The Lipizzaner (or Lipizzan as it is called in North America) is one of Europe’s oldest breeds of horse. It is also arguably one of the most well-known due to the Spanish Riding School of Vienna and the famous rescue which took place during World War II by American troops and was recounted in the Disney movie Miracle of the White Stallions.
A Lipizzaner performs the Levade.
The Lipizzan is descended from the Spanish horse that was produced by the Moors in the 8th century by crossing Barb and Arab stallions with Iberian mares, creating a sturdy yet beautiful animal. During the Renaissance, a light, fast horse was needed for the military and also for the riding school for the classical riding revival. In 1562, Maximillian II of the Austrian House of Habsburg imported Spanish horses and founded the court stud at Kladrub; his brother Charles set up another imperial stud farm in 1580 in Lipica (Lipizza in Italian] which was the origin of the name Lippizaner.
The horses bred at Kladrub were of the heavy carriage variety, while the horses from Lipica were lighter carriage horses and riding mounts. Six stallions from the 18th and 19th centuries made up the foundation sire lines: Conversano, Favory, Maestoso, Neapolitano, Pluto, and Siglavy.
The Capriole. (Bob Langrish photo)
Uses
In addition to performances at the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Lipizzaners are used for carriage driving, pleasure riding, and competitive dressage.
For more information, visit:
Lipizzan International Federation
Lipizzan Association of North America
A Lipizzaner performs the flying kick.
