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Horse Dressage Letters

Ovation Dressage Tee $13 Features the dressage-discipline horse logo print. Made of cotton/spandex jersey.

Dressage Letters set – Black – Set of 8 $62.1 Elegant metal frames hold dressage letters A-K-E-H-C-M-B-F for small dressage arena.Color: BlackSize:  Set of 8

Dressage Letters Set – Black – Set of 4 $29.7 Elegant metal frames hold dressage letters R-S-V-P. Use with the Set of 8 dressage markers (467870) to make a large dressage arena.Color: BlackSize:  Set of 4

Da Vinci Plain Raised Padded Dressage Browband $20.95 DaVinci Plain Raised Padded Dressage Browband Black Horse Size

Mountain Horse Victoria Dressage Boot $287.1 Exceptional craftsmanship makes the Victoria Dressage Boot stand out from the rest. Designed specifically for the serious dressage rider, the zipper is thoughtfully positioned forward of center on the inside of the boot, allowing seamless contact between your leg and your horse, while still maintaining a streamlined silhouette. An elegant dress boot with classic features and made in supple, full grain leather.THE LEG: Moderate Spanish cut topSoft pigskin napa liningStrong and durable full length YKK Vislon zipper on front, inside calfCovered, inside elastic gusset for a comfortable fitTHE FOOT: Spur restErgonomically-designed removable EVA insoleTHE SOLE: Built-in steel shank for increased stabilityDurable and slim-contour designed outsole has dirt repellent tread zones and provides an enhanced grip in the ironMaterial: Full grain leather.Lining: Pigskin napa.

Passier PSL-D Dressage $4719.95 PASSIER PSL Dressage Saddle PASSIER PSL Dressage Saddle: Classic dressage saddle featuring long stretch leather knee panels on flaps and stretch leather seat. This unique stretch leather expands and molds to the rider’s seat and knee providing extra comfort and a self-conforming fit not available in any other saddle. The flexible cutback PASSIER PS tree fits perfectly on the dressage horse. Long billets prepunched for conversion to short billets for long girth if required. Smooth grain German leather. Regular tree width. Fittings not included with Saddle.

Veredus Piaffe Shield Dressage Horse Boot $204.2 Revolutionary overreach boot designed for protection of the whole heel area. Designed specifically for Dressage. The particular anatomic shape and protective material gurantees a perfect fit on the horse’s heel to give total protection.Anatomically designed protection in an elastic material that conforms perfectly to the horse’s foot, therefore eliminating rotation of the overreach boot itself.Extra carbon protection on heel area, which is at particular risk of injury and bruising.Double point fastening to ensure perfect fitting.Quick-release tips in non-deformable FLEXTAN on stainless-steel hooks.

101 Dressage Exercises Book $30 Dressage Exercises for Horse & Rider features a full arena diagram and step-by- step instructions for each exercise. The exercises address all levels of riders, starting with the basics and moving up the levels. Training tips and masterly guidance make this an indispensable reference for all dressage riders. Even Western riders interested in enhancing their performance will find these foundational exercises useful.

Wintec Elastic Dressage Girth $41.25 Two inches of elastic in the center of the this high performance dressage girth allow it to stretch with the horse as you work. Pressure is evenly transferred over the whole surface of the girth with no pressure points or ridges. Elimination of pressure points combined with soft anti galling material makes the Wintec Elastic Dressage Girth one of the most comfortable girths on the market. Girth has stainless steel roller buckles.

TuffRider Dressage Show Coat Ladies $86 Your ladies Dressage show coat will keep you looking polished in the arena with 4 silver, antique horse head front buttons and a rear, two-button vent. Dry clean. 94% Polyester, 6% Lycra.

