Horse Community Rallies Around ‘Valitar’ Performers

The producers of the equine extravaganza “Valitar” at the Del Mar Fairgrounds abruptly cancelled all shows shortly after Opening Night last month, leaving behind unanswered questions as to why the show did not go on.

The show featured 25 human performers and 50 horses of various breeds, and had serious competition from another, better organized horse show currently under way next to Petco Park downtown, “Cavalia.”

The performers that suddenly found themselves without a show have found support from other hose lovers through a benefit production of Sylvia Zerbini’s “Liberte,” to be held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m.

Zerbini’s show will feature 25 horses and humans performing acrobatic feats and aerial choreography.

“Liberte is a show that expresses sensitivity, a story of friendship, instinct and good luck, a tribute to horse and man, expressing the complicity that has developed between human and horse, our horses being the key element that gives unique energy to our stage,” Zerbini said.

Tickets are $35 for grandstand seats, $75 for box seats and $100 for VIP box seats. They are available at the fairgrounds box office across from the clock tower, open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tickets can also be bought online at Ticketmaster.