Areli Equine Entertainment riding performers play tricks on their sleeves |

Lebanon, Pa. — It takes hours to prepare for a 20-minute show. Every stunt, every bit requires careful planning.

The stakes are high because the consequences can be painful.

“If you make a mistake, you know which way you’re going,” says Rusty McCray. “Everything we do, there is a certain danger. A motivating factor.”

Areli Equine Entertainment is a collaboration between two people and their families. McCree was the emcee and host. Laurie Lee is an acrobat.

The two spent the summer traveling and performing. On this hot July day, they presented their performance to an admiring audience at a fair in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. The background is the spinning of the Ferris wheel and the joyful sound of the game.

McCray and Lee are trained in a variety of stunts, from Western stunt riding to Rosinback riding. All are on horseback. Afterwards, they offered spectators a chance to ride around the ring for $5.

Both performers have been in the industry for decades, and their drive has always remained the same.

“Most importantly, it’s amazing to put a smile on the kids’ faces,” McRae said. “We had the opportunity to travel and get a lot of fun out of showing the horses.”

McCree is the voice of the show. He quickly captivated the audience and provided interesting lines. Lee brings the wow factor.

Lee accelerated on the ring while posing in different poses. It looks effortless, mostly because she works so hard to make it look like this. Her ballet background led her on this path.

“It helps develop an affinity for dance or acrobatics,” Li said. “But for me, it’s something I’ve ever seen and I’m like, ‘Oh my word, I can do it.’ I can.”

Lee, a stay-at-home mom from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, brought her three children to the show. Eldest son Shay is in charge of the soundboard. Daughter Alayna is an assistant in certain actions. Younger son Monty completes the trick with his mom. Every child has found his or her niche.

This is Lee’s side business. A way to earn extra income. She won’t leave the house unless her children can join her.

“I love that it’s beautiful, fun, and clean,” Lee said of the show. “It’s good for your kids. It’s good for adults. Everyone loves it.”

Five horses took part in the Lebanese show: Brother, Puccini, Zoey, Joey and Lucky. They are owned by McCree and Lee.

McCree’s knack was Roman riding. Standing on top of the two horses, he patrolled the ring slowly. The horses are not tied together, so if they decide to separate, it could be a dire situation. This week’s show is particularly daring, as McCree is breaking into new horses.

“So far,” he said, “I haven’t been cast out. I’m talking more now and acting a lot less. I’m the voice; she’s the talent. That’s what I want to tell everyone. There’s something I can do myself. .”

After finishing in Lebanon, McRae and Lee parted ways for a few weeks before reuniting in Perry County in August. After the first two summers were stalled by the pandemic, opportunities for performances have increased.

“It doesn’t matter if we have one show in that season or a whole bunch of shows,” Lee said. “We had months to prepare. But I liked it, otherwise I wouldn’t have done it.”

The stands were packed with Arelli’s final performance in Lebanon. During the week-long event, McRae and Lee put on several performances each day.

They rode on horses, draped on horseback, and galloped around the ring at breakneck speed. The show is a passionate project and exciting thrill.

“Whether it’s a full house or two people, we’re going to do the same thing,” McRae said. “They all paid the same amount to watch us. We worked hard to make it good for everyone.”

Part of the fun of stunt riding is that people never know what’s going to happen next.

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