About
The Spanish Riding School of Vienna is the only riding academy in the world where the Renaissance tradition of classical horsemanship is preserved and cultivated to this day. The unique harmony of horse and rider achieved here is famous all over the world.
The world famous Lipizzaner horses take their name from the village of Lipica in modern day Slovenia which was the home of the original royal stud. These animals are characterised by a perfect and noble physique, graceful movements, the ability to learn, liveliness, good nature, courage, toughness and stamina. In appearance they resemble in every respect the typical baroque show and parade horses. The unique white horses are the result of centuries of breeding from Spanish, Italian and Arab-Oriental stock.
The history of the School dates back 430 years to the revival of the 'Haute Ecole d'Equitation' at the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries, as the Renaissance was sweeping through the royal courts of Europe. Horses of Spanish origin were chosen over other breeds for characteristics they possessed which made them especially suitable for classical training. Archduke Maximilian started to breed Spanish horses in Austria in around 1562.
The date of the foundation of the Riding School in Vienna is taken from documents written in 1572, but the wars against Turkey in the 17th century took their toll on a part of the Riding School, and reconstruction work began in 1685. Charles VI began building work afresh and the building we know today was completed in 1735. Since that year, only horses from the Karst Stud in Lipica have been used at the Spanish Riding School.The Riding School remained untouched during many years of turbulence and continued to be at the private disposal of the Emperor and his illustrious guests.
After the First World War, the Riding School was placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Austrian Republic. The first public performance took place a year and a half after the end of the war.
During the Second World War, the Lipizzaner horses were evacuated to St. Martin in upper Austria. In 1955 the stallions returned to their home in Vienna.
At the beginning of 2001, the Spanish Riding School was privatised.
Read the Sylvia Loch Article.
