THE GOLDEN ARK: A MAGICAL AND POETIC JOURNEY IN THE HEART OF THE GREAT STABLES

USPA NEWS - Once Again this Year, the Equestrian Company of the Château de Chantilly invites Young and Old to immerse Themselves in a Magical World to celebrate Christmas. "The Golden Ark", a New Creation by Director Virginie Bienaimé, blends Poetry, Emotions, and Equestrian Feats in an Enchanting Show.

Once Again this Year, the Equestrian Company of the Château de Chantilly invites Young and Old to immerse Themselves in a Magical World to celebrate Christmas. "The Golden Ark", a New Creation by Director Virginie Bienaimé, blends Poetry, Emotions, and Equestrian Feats in an Enchanting Show.

The Central Character, Éloi, a Young, Penniless, and Dreamy Blacksmith, leaves his Village in Search of a Fabulous Treasure. Along the Way, he will confront a Tyrannical Queen, Overly Talkative Princesses, Deceptive Mirrors, and Bewitching Reflection Women. Fortunately, Grillon, a Mischievous and Playful Spirit, watches over him and protects him. At the End of his Journey of lnitiation, Éloi will discover that the Most Precious Treasure may have been hidden where he least expected it.

Under the Direction of Sophie Bienaimé, Equestrian and Artistic Director of the Grandes Écuries, the Riders of the Equestrian Company, accompanied by an Actor, Two Acrobats, and Their Horses, bring this Fabulous Christmas Tale to Life.

Through Fourteen Equestrian Scenes with Very Different Themes, L'Arche d'Or will transform the Dome of the Great Stables into a Dreamlike World where Humor and the Spirit of Christmas meet to enchant the Whole Family.

Virginie Bienaimé explains:
"The ldea for The Golden Ark came to me while rereading The Little Prince. It evokes that Nostalgia for the 'Home' One has left Behind, the lnitiatory Quest, the Encounter with Fascinating and Absurd Adults. Here, Our Hero has more in Common with Pinocchio: he is Irresistibly Drawn to Everything that glitters and travels in the Company of Cricket, his Conscience, and a Nod to Jiminy Cricket. The High School Dressage and Jockey Vaulting Acts, the Costumes—designed by Monika Mucha—inspired by the World of Tim Burton, and the Music Accompany the Emotions of the Audience and set the Rhythm of the Show."

- The Cast:
* Created and Directed by: Virginie Bienaimé
* Equestrian and Artistic Director: Sophie Bienaimé
* Costume Design: Monika Mucha
* Costume Design Assistant: Maëlle Boireau
* Lighting Designer: Thomas Jacquemart
* Sound and Lighting Technicians: Corentin Flèche and Sophie Justin
* Creative Assistant: Mathilde Pouteau
* Vaulters: Benjamin Grain and Tristan Gossart
* Actor: Clément Nique
* Riders: Sophie Bienaimé, Jade Chaudin, Lisa Courtaud, Clémentine Marguerat, Mathilde Pouteau, Amélie Schoeller, Laurie Trouvain, Clémentine Viret

- Alternating:
* Spanish horses: Bellero, Enganoso, Espartaco, Fedoro, Galan, Julio, Koala, Lully, Maximus, Sultan, and Toriano
* Arabian horse: Esfahan
* Portuguese horses: Danubio, Encantado, and Lotus
* Cruzado (Spanish and Portuguese Cross): Balzac, Gatsby
* "Boulonnais Draft Horse": Udo
* "Percheron Draft Horses": Otchao and Cobain
* Welsh Pony: Massaï
* Shetland Ponies: Izalco, Lenwee, Pedro, Zig-Zag
* Mini-Shetland Ponies: Bambino, Caporal, Colonel, and Rigolo
* Donkeys: Pepito, Pirate, and Séraphin

About The Château Equestrian Company:
The Château de Chantilly Equestrian Company is renowned for its lnternationally Acclaimed Shows, presented Under the Majestic Dome of the Great Stables, in a Circular Arena 13 meters in diameter. The Living Museum of the Horse, founded in 1982 by Riding Master Yves Bienaimé, is Part of the Great Stables and has hosted Performances since 1984.

For Over Forty Years, Thousands of Visitors from around the World have traveled to admire Unique and Refined Creations. Under the Artistic Direction of Sophie Bienaimé since 2006, the Equestrian Company perpetuates the Art of Traditional French Horsemanship through Ever-Evolving Performances.

- Practical Information:
* Dates: November 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
* Showtimes: 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
* Location: Dome of the Great Stables, Château de Chantilly
* Duration: 1 Hour

- Showtimes at 2:30 p.m.:
* November: 29, 30
* December: 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
* January: 2, 3, 4

- Showtimes at 4:30 p.m.:
* November: 29, 30
* December: 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
* January: 2, 3

Source: "The Golden Ark", a New Creation by Director Virginie Bienaimé
November 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Showtimes: 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

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