullfighters. This performance will celebrate the tradition, athleticism and grace of these revered creatures. The entertaining shows feature the beautiful horses, outstanding performers, elaborate costumes, and traditional movements.

“The unique qualities of the Royal Horses single them out from all other breeds in the Equine world. Their physical beauty and grace, coupled with exceptional courage and nobility make them an object of admiration and a source of inspiration for horse lovers everywhere,” Gasser said.

The horses will perform traditional maneuvers that were once used on the battlefield such as The Airs Above the Ground, Roman Riding, and The Art of Garrocha. There will also be bareback riding performances. The Arabians perform by standing on their back legs.

Gasser said it is a rare occurrence for people to see these beautiful horses live adding that “there are only a handful of shows in the world that do what we do.”

Ticket Information

Tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for children ages 4-12. VIP tickets are $60 for adults and $30 for children and include preferred front row seating and an opportunity to stay after the performance for a special “Meet & Greet” and photo opportunity with Rene Gasser, riders and horses. A $5 donation to the Naples Therapeutic Riding Center is included in the ticket price. Tickets will be available at the door one hour prior to showtime and can be purchased in advance online GalaOfTheRoyalHorses.com or by calling 361-332 6305.

About Naples Therapeutic Riding Center

Established in 1997, Naples Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with a mission to improve the lives of children and adults with physical, social and mental health needs through therapeutic riding and other equine-related programs. With a dedicated staff, herd of 16 horses and the assistance of nearly 400 volunteers, NTRC provides unique equine-assisted therapies to more than 800 participants per year. Through fundraising efforts, the organization is able to provide this vital therapy to those who need the service most, regardless of income level. Services are provided in partnership with local non-profit organizations and through physician referrals for individuals living with special needs and a range of emotional, learning and developmental disabilities. NTRC is the only Center in Collier County accredited at the “premier” level by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. For more information on programs or volunteer opportunities, visit NaplesTherapeuticRidingCenter.org or call 239-596-2988.