Puff Pad Dressage Style $24 Puff Pad Pillow Pads. Authentic Pillow Pad. Soft, pillow pad, top and bottom 100% cotton with thick poly fiber filler. A Puff Pad disperses pressure points, preventing many back problems. All horses benefit from the cushioning effect of a Puff Pad because the fiber filling acts as a shock absorber, breathes absorbing and evaporating moisture, molds to every horse and saddle. No straps. Dressage Pillow Pad. Larger 25 x 40 size for longer flap dressage saddles.

Bates Wide Dressage Cair Saddle $1845 The Bates Wide Dressage Saddle is acutting edge dressage saddle specially designed for the wider horse that supports an optimal dressage position for the rider with unparalleled comfort. It achives unprecedented comfort for the rider, supporting and optimal dressage position.Features include uniquely positioned stirrup bar, utilisation of the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System WIDE, adjustable Y-Girthing and Flexibloc Systems.CAIR Cushion system distributes weight across the panel, virtually eliminating pressure points for better performance and freer movement of horseNew Generation Easy-Change Gullet System Wide helps customize saddle fit to your horse’s wither

Wintec Chafeless Elastic Dressage Girth $47.3 This girth has all the advantages of the original elastic girth but with the addition of a curved shape, which reduces the width of material behind the horse’s elbows helping to prevent pinching of the horse’s skin. The equisuede surface of the Pro Elastic Girth looks and performs stunningly when used to complement the Wintec Pro Dressage or Wintec Isabell saddles.

COLLEGIATE Convertible Intellect Dressage Saddle $1097.95 Great quality craftsmanship made from a great company. This dressage saddle will make you and your horse feel at home in both style and comfort. Elegantly designed saddle suitable for all levels of dressage. Features a deep seat, large flaps, large knee rolls, plus the Easy-Change Gullet System (sold separatly) to provide the best fit for your horse.

Equi-Bette PTD Dressage Saddle $715.95 EQUI-BETTE Model PTD Dressage Saddle EQUI-BETTE Model PTD Dressage Saddle: A classic saddle. The EQUI-BETTE PTD dressage saddle style has been a favorite of world renowned professionals and competitors for generations. The EQUI-BETTE PTD dressage saddle features a cutback head to fit every type of horse. The deep EQUI-BETTE PTD tree fits both horse and rider to perfection, keeping the rider deep in the seat for correct balance and perfect control. Long extended flaps are molded over modest knee rolls on the French panels. Made of premium quality German bridle leather in a dark Brown color with a hand waxed finish.

Ovation Dressage Crank Caveson – Black – Horse $72 Made in Italian hand finished leather.           Color: BlackSize:  Horse

Gold Medal Piaffe Dressage Saddle $2319.95 GOLD MEDAL Piaffe Dressage Saddle GOLD MEDAL Piaffe Dressage Saddle GOLD MEDAL Saddlery has taken the similar design of the popular COUNTY COMPETITOR and Crosby Prix St. George dressage saddles and improved and refined the saddle to a superior high level dressage saddle. The Piaffe is made on a deep seat beechwood laminated spring-tree with narrow twist to put the rider into the seat and give close contact with the horse. A genuine pigskin seat is used because of its durability over grained leather seats which stretch and wear through, thus distorting the rider’s seat. French panels are wool flocked to allow the saddle to mold to the natural conformation of the horses back for the ultimate in fit and a correct seat position. Flap and panel have been designed to promote greater closeness and contact. Long chrome leather saddle billets require a short dressage girth. Saddle flap is looped on backside for billets to restrain flap. Made in England of the finest quality oiled saddle leather.

ThinLine Dressage Bridle with Flash Noseband $242.1 ThinLine padding in the noseband and crown provides equal pressure distribution in the areas your horse needs it most to perform at his best. ThinLine’s anti-fungal feature and breathability make it the perfect lining choice to keep your horse comfortable and their skin healthy. Each dressage bridle comes with a pair of standard 54 ThinLine Reins, which are no-slip and aid in creating soft, supple contact and feel, and this combo will provide a one-two punch to increased performance and scores!

