We would like to see the Lipizzan stallions while we are in Vienna in May. Would like to go to the training sessions rather than the show & are wondering if there are long lines to get in. Also, any suggestions on seeing a ballet while we are there ? Best way to get tickets ? Many thanks

Many tourists line up long before the beginning of the Morning fexercise for the White Horses. Then a mad dash to get a seat.

No need to do this - just arrive 30-45 minues after the beginning - you csn usually walk directly in and find a seat left vacsnt by an early visditor.

their website
www.srs.at

stop across the street from the Riding School hall itself. This is the stable area . Normally some of the horses will be watching you from their deluxe stalls.
They also cross from the stable to the Riding School at frequent intervals- easy to be very close to them if you wish.

Several performances of the Hommage to Jerome Robbins during the month of May at the State Opera.

Check schedule here

www.wiener-staatsoper.at

You can order tickets on line following instructions on the site.

The training session is NOTHING compared to a scheduled show. They do not do or practice the "show" but rather bring the horses out to warm up and practice their individual movements in different parts of the ring.

All this can be interesting for AWHILE, but at least watch a video from your library of the show at one point so you get a real feel for the choreography of the entire piece.

I am an absolute horse fan and had had enough of the training session after a shorter while than I ever imagined.

we booked on line months in advance because we wanted front row seats for the show. expensive but very good, if you have a real interest in horses.

would not bother with the practice.

The practice is of highest interest if you know a bit about dressage riding. If you don't, however, it is likely to get boring soon.

If you are a big devotee to horses and their performances , an actual show may be helpful . But for a casual visitor , the Morning Exercise is quite sufficient and certainly much more economical in my opinion.

Many not realizing the nature of the performances pay very large sums for seating only to come away not so happy.
This is not a circus, and the routines are fixed with deep history behind them.

When I went to Vienna there were no shows or practices on the day I was there so I did a tour of the stables and the rest of the bldgs.
All of the horses were in their stables and you could see them up close and personal. No touching because they could bite but they were mostly hanging out right at the stable doors and you could really get close. You could say their names and their ears would perk up, I loved it. I would have loved to see a show but that was not possible last trip.
I went in the morning to buy a ticket and the guided English tour was mid afternoon.

I like horses, but I am not what you would call a horse show fan. I knew nothing about dressage prior to my visit to Vienna. I did some reading and I got tickets to see the actual performance. It was a highlight of my trip.

Thanks to all for your advice ... Very helpful