Interesting Facts about the Spanish Riding School

Here are some interesting facts about the Spanish Riding School you probably did not know – 

Spanish Riding School is the Oldest Riding Academy

Spanish Riding School was founded in Vienna in 1572 and is the world’s oldest surviving riding academy. So the morning training has been as it was since its beginning.

New Foals are NOT Gray or White

The foals are born dark gray, bay or black, taking up to four years to become the gray/white shade Lipizanners are known for!

Diversity for Good Luck

A bay stallion is kept at the Spanish Riding School for good luck, as their birth is a sign that the genetic diversity of the Lipizzaner is intact.

You are looking 450 years into the past

The Spanish Riding School has remained unchanged for over 450 years, so you can witness what the Hapsburg Empire enjoyed.

The Spanish Riding School has THREE campuses

The Spanish Riding School is in Vienna, the Lipizzaner Training Center is in Heldenberg, and the Lipizzaner Stud Farm is in Piber.

Alpine Fresh Air for Long Careers

With pure air, the Lipizzaners develop stamina, healthy lungs and heart. As a result, many of these magnificent creatures perform well into their 20s.

The Art of Haute Ecole was recognized by UNESCO in 2016

The Spanish Riding School and Lipizzaner Stud Piber Farm maintain intangible cultural traditions. The riding style is passed orally, as is the practice of breeding the lines.

Exceptional Architecture at the Spanish Riding School

The architectural tour takes you to the stables, the great halls, and you also get to climb the 170 steps to the roof through the attic to get an amazing view of the city.

The ‘Elves’ of the Spanish Riding School

Riders at the beginning of their training are called ‘elves.’ It can take them eight to twelve years of training to join the roster of 72 stallions and 19 riders.

A Time for Women

A traditionally male-dominated organization, 2001 saw its first woman managing director, Elisabeth Gürtler. 

Hannah Zeitlhofer became the first female rider after joining in 2008.

Get yourself your own Lipizzaner

Out of the foals born, very few join the Spanish Riding School. The rest of the lot goes for sale for those enthusiastic to get a historic bloodline horse.

You can also find out all about the historical facts about Spanish Riding School. Of course, there is no better way to enjoy their legacy than watching a Lipizzaner Performance.