ThinLine Dressage Bridle with Plain Noseband $242.1 ThinLine padding in the noseband and crown provides equal pressure distribution in the areas your horse needs it most to perform at his best. ThinLine’s anti-fungal feature and breathability make it the perfect lining choice to keep your horse comfortable and their skin healthy. Each dressage bridle comes with a pair of standard 54 ThinLine Reins, which are no-slip and aid in creating soft, supple contact and feel, and this combo will provide a one-two punch to increased performance and scores!

Breyer WEG Games Stablemate Para Dressage – BH9122 $4.5 Palomino Para Dressage Horse. This authentically sculpted Stablemate horse represents, in miniature (1:32 scale), one of the eight disciplines of the 2010 ALLTECH FEI World Equestrian Games. Some of the bravest and most determined equestrian competitors are the riders. Often competing on borrowed horses, they overcome a variety of obstacles posed by their disabilities to compete in the Para Dressage event of the World Equestrian Games.

Ovation Airform Chafeless Dressage Girth $30.6 The award winning Easy-Care Airform girth is horse and user friendly. Cushioned and textured for air flow, it stays incredibly soft no matter how much use it gets. Can be sponged clean in seconds. Hypo-allergenic. Made with stainless steel roller buckles to extend the use of the girth straps and your hands. Keeps hold the dressage girth neatly in place.

Professionals Choice SMX Dressage Girth $55.95 Perfect in form and function, the SMx Dressage Girth is practical with elastic and roller buckles on both ends. More comfortable for your horse than traditional leather because it doesnt have to be over-tightened. The non-slip neoprene ensures that your saddle will stay secure and the handy detachable neoprene back makes it easy to wash. Great for training or competition. Available in Black only.

Equi-Prene Three Buckle Lonsdale Dressage Girth $35.95 Pro-Thane Anti-Gall Girths. Rubberized fabric girths designed for the ultimate comfort of your horse. Anti-gall girths made from non-irritating, waffle weave poly-urethane foam that is strong, soft, easily cleaned and will not absorb sweat or bacteria. Stainless steel roller girth buckles. Washes easily in bucket of water and soap. Equi-Prene 3-Buckle Lonsdale Dressage Girth. Classic dressage girth with third buckle set for flap girth.

Equi-Bette Grand Prix Dressage Girth $103.95 EQUI-BETTE Grand Prix Dressage Girth. Patent Pending. The finest girth made for the highest level of dressage competition. Made from full grain English tannage leather, padded and lined over saddler’s felt that conforms with the girth to the horse. Stainless steel roller buckles. Double elastic end.

TuffRider Dressage Shadbelly $180 Elegance made affordable. Properly tailored for a superb look, made in 100% polyester with antique silver horse head buttons. Complete with vest points.

Roma Kool Dressage Whip $9 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Roma Warendorfer Dressage Whip $15.15 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Ovation Pro Dressage Girth $40.5 Keep your horse extremely comfortable. Easy to clean removable no-slip hook & loop backing. Stainless steel roller buckles and double elastic at both ends.

TuffRider Ladies Dressage Show Coat Plus $89.95 Our Popular Ladies Dressage Show Coat Is Now Available In Plus Sizes! It Will Keep You Looking Polished In The Arena With 4 Silver, Antique Horse Head Front Buttons And A Rear, Two-Button Vent. Dry Clean. 94% Polyester, 6% Lycra.

Breyer WEG Games Stablemate Dressage – BH9117 $4.5 This Stablemates horse represents, in miniature, one of the eight disciplines of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Dressage requires a specific type of equine athlete with the capacity to perform demanding movements, like the piaffe and the passage. This WEG line was released spring of 2010, then retired at the end of 2010.

