Q&A with Dr. Werner Pohl
How often does the Spanish Riding School visit the USA, when was the last visit?
It has been 15 years since our last visit to the United States. We have visited the U.S five times; our first visit was back in 1950.
What brings The Spanish Riding School to the U.S at this time?
This visit is in honor of the 60th Anniversary of U.S General George Patton who rescued the 425-year old Lipizzaner breed during WWII.
This guest performance journey, which takes 6 weeks, is one of the longest ever. In which cities are performances given and how is the time schedule?
Columbus, OH, Nationwide Arena: November 5 and 6
St. Louis, MO, Savvis Center: November 12 and 13
Washington, D.C, MCI Center: November 19and 20
Philadelphia, PA, Wachovia Spectrum: November 25 and 26
Atlanta, GA, Gwinnett Center: December 3 and 4
Houston, TX, Toyota Center: December 10 and 11
All of the shows are Saturday night and Sunday matinees.
How many horses, riders, escorts, and equipment does the show utilize?
The shows consist of 30 dancing Lipizzaner stallions and 10 riders. We also bring an additional 16 members to support the show such as groomers and our management team. The most important piece of equipment that we transport from Vienna is the historical uniform and saddle.
How is the show’s program?
The program we show is in the "classical art of riding" which leads us back to the days of the 16th century, the time of Barock. The goal of riding during these times was to represent oneself on horseback in the most perfect way possible. The highlight of the show is when the horses dance on their back legs.
The Spanish Riding School is the oldest Riding School in the world. What makes it stand out from the other riding schools?
The Spanish Riding School was founded in the year 1572. Since the school was founded we have continuously taught the classical art of riding, which is known since the days of the antique Greek heroes and was first documented by Xenophon 400 BC.
What is the history and highlights of the Lipizzan?
The history leads back to the year 1580 when the imperial stud near Lipica (Lipizza) was founded. This was the beginning of the long breeding history with Spanish horses. Today the horses are well known as Lipizzans. It is a wonderful baroque type horse especially for the presentation in the classical art of riding which was famous of renaissance and baroque era in Europe in the 17th and 18th century.
Why the name "Spanish Riding School"?
The name Spanish riding School was given, because the classical art of Riding started in Vienna during the16th century with Spanish horses and Spanish riders. The name was not changed and reminds us of the Spanish culture, which is the favor of the Austrian court.
Are there Lipizzaners in the USA?
Yes, there are three Lipizzan breeding associations. The most popular is in Ohio at the Temple Farm.
Application of the Lipizzans (for riding and driving)
In the beginning the Lipizzan Stallions were not only used for riding, but also to pull light carriages around The Vienna Court. Just like it was in the 16th century, the Lipizzan is still a wonderful horse for a carriage ride around the park.
Where are the Horses for the Spanish Riding School bred?
The Stallions are breed in a city 150 miles outside of Vienna called Piber.
How long is the education to become a rider?
To become a "rider", it takes 8 to 10 years of education and training.
How long does training and education take for the horses?
The stallions start their training at the age of 4; and it will take 6-8 years for the Stallions to complete their education.
Where is the " Home of the Spanish Riding School" and what does it look like?
The Spanish Riding School is a part of the old imperial court in downtown Vienna called "Vienna Hofburg"; there are marvelous baroque surroundings. The most famous part of our School is our "Winter Riding School" it has the prestige of the one of the best riding halls in the world.
Do the horse’s go on holiday (where, when)?
The stallions have their holidays in the summer for about 6-7 weeks. It’s called summer camp. The camp is outside of Vienna about (30miles) and it’s a place for the horses to relax.
At what age do the horses retire? Where and what do the horses in their retirement?
The horses retire at the age of 25. When they retire they go back to Pier, Where we stable them in the lovely surrounding of the stud.
Which tradition follows the naming of the stallions?
The traditional name given to the Stallions is a double name. The first name is the sires Line and the second is the name of the mother (e.g.: Siglavy Mantua, Maestoso Basovizza)
Describe the Spanish Riding School definition of "classical riding art"?
"Classical riding" says: One has exercise and perform on horse:
1. To keep it healthy
2. To keep it in a beautiful shape.
3. You train the horse to be an athlete.
Are all Lipizzan white? Why is this the favored color of the breed?
The most identified is the white stallion. In Piber, we continue the tradition of breeding white stallion and riding them around the court in Vienna. However there are brown and chestnut lipizzans.
Why does the Spanish Riding School only educate stallions?
The main reason we educate is for exterior strength of the Stallion. We focus on natural movement and behavior
Which are the main tasks of the Spanish Riding School?
1. Maintain the classical riding art
2. Establish a breeding program to maintain the Lipizzan breed
3. Maintain the old traditions and history for generations
Describe the uniform for the riders?
The uniform the riders wear is actually a service uniform used at the imperial court in Vienna in the 19th century.
The uniform consists of: