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Whether in their home country of Austria or on tour internationally, the infamous Lipizzaner stallions draw large crowds who gaze in awe at the graceful and bold movements of these horses and their riders.
The Lipizzaner is a breed of horse known for their compact, powerful size. The first breed originated at a stud farm in the village of Lipizza (in present-day Slovenia, which in the 16th Centurt was part of the Hapbsburg Empire. It was there that horses of Iberian/Berber blends were bred with the local Karst breeds to form the Lippizanner). This period of renaissance for Europe found countries finally emerging from the dark, brooding Middle Ages. Educated citizens looked to Roman history to enlighten their worlds and were particularly struck by the Roman's admiration of the horse. Reading detailed Roman accounts of proper equitation and of Caesar's famous white horse, the Lipizzanner's light gray coat and balanced form caught the attention of Austrian royalty. The Spanish Riding School was born in 1572 to revive Roman traditions in training horses and their riders. Although the school was an Austrian creation, the title of "Spanish Riding School" was applied to reflect the origins of the horse that was the center of the school's attention.
Today the Spanish Riding School is said to teach the purest form of classical dressage in the world, all exclusively done with Lipizzanner stallions. Teaching methods are not documented but passed down orally from generation to generation. The result is a flawless communication between horse and rider. But of what use is graceful prancing and dramatic equine leaps through the air? The Renaissance also stirred European desires to visit -- and at times conquer -- their neighbors. In the age before fighter planes and tanks, the horse was crucial to a country's army. Not only did the horse provide transportation, but was also used as a weapon. The Riding School's special moves such as the levade and courbette -- where the horse rests its body on its haunches -- would be quite intimidating to the attacking foot soldier. The flashy capriole -- where the horse jumps in the air and punches his legs out behind him -- could seriously injure anyone within close range. Fancy moves aside, the rigorous training created an understanding between horse and rider - a sort of silent communication - that proved crucial in the middle of a noisy, clamorous battle.
Although horses are no longer used in battle, classical dressage is still practiced among horse-enthusiasts who are trying to achieve the ultimate understanding with their horse. Students at the Spanish Riding School usually spend ten years in training, learning all aspects of horse care. The program is very demanding and usually two out of every four students either leaves or is dismissed for failing to reach the high standards of the School. Spanish School riders take a special interest in training their horses and the utmost care is given to ensure the horses are not taxed beyond their means. The Spanish Riding School is also at the center of maintaining the robust lines of these famous stallions.
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