Dressage Loverz Stocking $25 Santa’s Holiday Horse Stockin’ Kits. One-stop shoppping for your equine friends and family. Includes 1 of each of the following:Christmas Stockings – Dapple GreyHorse Head Hand Warmers, Red Arena Board with pen, RedClear Rain PonchoBlue Plush Horse CharmHand Warmers – 1pkToe Warmers – 1pkSuggested Retail – $49.95

Ovation Dressage Tee – Sweet Mint with Storm Cloud – Ladies Large $13 Features the dressage-discipline horse logo print. Made of cotton/spandex jersey.Color: Sweet Mint with Storm CloudSize:  Ladies Large

Davis Dressage Cones – Set of 4 – White $78 The Davis Dressage Cones are sold in sets of 4 cones (R, S, V, P) and sets of 8 (A, B, C, E, F, H, K, M). The cones have large easy to read bold black letters on both sides of the cone. The letters are silk screened on the cones making them heat and cold tolerant. The cones are made of a heavy duty PVC and have a weighted base to aid in preventing tipping. 18 Height.Color: White

Davis Dressage Cones – Set of 8 – White $156 The Davis Dressage Cones are sold in sets of 4 cones (R, S, V, P) and sets of 8 (A, B, C, E, F, H, K, M). The cones have large easy to read bold black letters on both sides of the cone. The letters are silk screened on the cones making them heat and cold tolerant. The cones are made of a heavy duty PVC and have a weighted base to aid in preventing tipping. 18 Height.Color: White

Tekna Contour Dressage Girth $65.7 Shaped to fit your horse, this sculpted girth allows freedom of the elbow and distributes pressure across a greater area for more comfort. It features elastic on both ends, stainless steel roller buckles, center D-ring and soft waffle weave padding for the utmost comfort. Made of QUIK-CLEAN material.

(2011 Model) Wintec 500 Dressage Saddle with Cair $623.8 The new Wintec 500 Dressage Saddle sets new standards in comfort and performance helping position the rider correctly. New and improved Equileather provides a super soft and grippy seat for greater security in the saddle.Features: A modern, stylish dressage saddle with performance featuresThe perfect saddle for riders progressing in their Dressage careerExtremely comfortable seat that facilitates a well balanced positionPerformance materials ensure superior fit, comfort and stabilityFeatures include Y-girthing, ergonomic stirrup bar, and flexibloc systemFluidly working with your horse’s muscles, the revolutionary CAIR Cushion System replaces traditional fillings in your saddle with air. The cushioning nature of air encourages your horse to soften, relax and engage. Seated closer to your horse, you become simply an extension of one another.Features the EASY-CHANGEGullet system for a custom fit. Saddle comes with medium width gullet – other gullets sold separately.Ask about our TEST RIDE PROGRAM

(2011 Model) Wintec Isabell Flocked Dressage Saddle $1377.1 TheWintec Isabell Dressage Saddleis an updated model designed in conjunction with World Dressage Champion, Isabell Werth. Designed exactly as the Bates Isabell, but made with Wintec’s Easy-Care, Super-Grip Equisuede.The Wintec Isabell Dressage Saddle features include:Traditional flocked panelsDeep seat with an ultra narrow and low waist to support a correct dressage positionRecessed stirrup channcel to eliminate interference with rider’s legEquisuede Seat is extremely comfortable with a surface softer than leather with the perfect level of gripAdjustable Flexibloc System enables the rider to individually tailor their own knee supportAdjustable Y-Girthing System secures the front and back of the saddle with equal pressure. Position of the Y-Girth Points can be adjusted to individually suit the horse’s shape.Ergonomic stirrup bars facilitate closer contactNew Generation Easy-Change Gullet System provides a custom fit for many different horses so you can change your gullet and not your saddleWeatherproof, durable, and easy care to save time and hassle!

