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The Lipizzaner Stallions, from an Austrian breed of horse originally trained for battle, will show off their spectacular leaps and intricate dressage.
By Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published January 10, 2002
Though we live in an era when almost everything about entertainment is bigger and flashier than ever, there's still room for the simple pleasure of watching a majestic horse leap across an arena floor.
The "World Famous" Lipizzaner Stallions have been prancing and parading for audiences for the past 32 years.
The current show, produced by Gary Lashinsky, who purchased the horses in Austria from the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, incorporates new music, choreography and routines with an emphasis on the history of the Lipizzaner breed.
The stallions were originally trained for battle because of their endurance, strength and speed. Their great leaps and caprioles (a jump in the air with forelegs drawn under the chest and a kick of the hind legs) scared opposing foot soldiers.
The "Airs Above Ground" portion of the show highlights these kinds of spectacular leaps and maneuvers, which were once used by riders on the battlefield.
The Lipizzan is immediately recognizable for its white coat. But the horses usually are born black and slowly turn white over a period of six to 10 years. They can live up to 35 years.
The horses are also noted for their high level of dressage, a sort of equestrian ballet. Lipizzans can turn their natural gaits, precise trots and canters, into a work of art.
Spanish Andalusian and Arabian horses are also part of the show.