Horses - The Lipizzaners
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Home Family -> subcategory Pets.
The Elegant Lipizzaners: A Legacy of Grace and History
Introduction
Among the world's many horse breeds, the Lipizzaners stand out as paragons of elegance and grace. This article aims to capture the essence of these extraordinary horses, highlighting their rich history and distinctive traits.
A Glimpse into Lipizzaner History
The Lipizzaners trace their noble lineage back to the ancient Iberian Horse, one of the oldest breeds known. Originally bred as war horses, their ancestors were trained in movements designed for battlefield effectiveness.
The breed was formally established in 1590 by Archduke Charles II of Austria. He founded the first stud farm in Lipizza, then part of Italy, by crossbreeding Iberians with native Italian horses. This blend was further refined with Spanish, Italian, and Arabian horses, producing the graceful breed cherished by the Royal Court in Vienna.
In 1735, Charles VI founded the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. This prestigious institution, the oldest of its kind, trained both horses and riders in classical dressage, a hallmark of Lipizzaner fame. During this time, the bloodlines of the breed began to be meticulously recorded.
Key Bloodlines
Of the original nine studs, six primary bloodlines are maintained by the Spanish Riding School and the Lipizzaners of South Africa at Kyalami. These are considered the purest:
- Pluto (1765, grey)
- Conversano (1767, black)
- Favory (1779, dun)
- Neapolitano (1790, bay)
- Siglavy (1810, grey)
- Maestroso II (1819, grey)
While light-grey and white stallions are favored for shows, traditions hold that having at least one bay horse brings good fortune.
Lipizzaners are identifiable by unique brands indicating their lineage, including an "ancestral brand" and a "brand of descent" on the left cheek, often an "L."
Recent additions to the recognized bloodlines include Tulipan (1850) and Incitato, which have gained acceptance among modern breeders.
Survival and Global Influence
In 1920, the Lipizzaners were moved from Lipizza to Piber, Austria. World War II nearly led to their extinction, with only 250 horses surviving. Fortunately, General George Patton intervened, rescuing them from the clutches of war.
In 1948, Count Elemer Jankovich-Besan brought some of the horses to South Africa, gifting a stallion to Major George Iwanowski. This led to the establishment of the Lipizzaners of South Africa School, one of only two accredited centers in the world alongside the Spanish Riding School.
Characteristics and Conformation
Lipizzaner foals typically start with dark or black-brown coats and transition to light-grey or white by four to ten years of age. While duns and bays exist, completely black Lipizzaners are rare. Known for their longevity, many live well into their 20s or even up to 34 years.
Only stallions are trained for dressage, selected based on specific conformation traits:
- Height: 15.2 to 16 hands (155 to 160 cm)
- Head: Slightly aquiline or Roman-shaped with wide-set eyes
- Neck: Crested but balanced
- Body: Equal back and neck length, strong chest, sloping shoulders
- Legs: Shorter for "Airs Above the Ground"
- Musculature: Well-defined without heaviness
- Mane and Tail: Thick, full, and soft
Classical Dressage Mastery
The Lipizzaners perform breathtaking dressage moves, akin to ballet:
- Levade: Horse poses at a 45-degree angle, haunched above ground
- Courbette: Balancing on hind legs and hop-stepping
- Capriole: Leaping with forelegs tucked and hind legs kicking
- Piaffe: Cadenced trot in place
- Croupade: Similar to capriole, with both fore and hind legs tucked
These performances are awe-inspiring, offering horse lovers a captivating experience.
Cultural Significance and Modern Status
Slovenians hold Lipizzaners in high regard as their first purebred breed, intending to feature them on euro coins. With only about 3,000 purebreds registered today, breeders are increasingly employing these horses in harness. Slovenian stallions are used for dressage and crossbreeding for agricultural purposes. The Lipizzaner remains the sole breed at the Spanish Riding School in Austria.
In essence, the Lipizzaner is a testament to the beauty and resilience of this extraordinary breed, and an experience every horse enthusiast should seek out.
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