(2011 Model) Wintec Isabell Dressage Saddle with Flock $1377.1 Experience the world’s leading dressage saddle, the Bates Isabell, in a synthetic version with the added benefits of being lightweight, durable, easy-care and an amazing value for the money. World renowned Dressage Rider, Isabell Werth’s high performance saddle.My saddle is one of the proudest achievements of my dressage career. I believe we have created the perfect seat for the rider and unprecedented comfort for the horse. Isabell WerthFeatures: Supports a correct dressage position with an ultra narrow waist and deep seatA seamless transition from your seat through the length of your leg offers ultra close contactIdeal for use in all levels of competition and trainingPerformance materials ensure superior fit, comfort and stabilityIncludes an adjustable Y-Girthing and Flexibloc SystemThe Isabell saddle is also available in BatesFeatures the EASY-CHANGE Gullet system for a custom fit. Saddle comes with medium width gullet – other gullets sold separately.Ask about our TEST RIDE PROGRAM

ThinLine Dressage Girth $189 This girth has elastic in the middle with roller buckles on both ends. Girths are in stock in black and sizes (20 inches to 34 inches). Due to metric conversions, the girths actually measure 1inch shorter than listed. If your current size is a close fit, order the next size up. Breathable Anti-microbial No-slip/no-rub ThinLine lining makes this the best girth to keep your horse comfortable and your saddle in place. Easy to clean and very durable!

Ovation Acugel Dressage Square Pad $126 At last, a pad that conforms to both your saddle and your horse, and takes the shocks out of your ride! ,The natual latex rubber Ovation Acugel pad is loaded with features:-Quick Sweat Evaporation to keep the horse’s back cool and dry. -Messagio Technology to relax the most sensitive areas of the horse’s back.-Total Shock Absorbing System to protect the spines of both the horse and the rider from shocks and jerks.-E-Pressure distributes pressure evenly, reducing hot spots and pressure points.

Stubbs Dressage Marker Set 8 $88 Genuine Stubbs – Made in England for the ultimate in durability and strength. Full set of 8 letters.

(2011 Model) Bates Isabell Dressage Saddle with CAIR $2916.1 World renowned Dressage Rider, Isabell Werth’s high performance saddle. Effortlessly aligns rider position for superior performance. A deep and ultra close contact seat ensures improved communication. Maximizes freedom of movement and comfort for your horse. Innovations include uniquely positioned Ergonomic Stirrup Bar, adjustable Y-Girthing and Flexibloc Systems.

Equi-Prene Pro-Thane Lonsdale Dressage Girth $31.95 Pro-Thane Anti-Gall Girths. Rubberized fabric girths designed for the ultimate comfort of your horse. Anti-gall girths made from non-irritating, waffle weave poly-urethane foam that is strong, soft, easily cleaned and will not absorb sweat or bacteria. Stainless steel roller girth buckles. Washes easily in bucket of water and soap. Equi-Prene Lonsdale Dressage Girth. Nylon web facing, 3 1/4 wide.

(2011 Model) Wintec Isabell Dressage Saddle with CAIR $1377.1 Experience the world’s leading dressage saddle, the Bates Isabell, in a synthetic version with the added benefits of being lightweight, durable, easy-care and an amazing value for the money. World renowned Dressage Rider, Isabell Werth’s high performance saddle.My saddle is one of the proudest achievements of my dressage career. I believe we have created the perfect seat for the rider and unprecedented comfort for the horse. Isabell WerthFeatures: Supports a correct dressage position with an ultra narrow waist and deep seatA seamless transition from your seat through the length of your leg offers ultra close contactIdeal for use in all levels of competition and trainingPerformance materials ensure superior fit, comfort and stabilityIncludes an adjustable Y-Girthing and Flexibloc SystemThe Isabell saddle is also available in BatesFluidly working with your horse’s muscles, the revolutionary CAIR Cushion System replaces traditional fillings in your saddle with air. The cushioning nature of air encourages your horse to soften, relax and engage. Seated closer to your horse, you become simply an extension of one another.Features the EASY-CHANGE Gullet system for a custom fit. Saddle comes with medium width gullet – other gullets sold separately.Ask about our TEST RIDE PROGRAM

Ovation Klimke II Pro XCH Dressage Saddle $1203 Now with the XCH Interchangeable Gullet System.Designed by 5 time Olympic Gold Medal winner, Dr. Reiner Klimke, this saddle provides the perfect position and balance for any dressage rider. With contour panels to provide freer movement to your horse’s shoulders, synthetic wool stuffed panels, secure girthing system and a knee block that provides a secure position yet allows the rider freedom of movement. Made in a natural finish French leather of unsurpassed quality and durability. Lifetime warranty on tree.

