Lebanon, Pennsylvania — Putting together a 20-minute show takes hours of preparation. Each stunt, each bit requires meticulous planning.
The stakes are high because the consequences can be painful.
“If I make a mistake, I know which direction it will go,” said Rusty McCrae. “Everything we do comes with some degree of danger. The thrill factor.”
Areli Equine Entertainment is a collaboration between the two and their families. McCray is the presenter and host. Laurie Lee is an acrobat.
The two travel and perform during the summer. On this furious July day, they attended a trade fair in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and delivered their act to a group of grateful spectators. In the background, a spinning Ferris wheel and the sounds of fun games could be heard.
Laurie Lee and Rusty McCray teamed up to found Areli Entertainment, traveling to trade fairs and other venues to wow crowds with trick riding and showmanship.
McCray and Lee are trained in a variety of stunts, from western trick riding to Rosinback riding. Everyone rides horses. They then offer the audience the chance to circle the ring with his $5.
Both performers have been in the business for decades and their motivation is always the same.
“Most of all, it’s great to put a smile on a child’s face,” says McCray. “We get a lot of fun from having the opportunity to travel and exhibiting horses.”
McCrae is the voice of the show. He quickly draws the audience in and delivers an amusing line of dialogue. Lee brings the wow factor.
Lee sprints around the ring in various poses. It looks effortless largely because she worked hard to make it look that way, and her experience in ballet led her down this path.
“Having an affinity for dance and acrobatics helps,” Lee said. “But for me, it was something I saw once and I was like, ‘Oh, I can do that.’ And I can.
A stay-at-home mom from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, Lee incorporates her three children into the show. The eldest son Shay is in charge of the sound board. Her daughter Alaina is an assistant in several acts. Younger son Monty completes the trick with his mother. Each child has found his own niche.
This is Lee’s side project. How to make a little extra money. She did not leave her home unless her children could join her.
“I like it because it’s beautiful, it’s funny, it’s clean,” Lee said of the show. “It’s good for your kids. It’s for adults. Everyone enjoys it.”
Five horses took part in Lebanon: Brother, Puccini, Zoe, Joey and Lucky. They are owned by his McCray and Lee.
McCray’s trick is Roman Riding. He stands on his two horses that patrol the ring slowly. The horse is not tethered and pulling away can be a scary situation. This week’s show was particularly bold. Because McRae had brought in a new horse.
“So far,” he said. I’m talking more now and significantly reducing performance. I am the voice she is talented That’s what I want to say to everyone. I can do it myself too. ”
After they finished in Lebanon, McCrae and Lee broke up for a few weeks before getting back together for another trade fair in Perry County in August. recovered after being stalled by
“It doesn’t matter if you have one show in the season or many,” Lee said. “There are months of preparation. But either I love it or I won’t.
The bleachers were packed for one of Aleri’s last performances in Lebanon. McCray and Lee provided several shows each day during the week-long event.
They stood on horses, wrapped themselves from their horses, and raced around the arena at a fast pace. The show is a passion project and a jolt of excitement.
“Whether it’s full or two, we’re doing the same thing,” says McCray. “They all paid the same amount to see us. We try to make it good for everyone.”
Part of the fun of trick riding is not knowing what will happen next.
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