Information About Dancing Horses From Spain

A "caballo de pura raza espanola" (horse of pure Spanish breed) is gifted in its ability to learn the intricate steps of dressage. It can be ridden or commanded by a trainer from the ground. Schooling of the Lipizzaner and Andalusian dancing horses requires much time and patience.

  1. Ancient History

    • The lineage of these animals can be traced to Arabian desert horses that lived in 800 A.D.

    Modern Times

    • Lipizzan stallions have a 400-year history of training and performing at Vienna's Spanish Riding School, named for the bloodline of the breed.

    Conformation

    • The horses are bred for powerful hindquarters needed to execute airborne dance maneuvers such as the capriole.

    Temperament

    • A Lipizzaner is intelligent, kind and amenable to the long training period needed to master the intricacies of dressage.

    Color

    • The Spanish Riding School trains white stallions exclusively, but the Royal Andalusian Horse Academy of Jerez (Spain) features light gray horses predominantly.

    Fun Fact

    • The Lipizzan is born a dark color that gradually lightens until it turns white at around age 11.