The Lipizzaner (Allen Guides to Horse & Pony Breeds) [Paperback]

'Beautifully illustrated . . . a fitting homage to the
world-famous Lipizzaner'

'Una Harley is in love with these beautiful white horses . . . So
ancient, so beautiful, the Lipizzaner is living history'

Since 1580, Lipizzaners have been bred by the Hapsburgs, the Royal family of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to be used in the Royal carriages and as riding horses in the Royal Courts, including The Imperial Riding School in the Hofburg in Vienna. The pure Lipizzaner is a rare breed, due partly, at least, to its turbulent history. There are approximately 3,500 in total in the World today, of which the majority are in the State Studs of the countries that originally formed the Austro-Hungarian Empire. These baroque horses are especially famous for their exceptional schneeweiss colour - snow white or silver white - and for their amazing ability to perform all the athletic movements of the 'Airs above the Ground' and the classical dressage to music unique to the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Packed with information about the breed's history and stunning photos, this new guide is a fitting homage to the world-famous Lipizzaner.

Since seeing the Dancing White Horses of The Spanish Riding School of Vienna at their first performance in England after World War II, Una Harley was determined that one day she would ride the Lipizzaner. She has been a guest of The School since 1973, and was offered the opportunity of adding pure Piber Lipizzaners to her already highly successful Starrock Stud in 1979 with her first mare Orasa by Maestoso Capriola, and then, in 1984, her first stallion Siglavy Alda from Vienna, fully trained up to levade by Chief Rider Krzisch. She was a pupil of Chief Rider Franz Rochowansky, who also helped her keep her stallions schooled. She founded The Lipizzaner Society of Great Britain in 1984 of which she is Chairman and she is Vice-President of The International Lipizzaner Union (ILU).