Originally from Austria, the Lipizzaner is a superb horse with a rich history. Culturally linked to the Spanish Riding School located in Vienna, the Lipizzaner is a very good low and high school dressage horse. In addition to having all the qualities for dressage, the Lipizzaner is a versatile horse that can be used both for driving and jumping.
Breed History
The Lipizzaner is one of the oldest horse breeds in Europe. Created by the Imperial Court of Austria more than 4 centuries ago, the breed indeed benefits from a long history. Resulting from the crossing between Arabian horses and Spanish horses, the Lipizzaner was then crossed with Italian horses and Slovenian horses. 8 stallions were finally selected during the 18th and 19th centuries to form the basis of Lipizzaner breeding.
Threatened with extinction during the Second World War, the breed was finally saved thanks to the intervention of an American general called George S. Patton.
Good to know: The Lipizzan takes its name from the Slovenian village “Lipizza” where a Stud Farm was created in 1850. This region of Slovenia which was then Austrian was to supply horses to the Spanish School of Vienna.
Physical peculiarities
His head: the head of the Lipizzaner is expressive. The eyes are large and dark. The forehead is flat and broad. The muzzle is straight with a slightly hooked nose. The carriage of the head is haughty.
Its neckline: powerful, the neckline is set high. Baroque, it is curved on the top line.
His body: in general, the body of the Lipizzaner has a powerful framework. It is harmonious and fits into a square. The withers are slightly marked. The shoulder is long and oblique. The chest is wide and deep. The back is long and muscular: it ends in powerful loins. The croup is round and massive.
Its limbs: the limbs are short and powerful. The tendons are dry. The joints are strong and the hooves are well formed.
His dress: the Lipizzaner’s dress is almost exclusively gray, although some individuals may be black or bay-brown. The dress is silky.
His hair: the hair is fine.
His gaits: the gaits are supple and energetic. The movement of the knee is typical of the Lipizzaner: higher than for other horses, it contributes to the beauty of its step.
Depending on the line from which he descends, the Lipizzaner can be more baroque or more sporty.
The Lipizzaner is a horse that is both intelligent and firm. If he does not forgive the fault, he is not a resentful horse. He is therefore a very good school horse. He is energetic and curious. He likes to work, remains obedient and voluntary.
Kind, he is also patient and knows how to adapt to the level of his rider. The Lipizzaner is faithful and loyal: it is the horse of a lifetime.
Use
With its rhythmic gaits and its ability to collect, the Lipizzaner is particularly gifted in high school riding. Dressage, leisure riding and driving are some of the disciplines in which he excels.
A curious horse, the Lipizzaner can adapt to any equestrian practice. CSO, TREC, Eventing, working equitation, endurance, show… Everything is possible with him.
His amplitude and frankness make him a very good horse. Its hard and sure foot also allows the Lipizzaner to travel the most beautiful hiking trails.
