Lipizzaner Information

Lipizzaner horses are one of the most recognizable horse breeds in the world. These large, graceful horses, which are usually white, are featured in world famous dressage and acrobatic shows.

  1. Breed Origins

    • Lipizzaners are originally descended from the Andalusian horse, which itself is descended from a cross between Arab horses and a somewhat ancient Carthaginian horse breed. Over time, these horses were bred with Spanish horses and other breeds. Eventually six stallions were recognized as the first Lipizzaners. All Lipizzaners descend from these stallions.

    Appearance

    • Lipizzaners are bred in several colors, but are most commonly white. They are strong and well muscled but are known as a light breed, weighing in at less than 1,500 pounds. They usually stand at less than 15 hands high. This body shape allows them to perform difficult maneuvers while remaining graceful.

    Dressage

    • Although any horse can be trained in dressage, and a Lipizzaner can learn any type of riding discipline, Lipizzaners are the most famous breed of dressage horses. Lipizzaners are frequently trained in the rare discipline of haute ecole dressage, which requires intricate movements and leaps. When showing, these horses appear to dance.