The latest equestrian DVD title to be released by Equestrian Vision is Le Cadre Noir De Saumur and José Van Dam, an impressive display of the French National Riding School accompanied by live orchestral music and opera.

The Cadre Noir De Saumur has its origins as the French Military academy but has now evolved into the National Riding School, supported by the French Government.  The School is a centre of excellence and riders go there to train up to top level, particularly in the Olympic disciplines.  With superb facilities, the centre also hosts many national and international competitions as well as being home for some 400 French bred horses.  The public displays that take place regularly are a means of demonstrating the credibility of their teaching, as well as contributing to the running costs.

The programme records the spectacular show when Le Cadre Noir De Saumur perform with renowned opera singer, José Van Dam.  Impressive displays of dressage, jumping and “haute école”, as well as work in hand, long reins and in pillars, emphasize the accuracy of their training.  The displays are accompanied throughout the show by music from the Orchestral Ensemble of Brussels, directed by French conductor, Mélanie Thiébaut.

In addition to the main programme, there are some interesting bonus films including a history of the Cadre Noir and interviews with the Riding Master, Colonel Loïc de la Porte du Theil, two of the riders who take part in the show and one of the grooms.