How to Rear a Lipizzaner Stallion

Lippizans are known throughout the world for their performance of classical dressage movements, including the airs above the ground. The upper level movements, which include the levade, courbette and capriole, were originally developed as a way for mounted troops to terrorize foot soldiers as far back as Xenophon, some 400 years B.C. These movements, all of which are based on a rear, are performed only by a few mature horses after many years of training.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter or longeing cavesson
  • Dressage saddle
  • Bridle
  • Lunge line
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Instructions

    • 1

      Longe the horse using the halter or longeing cavesson for at least 20 minutes to remove excess energy. The horse may be saddled or unsaddled. If desired, the longe line can be run through the bridle instead of using other head gear. You may also ride the horse instead of longeing it, although longeing tends to work off excess energy without tiring the rider.

    • 2

      Use your legs to encourage the horse to go forward while holding the reins tight enough so that the animal can not do so. Keep increasing leg pressure until the horse's front legs leave the ground. Say "Up!" when the horse begins to go up. Reward even the slightest upward motion.

    • 3

      Continue the previous step using more leg pressure until the horse goes higher. Another command such as "more" or "higher" should be repeated with each attempt, so the horse begins to connect the verbal command with the action.