Lipizzaner Horse

The Lipizzan horse is a special breed: of medium growth, a deep and broad horse. Its height is some 160 cm measured by cord, and has got the shape of a lying rectangular. Its lively eyes give an intelligent look. The ears are well positioned, a long and muscular neck is set high, as well as the tail which is thick and nicely supported by the horse. The mane and the tail are of thick, silky mane. The legs are strong, muscular, the joints are well-marked and broad. Moving on the Karst ground makes the hooves very hard indeed, but rather small for the size of the horse, and well shaped. The stride is high and gracious, energetic and unique, proud and dignified, which made the Lipizzan horse excel as a parade horse over other breeds, and for the Riding Academy. All the beauty of the Lipizzan is seen in motion: its grace lies in the harmony of movements. Its imposing bearing and the famous stride made it famous world-wide. This breed is known as extremely solid and late mature horses: they are fully developed with at the age of seven, and can live up to the age of thirty and be still useful for work. A particular feature of them is that they are not born white but bay, black or grey. It is only later, usually between the sixth and tenth year, that they turn white, gradually over grey. There are also dark coloured Lipizzan horses.

An important measure in the selection work is the qualification test of the breeding stock. Ever since the stallions had to prove that their good traits, work capacity, obedience, suppleness and endurance under saddle and in span were passed on their descendants. Only those stallions which were four years in training ("school") and met the requirements of the breed, could become breeding stallions in the Lipica stud. This demanding test over hundreds of years made the Lipizzan horses strengthen their excellent qualities, such as good nature, reliability, the elegance of gaits - a reliable and really imposing stride, and good learning capacity.

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