Where to sit at Spanish Riding School
Dec 31st, 2004, 02:38 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Where to sit at Spanish Riding School
We are interested in attending the show not the training sessions at the Spanish Riding school. In looking at the website tickets range from 150 euros for what looks like seats at the short end of the arena, to 27 euro seats for what looks like the long end of the arena.
I have read other posts from those attending the training sessions stating to sit on the first floor rather than the upper floors. Where exactly would this be in the arena, the short section or the long end? This may not make sense to anyone that has not looked at the website for tickets but if anyone can help I would appreciate it.
I have read other posts from those attending the training sessions stating to sit on the first floor rather than the upper floors. Where exactly would this be in the arena, the short section or the long end? This may not make sense to anyone that has not looked at the website for tickets but if anyone can help I would appreciate it.
Dec 31st, 2004, 03:05 PM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,637
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi
I can speak to what happens during a performance.
The horses and riders enter from one short end of the arena, and proceed to approach the opposite short end of the arena, where I was lucky enough to be seated. So, from the opposite end, on any level, you have a straight on view, whether on the ground level, or levels above. From the long sides, on any level, you can shift slightly to one side and see them very well, but you are not facing them as they approach, only as they move about, which they do a lot of.
I can speak to what happens during a performance.
The horses and riders enter from one short end of the arena, and proceed to approach the opposite short end of the arena, where I was lucky enough to be seated. So, from the opposite end, on any level, you have a straight on view, whether on the ground level, or levels above. From the long sides, on any level, you can shift slightly to one side and see them very well, but you are not facing them as they approach, only as they move about, which they do a lot of.
Dec 31st, 2004, 03:14 PM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,637
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I meant to add
even the lowest level of seating is slightly above the level of the arena itself. The upper levels are obviously much more removed from the action, and you will be seeing an aerial view of their moves more than what their feet are doing on the ground.
even the lowest level of seating is slightly above the level of the arena itself. The upper levels are obviously much more removed from the action, and you will be seeing an aerial view of their moves more than what their feet are doing on the ground.
Dec 31st, 2004, 08:30 PM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,019
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The horse show is in a small, very elegant arena, and all seats are raised above the floor in what I would call a balcony except those at the ends.
Standing room is behind the seats, of which there are precious few. I don't think 150€ buys that much better of a place to view. It isn't like you are in the Atlanta Dome to watch a football game.
Attendance struck me as being less than 2,000 because the spectator area is small.
If you sit at the end, you can be right down near the horses. Perhaps that is worth 150€ to people.
I guess the horsemanship is flawless, and the epitome of classic dressage. But, don't expect a rodeo type of peformance. There will be no Cossacks galloping by doing rolls under the horse's tummy, scooping hats off the ground, or riders standing on one arm while racing around the pit.
It looked to me like slow motion.
It was sedate, stately, dignified, regal, and precise; it was not an action packed thriller with daredevil stunts. The riders even tip their hats in slow motion.
If I sound less than bowled over, it was because I was definitely underwhelmed.
Don't get me wrong on horses. They are absolutely beautiful. I thought them to be magnificent, noble specimens of equine breeding, and they were beautifully conditioned.
But I like to see horses do what they do best -- run and jump. These regal beauties have been taught to strut and prance in a most unhorselike fashion.
Perhaps I am a hick from the hills who grew up with horses that ran free in a big pasture and which enjoyed a good fast trot down the road.
Ok so it is hard to get the horses to do all that fancy footwork, and I know it takes a lot of dedicated training - hours, days, and years. But so what?
Standing room is behind the seats, of which there are precious few. I don't think 150€ buys that much better of a place to view. It isn't like you are in the Atlanta Dome to watch a football game.
Attendance struck me as being less than 2,000 because the spectator area is small.
If you sit at the end, you can be right down near the horses. Perhaps that is worth 150€ to people.
I guess the horsemanship is flawless, and the epitome of classic dressage. But, don't expect a rodeo type of peformance. There will be no Cossacks galloping by doing rolls under the horse's tummy, scooping hats off the ground, or riders standing on one arm while racing around the pit.
It looked to me like slow motion.
It was sedate, stately, dignified, regal, and precise; it was not an action packed thriller with daredevil stunts. The riders even tip their hats in slow motion.
If I sound less than bowled over, it was because I was definitely underwhelmed.
Don't get me wrong on horses. They are absolutely beautiful. I thought them to be magnificent, noble specimens of equine breeding, and they were beautifully conditioned.
But I like to see horses do what they do best -- run and jump. These regal beauties have been taught to strut and prance in a most unhorselike fashion.
Perhaps I am a hick from the hills who grew up with horses that ran free in a big pasture and which enjoyed a good fast trot down the road.
Ok so it is hard to get the horses to do all that fancy footwork, and I know it takes a lot of dedicated training - hours, days, and years. But so what?
Jan 1st, 2005, 03:36 AM
#5
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 480
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We were fortunate enough to sit in the front row of the (150 euro) end seats for the Sunday show just before Christmas of last year. Elaine's description is right on; so is Bob's when he states that it
was sedate, stately, dignified, regal, and precise;
Knowing only little about horses, I understand that this breed is uniquely suited for the performance they give. We found the experience breathtaking.
P.S. Cafe Demel is only a short walk and is great for Sunday brunch after the show. Enjoy it wherever you sit. Gradyghost
was sedate, stately, dignified, regal, and precise;
Knowing only little about horses, I understand that this breed is uniquely suited for the performance they give. We found the experience breathtaking.