Fritz Thiedemann Gripper Shock Pad – White – Dressage $43.95 Fritz Thiedemann Saddle Pads FRITZ THIEDEMANN Gripper Quilted Shock Pads. The world famous Fritz Thiedemann 1-1/4 diamond quilted saddle pad, made with non-slip small rubber pimple grippers on top of shock absorbong and back protecting center. Back comforting rubber is placed under the saddle panel to distribute the rider’s weight and shock without injury to horse’s back. Cotton twill cover, EQUI-FELT center, self-gripping billet straps and girth loop. Shaped and contoured back to fit perfectly under saddle. Dressage Shape Color: WhiteSize:  Dressage

Roma Leather Handle Dressage Whip $31.5 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Roma Shimmer Diamonte Dressage Whip $20.55 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Roma Golden Spiral Dressage Whip $22.35 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Roma Shimmer Crystal Dressage Whip $11.7 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Roma Leather Grip Dressage Whip $12.6 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Roma Rubber Handle Dressage Whip $10.8 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Dressage by the Letter: A Guide for the Novice (Howell Equestrian Library) $3.98 The word dressage means training in French. Training makes a horse more balanced, supple, and responsive to his rider. But dressage is also a sport in which the accomplishments of the horse-and-rider team are judged according to certain standards. Dressage by the Letter addresses the needs of those riders who want to get started in the sport. It tells them how to select the right horse, choose an …

Stubbs Set of 8 Letters for Dressage Markers $11.77 Genuine Stubbs – Made in England for the ultimate in durability and strength. Full set of replacement letters for dressage markers. Replacement letters only for stands, stands NOT included….

Intrepid International Stick On Dressage Letters – Set of 12 [Misc.] $22.95 What a great product for everyone – not just Dressage riders. Learn to be precise in every area of the ring. Size 7 3/4 x 8….

Dressage Letters set – Black – Set Of 8 $62.06 Elegant metal frames hold dressage letters A-K-E-H-C-M-B-F for small dressage arena….

Dressage Letter Perfect Horse and Rider Pink Hoodie Charlie Horse Apparel (CHA) – “Dressage Letter Perfect. The design is “Letter Perfect”. A classic dressage rider with the phrase ‘Letter Perfect’. The design is black on a Pink long sleeve hooded sweatshirt. Available sizes are adult Small, Medium, Large and X-Large. Refer to size chart for dimensions. All items can be customized for your club, barn or riding organization. Contact us with your req…

Dressage Letter Perfect Horse and Rider Brown T-Shirt Charlie Horse Apparel (CHA) – “Dressage Letter Perfect. The design is “Letter Perfect”. A classic dressage rider with the phrase ‘Letter Perfect’. This unique original design is not available in any store. Show your enthusiasm about your sport and love of horses. The design is pink on an Brown short sleeve T-shirt. Available sizes are adult Small, Medium, Large and X-Large. Refer to size chart for…

Dressage Letter Perfect Horse and Rider Purple Hoodie Charlie Horse Apparel (CHA) – “Dressage Letter Perfect. The design is “Letter Perfect”. A classic dressage rider with the phrase ‘Letter Perfect’. The design is white on a Purple long sleeve hooded sweatshirt. Available sizes are adult Small, Medium, Large and X-Large. Refer to size chart for dimensions. All items can be customized for your club, barn or riding organization. Contact us with your r…

Breyer Dressage Arena $22.99 Wooden arena comes complete with four corners, eight markers, twelve rails and dressage booklet….

