History:
The Lipizzaner is associated with Vienna’s Spanish Riding School in Austria. It is also bred extensively in Hungary, Romania, Czechoslovakia and Slovenia. Each country produces a somewhat individual type. The origin dates back to the 16th century.
Environment:
Cool, Temperate
Breeding:
The Lipizzaner is descendent of Spanish horses; the name comes from the stud at the Lipica, in Slovenia. In 1580, the stud was created when 9 stallions and 24 mares were imported from the Iberian Peninsula. The intention was to produce a line of showy, predominantly white horses. They are suitable for both saddle and harness.
Characteristics:
The conformation of the breed is reminiscent of an all-around cob. These Hungarian-bred horses are great carriage horses and, thanks to the Thoroughbred, have a greater scope and more freedom of movement. They are long-lived and capable of performing difficult movements into their twenties. They stand between 15.1 and 16.2 hands. The head shows a clear Arabian influence, while retaining the profile of Spanish breeds. The neck is thick and short; the shoulders are well-suited to harness. The withers are not pronounced and the action tends to be high. The legs are short and powerful with hard hooves.
Influences:
The Spanish horse contributed its natural elegance, strength and spirit.