- Although the Lipizzaner is not built to be a fast horse, its powerful hindquarters do enable it to perform complex show movements. The “dancing Lipizzaners” of the famous Knie Circus are known and admired throughout the world. The precise, perfect movements of these horses are possible only after years of rigorous training. For the first few months, young stallions are trained on a lunging rein. In this early time, the young horses learn to obey commands and to trust their trainers. Next, the young stallions are ridden. At first, they simply learn to go forward. But mainly they are learning to understand and follow the riders’ directions. Then they can learn the walk, trot, and canter. Over time, the lessons become more and more complex. After a great deal of training, the horses become more flexible, and they are better able to balance themselves. The end result is graceful movement and absolute control of their muscles to make a stunning and seemingly effortless performance.
- The Lipizzaner is one of the most athletic and intelligent of all the horse breeds. It has short, powerful limbs with flat joints and strong bones. Lipizzaners stand 59-62 inches (150-157 centimeters or about 15 hands) tall. They weigh an imposing 1,000 – 1,300 pounds (450-585 kilograms). They have hard hooves as a result of the rocky, limestone country surrounding Lipica. Lipizzaners have a calm, placid temperament, making them very disciplined students.
- Lipizzaners are probably the rarest, most aristocratic breed of horse in the world. They are descended from six lines of stallions named Pluto, Conversano, Neapolitano, Favory, Meastoso, and Siglavy, and eighteen families of mares.
- Besides the classically trained Lipizzaners, there are other types, as well. Some Lipizzaners are bred mainly as workhorses. These horses are ideally suited for agricultural work because they are heavier and smaller than the school horses. A bigger, free-moving Lipizzaner, perfect for pulling carriages, is bred in Hungary. The Lipizzaner is also appreciated as an outstanding recreational riding horse. The powerful haunches, strong backs, intelligence, and grace of all the Lipizzaners have made this a popular horse the world over.
- The days of the Lipizzaner as the parade horse of the royal courts were over long ago. Today, these horses are ideal for leisure riding. Good-natured and intelligent, they are a versatile recreational and sport horse. They are particularly successful in driving competitions. In Hungary, Lipizzaners are crossed with trotter to improve their chances of winning international horse races.
Lipizzaner Facts
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