Fans of horses that aren’t exactly interested in rodeos have
a chance to see something different this month, as the Lipizzaner Stallions
return to Evansville.
Making their way to Roberts Stadium on March 27, the show promises to bring the
best in equestrian events, featuring riders from all over the world.
So what
exactly is a Lipizzan? It’s a rare breed whose history and culture is known
worldwide. General George S. Patton played a role in preserving the Lipizzans
for our enjoyment. The Walt Disney movie The
Miracle of the White Stallions, depicts Patton saving them at the end of
World War II. It was this film that created an even greater world-wide interest
in the Lipizzaner breed. Thanks to Patton, we get to experience the majestic
show.
It’s the 40th
anniversary of the show, which promises an experience with completely new
music, choreography and routines. Particular attention is being paid to the
historical background and foundation of the Lipizzaner breed. Beginning with
its breeding and use as a warhorse to its use by the nobles and aristocrats. Finally,
the Lipizzaner Stallions will be
shown as a living form of equestrian art. The show emulates the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria, in
that it presents the Lipizzans in a fairly traditional and entertaining
performance, much like what a spectator would see at the Spanish Riding School
of Vienna.
“It is
believed that the forerunner of the Lipizzan was bred in Carthage, more than 2,000 years ago.”
Also
included is a segment called the "Airs Above the Ground." These
equestrian works of art are the spectacular leaps and maneuvers, once used by
riders in saddle to protect and defend themselves on the battlefield.
“When you
see the Lipizzans perform, it is like stepping back four hundred years and
viewing one of the greatest equine ballets in history.”
There’s
quite a bit of history behind the Lipizzaner Stallions, raging clear back to
ancient times. According to a brief history of the Lipazzaner Stallions
available on their website, “It is believed that the forerunner of the Lipizzan
was bred in Carthage,
more than 2,000 years ago. The
Carthaginian stock was bred to the Vilano, a sturdy Pyrenees horse, and with
Arab and Barbary strains. The result became the fabled Andalusian of
ancient Spain.”
It’s this
ancestral forefather of the Lipizzan that shares the spotlight, featured in a
high school presentation with special wardrobe themed to traditional Spanish
music. Not only is the Andalusian shown
in saddle, but also in a unique presentation where the rider performs all the
maneuvers of the Grand Prix Olympic level dressage on the longline, all while
guiding the horse through his paces from behind.
The
conclusion of The "World
Famous" Lipizzaner Stallions includes a traditional Grand Quadrille,
featuring six to eight Lipizzaner Stallions with their riders performing an
intricate, ballet-like routine, exhibiting maneuvers through the highest level of
dressage. The horses prance, march and
intricately weave their way across the floor to the music of the Masters in a
“spectacular ballet of four-footed white dancers.”
If these
place names and terms aren’t immediately familiar, don’t sweat it. I had to
spend some time doing research just to remember where Carthage was located on the map, or figure
out what “dressage” means. Ultimately, what matters is that this program isn’t
one you’ll want to miss. It’ll be a nice change of pace from the usual sweat and
grit of horse-related events at Roberts Stadium.
More: Lipizzaner.com; ticketmaster.com; facebook.com/LipizzanerStallions
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Credit Mayo Civic Center //
White Stallion Prod.
