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AFTER 15 YEAR ABSENCE LEGENDARY LIPIZZANER STALLIONS OF THE SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL OF VIENNA SET RETURN FOR U.S. TOUR

Rescued by General George Patton 60 Years Ago

WASHINGTON, D.C. - For the first time in more than 15 years, the Spanish Riding School of Vienna and its amazing troop of 30 dancing Lipizzaner stallions are coming to America for an extensive fall tour. The dates coincide with the 60th anniversary of U.S. General George Patton rescue of the 425-year-old Lipizzaner breed. Said Spanish Riding School Director Dr. Werner Pohl, "This is an appropriate time for the Spanish Riding School to say ‘thank you' to America."

The horses, as well as riders and crew of forty, will fly from Frankfurt on two modified Boeing 747's and then begin their tour in Columbus, Ohio, on Nov. 5, 2005.

The classic equestrian grace of the Lipizzaners and their riders have thrilled the world ever since the founding of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna in 1572. The School maintains equestrian skills and traditions passed on for centuries, dating back to ancient Greece and refined in Vienna over hundreds of years. The Lipizzaner breed, developed at the height of European horsemanship, was at first intended for warfare, but over time the horses became the most dexterous performing equines in the world. Trainers take the natural movements of the horse and over a six to eight-year period develop the intricate movements that brought fame to the Lipizzaners. From trotting in place to pirouettes, the horses perform feats that have astounded audiences around the world.

In war-torn Austria during World War II, the school and its horses stood at the brink of destruction, but General Patton's 2nd Cavalry saved them. The story was recreated in the 1963 Disney film "Miracle of the White Stallions," starring Robert Taylor, Eddie Albert and James Franciscus, and released on DVD for the first time this past year.

White Stallion Productions Tour Producer Gary Lashinsky added, "The Spanish School of Riding is considered the Harvard of the equestrian world and this upcoming tour will be a show unlike any other tour" Today, the breed stand's alone in the world, as the best of the best, a cultural icon of good will from the city of Vienna.

The Spanish Riding School of Vienna 2005 United States Tour produced by White Stallion Productions Inc. in association with IMG will play the following cities:

COLUMBUS, OH • THE NATIONWIDE ARENA
SATURDAY • NOVEMBER 5 • 7:30pm & SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 6 • 2:30pm
Info: 614-431-3600

ST LOUIS, MO • THE SAVVIS CENTER
SATURDAY • NOVEMBER 12 • 7:30pm & SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 13 • 2:30pm
Info: 314-241-1888

WASHINGTON, DC • THE MCI CENTER
SATURDAY • NOVEMBER 19 • 7:30pm & SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 20 • 2:30pm
Info: 202-397-7328

PHILADELPHIA, PA • THE WACHOVIA SPECTRUM
FRIDAY • NOVEMBER 25 • 7:30pm & SATURDAY • NOVEMBER 26 • 2:30pm
Info: 215-336-2000

ATLANTA, GA • THE ARENA AT GWINNETT CENTER
SATURDAY • DECEMBER 3 • 7:30pm & SUNDAY • DECEMBER 4 • 2:30pm
Info: 404-249-6400

 HOUSTON, TX • TOYOTA CENTER
1510 Polk St. Houston, TX 77002,  (713) 758 7200
SATURDAY • DECEMBER 10 • 7:30pm & SUNDAY • DECEMBER 11 • 2:30pm

 

The United States Equestrian Federation is promoting special pre-show clinics before each scheduled performance for those who want to learn more about the Spanish Riding School, Lipizzaners and classical dressage. There is also special seating available to USEF members.

For more information, visit www.usef.org/content/newsDisplay/viewPR.php?id=577

For tour blog, please visit: http://special.equisearch.com/blog/

For more information: www.spanishridingschool.com or call 1-877-547-4926
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com for Houston: www.toyotacentertix.com  1-866-4HOUTIX

Media Contact: Lobeline Communications 310-271-1551 phil@lobeline.com