Lipizzaner Horse

Pictures like this one have made the Lipizzaner one of the best known breeds in the world. The displays of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna (and on tour) are always popular.

In the sixteenth century, Archduke Charles of Austria imported Andalusian stallions, the premier dressage horses, to cross with local mares at the Lipizza Stud.

Origin: Austria.

Colour: Usually born very dark grey, lightening to white when mature.

Height: 15.2 – 16 hands.

Conformation: large straight head, small ears, crested neck, compact body, powerful quarters and clean legs.

Character: intelligent, willing.

Uses: high-school dressage and driving.