P.S. Cafe Demel is only a short walk and is great for Sunday brunch after the show. Enjoy it wherever you sit. Gradyghost
Jan 1st, 2005, 09:56 AM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks everyone for the input. My niece will be with us and she loves horses. I have been debating on whether we should take in the training sessions and the tour or actually go to a show.
As my niece is usually in the horse barn with the horses, she may think along the lines of Bob, "nice show but they don't do much". So my decision is which to see, the practice or the show.
As my niece is usually in the horse barn with the horses, she may think along the lines of Bob, "nice show but they don't do much". So my decision is which to see, the practice or the show.
Jan 1st, 2005, 10:47 AM
#7
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If your niece likes horses, by all means take the tour. She will be fascinated by the horses' accommodations. The training sessions are very much like the show. The emphasis is on the rider who directs the horses in these complex patterns with no visible effort.
Jan 1st, 2005, 02:21 PM
#8
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Get your niece a copy of Mary Stewart's wonderful novel "Airs above the Ground," the plot of which features the Lippizaner stallions. After she finishes with it, read it yourself--you will find it an excellent book. The book is going to be reprinted, finally, next month, but you should be able to find a used copy.
Jan 1st, 2005, 03:40 PM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Underhill, thank you for the suggestion of the book. My niece loves to read so that would give her a good start before our trip in March.
TravelswithStDavid, on the tour do you see the stables or learn more of the history of the horses?
TravelswithStDavid, on the tour do you see the stables or learn more of the history of the horses?
Jan 1st, 2005, 07:10 PM
#10
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What memories this brings back! I read "Airs Above the Ground" when I was a child and then when I heard the Lippizaners were going to be in town I begged my parents to take me. I can still remember how awed I was at the performance...Must have been close to 35 years ago now! Wow!
Jan 1st, 2005, 08:32 PM
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Last June my daughter and I attended one Morning Exercise with Music. We also toured the stables. We thoroughly enjoyed both. Since we were not in town on a Sunday to even consider a performance, we were happy to be able to see the horses in action.
The only drawback to the morning exercise is that the horses rarely perform any of the "airs above the ground" for which they are most famous. Because those moves are so demanding, the horses aren't asked to perform them unless absolutely necessary. So just be advised that you most likely won't see the any of the leaps at the morning exercise. Being horse people, we still enjoyed watching the horses of different ages and abilities being worked. About six riders enter the arena together and work their horses about 20 minutes before they exit and another six come in.
Definitely avoid the uppermost level. We tried sitting there briefly, but you look almost directly down on the horses and riders and that's not a very good perspective. I'd say anyplace on the first level (which is a balcony level itself), is better than the second. Best place would be on the small side of the oval, where the horses enter and are facing you, but that's quite a big price difference. If you're like us, you will just be glad to be in that gorgeous Riding School. It is amazingly beautiful with the plasterwork and the chandeliers, etc.
Some people had seats on the floor, under the large oil painting and by the fireplace-- those seats must cost a fortune but would be a fantastic view.
We enjoyed the tour, although I'll admit to being surprised at the rather shabby accomodations for the horses. You enter the stables through an open courtyard that is very much in need of a major overhaul. The tour guide did mention they are soliciting funds for renovations there. The stalls themselves are nice enough, but don't expect the Budweiser Clydesdales' accomodations! The tour guide wasn't even as well-versed on the horses as we were, but we were happy just to see them up close. Be sure not to touch them-- we were warned repeatedly about that. I guess they used to allow it, but found the horses picked up germs from visitors, and fell ill as a result.
They did have a nice student discounted rate, so be sure to look for that.
The only drawback to the morning exercise is that the horses rarely perform any of the "airs above the ground" for which they are most famous. Because those moves are so demanding, the horses aren't asked to perform them unless absolutely necessary. So just be advised that you most likely won't see the any of the leaps at the morning exercise. Being horse people, we still enjoyed watching the horses of different ages and abilities being worked. About six riders enter the arena together and work their horses about 20 minutes before they exit and another six come in.
Definitely avoid the uppermost level. We tried sitting there briefly, but you look almost directly down on the horses and riders and that's not a very good perspective. I'd say anyplace on the first level (which is a balcony level itself), is better than the second. Best place would be on the small side of the oval, where the horses enter and are facing you, but that's quite a big price difference. If you're like us, you will just be glad to be in that gorgeous Riding School. It is amazingly beautiful with the plasterwork and the chandeliers, etc.
Some people had seats on the floor, under the large oil painting and by the fireplace-- those seats must cost a fortune but would be a fantastic view.
We enjoyed the tour, although I'll admit to being surprised at the rather shabby accomodations for the horses. You enter the stables through an open courtyard that is very much in need of a major overhaul. The tour guide did mention they are soliciting funds for renovations there. The stalls themselves are nice enough, but don't expect the Budweiser Clydesdales' accomodations! The tour guide wasn't even as well-versed on the horses as we were, but we were happy just to see them up close. Be sure not to touch them-- we were warned repeatedly about that. I guess they used to allow it, but found the horses picked up germs from visitors, and fell ill as a result.
They did have a nice student discounted rate, so be sure to look for that.
Jan 2nd, 2005, 06:29 AM
#12
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 12,492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i love horses.. have one.. but would not find justification to pay 150 euros for this show.
i saw the training session one morning and was pleased with that. i would be more tempted to spend the difference on a nice complete video to be able to watch it over and over.
i saw the training session one morning and was pleased with that. i would be more tempted to spend the difference on a nice complete video to be able to watch it over and over.