Stick On Dressage Letters – Set of 8 [Misc.] [Misc.] $16.00 …

The World Famous Performing White Stallions – The Lipizzan

The Lipizzan, or Lipizzaner, is a unique breed of horse which has been selectively bred since the 16th Century. As a ceremonial horse, the breed has nobility, brilliance, balanced agility, and style. With the Lipizzan, interest in the art of classical riding was revived during the Renaissance. In 1970, producer Gary Lashinsky created the “World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions” arena attraction that over twenty-three million people have enjoyed throughout the world. The Walt Disney movie “The Miracle of the White Stallions” created an even greater world-wide interest in the extremely rare Lipizzan breed.

The Lipizzan traces its history back to the early 1560′s when the finest Arab and Berber blood was introduced into the local athletic Spanish Andalusians that were created during the Moorish occupation of Spain in the 7th Century. King Maximillian II brought these Spanish horses to his native Austria around 1562 and founded the court stud at Kladrub. His brother, the Archduke Charles, established a similar stud farm in 1580 in the town of Lipizzaner, Slovenia, and from the Lipizza stud farm came the breed’s name of Lipizzan. Both of these studs flourished, but in slightly different directions. The Kladrub stud was known for heavy carriage horses, and the Lipizza stud was known for riding horses and light carriage horses although breeding stock was exchanged between the studs. The Kladrub and Lipizza stock were bred to the native Karst horses with successive generations crossed with the old Neapolitan breed. During the 1700′s, horses of Spanish and Italian origin included sires from Denmark, Spain and Holstein, but were of pure Spanish descent. To strengthen the original Spanish-Arab strain, several of these stallions were purchased during the 18th and 19th centuries for use at Lipizza and Kladrub but only six were accepted as the foundation lines of the Lipizzan known today. Maestoso and Favory, two of the foundation sires of today’s Lipizzan were produced at the Kladrub stud.

In addition to the 6 ancestral stallion lines, there are 18 mare family lines. By tradition, every stallion has a double name, with the first being the lineage name of his sire and the second name being that of his dam. However, there does not appear to be a provision that could prevent multiple stallions from the same parents from having the same name. As for mares, names should be complementary to the traditional Lipizzan line names and must also end in the letter “a”.

An integral part of Lipizzan history is the Spanish Riding School of Vienna that was founded in 1572 and which the Hapsburg monarchy rebuilt in 1735 in the Imperial Palace in Vienna under the auspice of Charles VI. For over 430 years, the school’s purpose has been to perpetuate the art of classical horsemanship and to the breed and train the Lipizzan horses. Only the best are kept to continue the line and so promising stallions are sent to the Spanish Riding School to begin training at the age of four where they go through six years of rigorous dressage school. These Lipizzaner stallions then perform their art for the rest of their lives on tours throughout the world to benefit the work of the Spanish Riding School. The Lipizzan horses can perform through their 20′s and some have been known to perform up to age 30.

At first, the Lipizzan horses were bred for the Hapsburg royalty, which controlled the horses and their training until World War I. But after the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, the Austrian branch of the Hapsburgs dissolved, and then the Lipizzan breed almost died out during World War II.

Traditionally, the Lipizzan horses from the Spanish Riding School had been relocated around Austria to avoid war and during World War II, the horses were moved by the German High Command several times. Unfortunately, the horses were frequently stabled in areas where desperate refugees considered the horses as a potential food source. The director of the Spanish Riding School was determined to save the breed and with the assistance of General Patton of the United States Army, 250 Lipizzan horses survived the war to serve as a founding stock so that the breed could be preserved.

