Special Sub-Topic: Movements of the Lipizzaner Stallions Click Here To Play: Movements of the Lipizzaner Stallions

Where is the Spanish Riding School located?

Vienna. The Spanish Riding School is considered to be the "Harvard" of the equestrian world.

Now, on to the movements. What is the division of movements where the horse lifts two or more feet off the ground called?

Airs Above the Ground. When I went to see the Lipizzaners (not from the Spanish Riding School), The Airs Above the Ground presentation was by far the best. The movements are both graceful and exiting for the spectators. Airs were originally used for combat, frightening foot soldiers and making for a quick escape when needed. Airs are actually found in the horse's natural movements.

Which is the correct definition for the Piaffe?

The horse trots on the spot.. It can take years and years of practice for a horse to perfect the Piaffe, as it is not a natural movement.

Which of the below is a movement where the horse lowers its forefeet to the ground before rising again onto its hindquarters, achieving forward motion?

Mezair. This is a movement that is probably the easiest for the stallion, as the horse does not have to take more than two feet of the ground, and only for a second does it have to remain on two feet.

Which best describes the Capriole?

The stallion leaps into the air, and kicks out violently with his hind legs.. When I saw the show, this exiting move was done with both the rider mounted, and walking BEHIND the horse! Imagine being a soldier in battle and having a horse perform that kind of movement.

In brief, what is the Levade?

A rear. The horse must raise and keep at a 45 degree angle, which requires lots of balance. In a show, if a horse were to be even one degree off, marks would be lost. A horse that can perfect this movement is very talented.

What best describes the Courbette?

The horse rears and jumps so that all four feet come off the ground.. This movement is both elegant and slightly amusing to watch, as the horse rears up and hops off its back feet.

What does the brand found on Lipizzaners bred at the Piber Farm look like?

a crown. The Piber farm is where the horses for the Spanish Riding School are bred. A horse with the Piber brand is likely to have come from the school.

All true Lipizzaners have the Piber Farm brand.

f. Only the Lipizzaners from the Piber Farm have this brand. A Lipizzaner does not need to sport one to be a "true" kind of its breed.

General Patton was not the first to save the Lipizzaners.

t. During the Napoleonic wars, 300 horses were led on a 40 day march to Stuhlweissenburg. They later returned to Lipizza after peace was made.