Lipizzano Horse

For four centuries the Lipizzano horse breed has been formed and consolidated, which originated in the hard earth of the Carso, in Lipica-Lipitza pronounced, Slovenia. In Roman times, there was much riding on karst, the forefather of the Lipizzano, which inhabited the barren pastures of this region.

The gray horse blood was mixed with Spanish, Neapolitan and Arab Kladruber. Thus was born the Lipizzano today, known for its beautiful white coat, for its intelligence and its movement, its attraction lies precisely in its harmonic motion.

In the sixteenth century Slovenian land belonged to the Austrian Hapsburg monarchy. The monarchy was great and to dominate it, the horses were essential to the needs of the court, to transport mail, and also for the Spanish Riding School. Spanish horse breeding, which was the most important and distinguished in Western and Central Europe, began to wane, the Austrian monarchy decided to secede and create their own horse breeding.

For these reasons, the Austrian Archduke Charles II (prince enthroned Slovenian regions under the Austrian crown), purchased on May 19th 1580 for the Lipica people with their surroundings (being convinced that the karst terrain resembled the ground Andalusian and Italian) a stable full of his herd of horses karstic. Thus began the breeding of horses of the first class.

At first these were called “race horse breeding Lipizzano karst”, however, two hundred years ago they changed the name to” Lipizzano”. During these years, sometimes for the wars that were gorged on the Karst region, Lipizza horses were moved to other parts of Austria and Hungary, but always returned to this hometown.

However, after the Second World War, the horse herd of Lipizza was divided. Half of them were transferred to Italy, the other half to Austria, and after many efforts, the Anglo-American authorities (under whose authority Lipizza was under then), only eleven returned to Lipizza. Lipizzano horses then belonged to Yugoslavia. Lipizzano Knight, who had previously owned more than 300 horses, had to start over.

The Lipizza stud farm (the farm measured 311 ha) and today it has been proclaimed a cultural monument of the Republic of Slovenia. In Slovenia, Lipizzano there are over 600 horses remaining, 308 in the stables of Lipizza and 300 in private breeding farms.

The race is present worldwide, especially in Europe and the United States but also in Australia and Africa. However, there are only about 6000 Lipizzano in the world, and a good half of them are stallions. In 1986 they founded in Lipizza, the International Association of Lipizzano Breeders (Lipizzan International Federation).

There are 6 original lines of stallions: Pluto; Conversano; Napolitano; Favory; Maestoso and Siglavy. And the race mares: Spadiglia; Argentina; Africa; Almerina; Presciano; Englanderia; Europe; Stornella; Famous; Deflorata; Gidrana; Djerbin; Mercury, and the new lineage Theodorosta Slovenian Rebecca.

In school training they use only the best horses that show a supernatural intelligence and a strong body. Born each year in Lipizza Lipizzano are approximately forty horses. The mares with their young, graze on the pasture and at the age of 3 ½ years, foals begin to “go to school.” The fifth year, breeders, on evidence, decide who will enter high school training, and who will be castrated and used as tourist horses or work horses (the latter are also offered for sale).

The Lipizzano are among the oldest horse breeds in the world. Its height is between 155 and 160cm, its head is noble, with a broad forehead. Its “swan” neck is long and muscular, although not one of Lipizzano’s higher horses, the shape of the neck makes it even more elegant. Its back is quite long, but strong and is straight. Its legs are slightly shorter with the joints well formed and it has strong nails. Its eyes are bright, lively and intelligent, its ears shapely, medium sized and their nostrils are wide.

Although we usually associate with the white Lipizzano or at least the gray (the one desired by breeders), this is not always the case. The Lipizzano can often be dark gray, black, brown-gray or dark brown. What is true is that everyone is born to grow very dark and their skin becomes increasingly clear. Some turn white at the age of 3 or 4 years, others, it’s over 15 years.

Temperament

The Lipizzano is a kind and cheerful character. It needs very careful and loving attention to get used to their owner or trainer. If you come to establish a strong friendship with this horse, it will be able to do much. However, if it is neglected and ignored, it becomes quite an indomitable creature because its emotional intelligence is very well developed.

For the former it is typical of this race to mature rather late, the same applies to longevity, modesty and perseverance. Traditionally it is distinguished as a horse for training (classical equitation). For this resolute and harmonious way, its longevity, ability to learn and exceptional conductivity is more appropriate for schools in high-level training of other races.