The first Lipizzan horses in the United States were given to Opera singer Countess Maria Jeritza by the Austrian government and imported in 1937. Eight years later, in 1945, the U.S. Army Remount Service imported 9 Lipizzans (3 stallions and 6 mares, 1 in foal). But it was not until the late 1950′s that Lipizzan horses were imported from Austria to the U.S. in any great numbers. Between 1958 and 1973, two breeders imported 4 Lipizzan stallions and 21 mares (6 in foal) and other importations have been taking place during the last 35 years to add to the American Lipizzan gene pool.
The breed is still extremely rare; only about 3,000 Lipizzan horses exist worldwide and most of them are in Europe with the majority in Austria that are bred at stud farms around Austria. Extreme care is being taken by those involved in breeding Lipizzan horses to insure that the purity of the breed is preserved. If it had not been for General Patton, the Lipizzans might not be in existence at all today.

In 1992, the Lipizzan Association of America joined the Lipizzan Society of North America to form the Lipizzan Association of North America (LANA). LANA is the American representative to the Lipizzan International Federation (LIF) and is committed to perpetuating and preserving the Lipizzan breed in the United States. LANA follows the LIF criteria that defines a purebred Lipizzan, which is a horse that can trace back, without interruption, to the recognized lines and families of the official European stud farms and their approved breeding stock. DNA technology is used to identify equine parentage and provide information for future genetic traits and disease diagnosis and no horse will be registered unless the DNA results are filed with LANA. LANA has also formed a separate division for registering Lipizzan Partbreds where the Lipizzan portion of the pedigree must trace, without interruption, to the recognized male lines and female families of official European stud farms and their approved breeding stock. Partbred horses or foals do not have to be DNA’d but the purebred Lipizzan parent must have its DNA on record.

The Lipizzan is a small horse that stands between 14.3 and 15.3 hands. The influence of the Arabian is seen in the usually straight or slightly convex head, the small alert ears and the large, appealing eyes. The neck is short, crested and powerful, the back is broad and the overall picture is of strength with well-rounded quarters, heavy shoulders and short, strong legs with brilliant action. The mane and tail are thick and long and the tail is carried high.

Gray dominates the Lipizzan breed today because white horses were preferred by the royal Habsburg family. Grays are born dark, black-brown, brown or mouse-gray and then the coat gradually lightens until the white coat they are noted for appears between the ages of 6 and 10 years old. But as late as 200 years ago, many other colors existed; black, chestnut, dun, and even piebald and skewbald. These non-white Lipizzans are a rarity today and only in rare cases will the horse stay the same dark color it was born.

But even with their small size, the breed tends to present a very powerful image with compact, rectangular and highly muscular bodies that are ideal for performing haute ecole dressage and the physically demanding “Airs Above the Ground” such as the levade and the capriole. These maneuvers have now preserved as an equestrian art dating back over 400 years. The art of dressage is combined with the close order military drills of the ancient warriors and these spectacular leaps and maneuvers were once used by riders in saddle to protect and defend themselves on the battlefield and can be quite intimidating even from a small horse. The Lipizzan has an aptitude for dressage which is rather uncanny and is an unusually talented equestrian athlete. A Lipizzan is distinctive for being extraordinarily gentle, willing, and talented and intelligent.

Few people who watch the Lipizzan show realize how difficult it is to work with stallions side by side or that are very few breeds of horses in the world that are capable of performing in this way. It is their amazing disposition that allows it, however, the riders must be on their guard at all times because, after all, they are still stallions and potentially volatile.

About the Author

Crystal is a writer for
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, etc.

Dressage help!!?

Soon im entering a dressage comp, and am riding the Intermediate Eventing test, 07, ut i cant remember where the extra letters are in the school, i know an mneunonic (all king edwards horses can jump high fences) but i need a new one to remember whereabout R, S, V , P are, and no that doesnt help!
i really need to do well,so help please!!!
oh and i realize i got the first one wrong!!! but yes i do know them!!

you actually have the first one wrong. it goes All King Edwards Horses Can Make BIg Fences. theres no J lol. how i remember it is All King Vivian Edwards Small Horses Can Make Rather Big Purple Fences. i know its wierd but it helps me….i hope it helps you too