I would like to know if anyone attended a performance by these horses. Was it worth it? Would the rehearsal performances be just as good? Is there much walking to get there as I have a problem with much walking?

bckay--you don't say where you'll be when you see them and their shows travel. I can tell you that we live near Sarasota, FL where they train and they allow the public to attend their rehearsals on Sundays at no charge. I've only seen the performances on television, but I can tell you that I thought the rehearsal sessions were much more interesting. You got to see the close interaction between the trainer and horse(s) and it was fascinating to see how they perfected certain "tricks".

I saw them once at a mall in Paramus, NJ, about 45 years ago! I don't remember much about it.

A performance by the Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School in Austria was very good. I didn't attend a training session, though, but I'm sure they're just as worthy.

The hall where the Lipazzaners perform is in the Hofburg complex on the "city" side. Street car lines go relatively close; or you could take a taxi virtually to the door.

There is website for ordering tickets. Unless you order in advance, there is always a chance that you cannot get in. However, the most expensive hotels seem to have ways of getting tickets for the guests.

I ordered mine well in advance to make sure I had them. A couple from Central America who rode with us on the train from Salzburg had no tickets, but the coincierge at the hotel where they were residing was able to come up with two seats.

When I bought, there were two price ranges. The seating area is relatively small and there are only a few rows in a balcony like arrangement about 15 feet or so above the performing floor.

Now for the big question: Is it worth it? I saw the horses perform once; I doubt if I would bother to attend again. The riding is very sedate and slow paced. In fact, some of it looks like it is in slow motion. I think the two most descriptive terms I can think of are intricate and graceful.

If you are looking Cossack type daredevil horsemanship, you will not find it here.

We went to a rehearsal of the Lipazzaners in Vienna and did enjoy it, but were rather disappointed there wasn't more to it. We had seen a performance of the Andalusian horses (where the Lipazzaners originated) in Jerez, Spain and it was wonderful. I'm not sorry we paid for the rehearsal in Vienna, but as noted we expected more. If you will be in Vienna when a performance is available, I wouldn't hesitate going to see it. There was a performance scheduled in Vienna at the Schoenbrun, but unfortunately not while we were there.

Depending whether you are a horse person or more of a horse spectator person might make a difference on the training sessions or th performances. I am a horse person, so was far more interested in the am training sessions. I arrrived very early in the am...by the time the doors opened the lines were all around the plaza. I knew the design of the building and exactly where I wanted to be to watch. I found it most enjoyable. I did not attend a performance, as I was just not interested.

We really enjoyed the show of the Lippazzaner's at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. I'm glad we went!

Coming from a life long avid rider; I went to see the rehearsal ride when I was abot 14 years old and LOVED it. My parents (not avid equestrians) were also enthralled. Personally, I learned alot about riding, training etc that I still use to this day. But I was also entranced by the beauty, grace and power of the horses, the magnifince of the riding hall, and the poetry of the horse's and rider's teammanship. And this as a teenager.

I have also seen some of the performances of the Lippannzers in the States, and they lack what the Vienanesse performances have. Have heard this also from other equestrians, but many non equestrians love them.

Does anyone remember a childrens book, about the horses and how they were saved?
I read it as a young girl and loving horses already, was enchanted!
I would love to see them, wherever they were~
I just googled the Lippizzaners and as luck would have it, I will miss being able to see them by about a week.
January 4th, they are in Jacksonville Florida!

.

Scarlett

I think you are thinking of the comic book that reproduced the movie. It was the first thing I thought of when I saw the subject of this thread.

Unfortunately the only time I was in Vienna was in August when they do not perform or have public rehearsals.

Keith

I have a similar experience as anissa. I rode alot as a kid & teen and enjoyed it very much...I saw it in the States and enjoyed walking around and the behind the scenes training, etc.

Keith, I think you are mistaken.

Scarlett, Marguerite Henry wrote a book called the White Stallions of Lippiza which (like all of her horse books) was an absolute favorite of mine. I read it in the early to mid 60s.

We took my daughter to see the US tour of the Lipizanners when she was seven and we were all enchanted. They tour regularly I think as I know I've seen the show advertised almost yearly since.

Sorry, bckay1, that doesn't help answer your question about seeing the horses in Europe.

Be advised that the "World Famous Lippizanner Stallions" that frequently tour the USA are NOT affiliated with the Spanish Riding School. If you're a horse person and have seen both performances, you will know the diference!

I saw them practice twice on two different trips to Austria, but unfortunately never did see the show. They are magnificent animals (all animals are to me). The place where they practice with the chandelliers, etc. is really something and it is surely worth seeing if you have the time. I would like to see the actual performance at some point whether it be in the U.S. or Europe. Either way, they are a treat and you should see them if you can! Enjoy!!

obxgirl,

It is always possible I am mistaken, but I believe the "White Stallion of Lipizza" (note spelling of 2nd and 4th words) by Marguerite Henry does not discuss the saving of the horses from the Nazis. At least none of the reviews I can find mention that significant event.

Keith

Whether or not it's worth it depends on the person. My wife, son and I recent saw the horses in Lipica, Slovenia at the original horse farm (founded in 1580) and the horses and the short show they do were magnificent. All of the other breeders including those in the states are good but there's nothing like being original.

Whether or not it's worth it depends on the person. My wife, son and I recently saw the horses in Lipica, Slovenia at the original horse farm (founded in 1580). The horses and the short show they did were magnificent. All of the other breeders including those in the states are good but there's nothing like being original.

My daughter and I attended the morning exercise in Vienna, and also toured the stables. Seeing the Lipizzans perform in the Winter Riding School is amazing; such a beautiful setting for those magnificent horses. The chandeliers and plaster work... We thoroughly enjoyed the 3-hour exercise session. If you go, definitely get there early enough to get a seat on the first level, because from the second level you look down on the horses and riders, and the view isn't very good. Even standing on the first level is better than sitting on the second. And some people will get up and leave early, so often you can move to a better seat if you want to during the show. The only thing we missed in not seeing the performance was that they ordinarily do not practice the "airs above the ground" in the exercise sessions. We didn't know that in advance, or we may have sought out performance tickets. They explain that the leaps, etc. are so demanding that they don't ask the horses to do them more often than necessary. In the exercise session, about six horses are worked at a time. They exercise them for about 20 minutes, then bring in a new group. So you get to see younger horses along with the more experienced horses. It's very interesting, if you're into horses like we are. The riders do dress in brown livery, too, although not the full show attire. And if you're looking for a book about the horses, of course the gift shop there carries a very nice one.

It sounds like the rehearsals must be just as good. My elderly neighbor was telling me that her grandfather is from Salzburg, and lived across from the place where they took the horses out to exercise. She said that that was one of the things he always talked about--how magnificent the horses were, how wonderful they were to watch, and what they did. The Lipizzaner horses came to Honolulu this past weekend, and my neighbor attended their performance and was beside herself! Of course, I'm sure it's even better watching them in Austria....sigh