The Lipizzaner stallion is one of the most magnificent horses to behold. It's delicate grace, beauty and classical style defines it as a real leader of its breed.
It's ease to train and reception to trainers and audiences makes it a beloved animal to both care for and entertain. Audiences worldwide pack coliseums and arenas to watch the stallions perform and respond gracefully to the applause and appreciation.
The History of the White Horse
Closely associated with the Spanish Riding School, Lipizzaner stallions have a rich tradition of training including classical dressage and militaristic movement.
Completely white or more scientifically correct “gray,” the Lipizzaner stallion is not a truly white horse. Born dark, usually black, Lipizzan’s are unlike true white horses whose skin is pink and eyes are light, mostly blue. Just the opposite, Lipizzans have black skin and dark eyes. They become lighter each year as the graying process takes place. After about six years, the horse is completely white.
Black and Brown Lipizzaners are rare and often considered to bring good luck. The Lipizzaner is a strong horse with powerful shoulders and muscular legs.
Stallion Names
Named after the Austrian province, Lipizza, the horses were bred at a royal stud farm that eventually broke up resulting in the division of the horses between Italy and Austria.
With a long line of history, breeding practices and training, Lipizzaner stallions with worldwide registries can be traced to six classical foundation stallions:
- Favory
- Neopolitano
- Siglavy
- Pluto
- Conversano
- Maestoso
Lipizzan breed registries have traditional naming patterns for stallions. Traditionally given two names, the first being the name of the sire (father) and the second being the name of the dam (mother), Lipizzaners’ names often re-appear.
Today’s Lipizzaner Stallion
Today, the Lipizzaner stallion performs at exhibitions and classical shows worldwide. They’ve also been featured as the subject in several books, shows and movies.
The stallions almost always travel alone, meaning, there are no mares in the bunch. Mares usually aren’t as sturdy as the stallions and therefore aren’t able to leap and balance. However, they do make beautiful carriage horses.
The Lipizzaner stallion has a life span of up to as high as 35 years. Their training consists of patience, appreciation and kindness.
The horse is known as a gentle being who responds to praise, appreciation and applause. He rebels almost immediately to force. Thus, he is trained through delicate and subtle demands. Small inferences and movements from his rider lets him know that an action is required. He responds favorably, synching his relationship and admiration from both rider and spectator.
If ever the opportunity arises to see the Lipizzaner stallion up close and personal, it’s a show that shouldn’t be missed. Equine and non equine lovers alike will be purely delighted at the precise, well calculated, classical dressage movement of the incomparable Lipizzaner stallion.
Sources:
Vtliving.com "Lipizzaner Stallions"
Laconia Dudley Dunn - Writing for the masses, Laconia Dunn has a sincere passion for writing. From relationships to self protection and everything in between ...
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