Spanish Riding School Grand Finale - White Lippizaner Stallions

[@thatwench]

thank you for posting such a magnificent video! it's such a pleasure to watch true professionals (horse & human) perform so smoothly and effortlessly! i do love watching the Lippizaners doing their dance!

[@kathrynshaw4711]

They not dancing. All movements are natural.

[@horse-lover68]

​@@kathrynshaw4711Exactly!! That is why they only ride stallion's but I think "that wench" me t the same- no mate will play or fight like this.

[@brockdg1]

Beautiful, just beautiful. No signs of stress or anxiousness. Just beautiful fluid movement and grace.

[@wendyconnew6458]

It's historical. .

[@renateestelmann8169]

😊😊😊

[@CossackGene]

I find it absolutely insane that warmbloods dominate in modern sporting dressage when Lipizzaners, Andalusians, and Lusitanos are clearly more naturally suited to the exercises. People say they "don't have the right kind of movement", but that tells me the problem is with the judging, because what could be better than this?

[@AEKAskenburne]

My thoughts exactly!

[@merrynvanderwesthuizen1529]

I completely agree. Judging has always been biased towards certain types. I've experienced it myself. I gave up competition when I was passed over and a fellow competitor started yelling at the judges that I should have placed second and they were horse snobs and just didn't like my standard bred mare who had done everything right.

[@cliffowens3629]

It must also be remembered that Lippizaners are trained in the movements of war. Dressage is only a part. Further their geldings have also been used as carriage horses for the upper crusts of society. Plus they're not very big maybe 14 hands. Most dressage horses are impressive mounts of 16-18 hands. It could quite well be a bias of the judges to prefer the larger over the smaller. Besides, the Lippizaners have nothing to prove. Their history speaks for itself. I've seen them in the flesh at a performance. Truly spectacular.

[@cliffowens3629]

@@merrynvanderwesthuizen1529 My wife had the same thing happen. She was riding an appaloosa mare in an open show and she never place a hoof wrong, yet the judge pinned another horse that faulted. The rider of that horse came over and gave my wife the higher award saying " Your horse deserves this. "

[@e.conboy4286]

@@cliffowens3629: During WWll, General Patton led the US Army in rescuing the Lippizaners from starvation and death by the Nazis. The Germans food supply was so low they were targeting these magnificent creatures.

[@yunawong8119]

Such a delight to watch. I just don’t understand why THIS isn’t the center of the dressage world these days.

[@margaretlewis8189]

Simple. TheSpanish riding School is like graduate school for humans. And everyone else lags FAR BEHIND!

[@horse-lover68]

They would never get it and it takes to long. People want to win and these horses start with work at 6 years, everything is slow and without pain. Lipizzaner are getting very old, so about 40 years and more. And it is the dressage they cavalry had, too. I stopped competing bc of the horse abuse you see at every competition. I have enough of it.

[@Spudisgoat]

Because it’s cruel and they use spikey spanish nose bands that rub against them

[@anaibarangan4908]

Their presentation is impeccable

[@kathleenkayk]

All the movements of high level dressage, in SYNCHRONY. Speaks volumes for the training and skills of riders and these magnificent horses. I hope to see them someday.

[@ABirdWoman]

They are breathtaking when seen in person,,, I was fortunate enough to see them in this school in Austria and to also visit the stables… 60 years ago. It was unforgettable.

[@BootGal]

I have seen them on tour twice. They are so beautiful. I cry when I see them. Truly magnificent. I also met one of the riders. Something everyone should see.

[@vickykent353]

I saw them as well over 60 years ago in Washington DC. I was absolutely spellbound. I still have the program from the show.

[@valstewart6661]

I saw them when I was a kid at Boston Gardens, which is no longer there. Then later, my coworker at a Saddlebred training and riding facility and I went to see a show. Like a couple of kids, we fantasized about running away and joining the crew on the road. Absolutely spellbinding!! ❤

[@deborahmckinney808]

My Grandmother Peck took me to see them perform at the Broadmoor Hotel, in Colorado Springs, CO, USA @ 1967? Still in my memory today! They did the jumping on hind feet, also saw the Russians play hockey and skate on the lake, professional Ice Skating and even Bruce Jenner training at the Air Force Academy. The stallions were so wonderful!!! Just incredibly beautiful and stunning!

[@5809AUJG]

Thank you, General Patton, for rescuing these gorgeous, brilliant, and very rare horses from annihilation in WWII. I'm so thankful for what he and his soldiers did! It was a miracle. Marvelous!

[@laineybutler1691]

These guys are why people say we just sit there. It's truly amazing to see the incredible body control these guys have. I never once saw a hand or leg move. Truly incredible.

[@Boospoochie]

Yes - these guys and one gal. :)

[@gloriastiehl2905]

@@Boospoochie Yes I thought I saw a gal in the performance !! It was magnificent!!🥰🥰😇😇🙏🙏

[@jeannetteprichard9382]

There is one point where you can see the spurs being used as direction guides. And yes, there is a WOMAN rider. It's amazing what we women are capable of these days.

[@vickykent353]

Since the point of there being a woman onboard, I had to do some sloothing. I found that the first woman, Hannah Zietlhofer, joined the ranks in 2008 when the Spanish Riding School agreed to admit a woman. She had apprenticed for 8 years. Currently, there are 2 women riders and 4 women assistant riders. And it only took a little over 400 years! 😆

[@melhawk6284]

​@vickykent353 you KNOW those ladies get mileage in the "Airs Above The Ground" with their most likely lighter weight. Let's the beasties get more height with less chance for strain and injury.

[@tisa4572]

Absolutely gorgeous!! God's creation is so magnificent.... ❤

[@KenDelloSandro7565]

I'm blown away!!! These must be some of the most difficult maneuvers for horses to do. Especially eight of them together. These horsemen are definitely the cream of the crop when it comes to riding. Well done!!!

[@utewahlbrink6044]

Solch hohe Pferdekunst und solch eine unpassende musikalische Begleitung

[@carinegevaert3775]

Beautiful. So glad to see the horses aren't overbend or stressed like we see In competitions nowadays.....

[@eh3477]

So wonderful to see fine work on a loose rein, with quiet seats and hands, steady cadence, mostly quiet transitions, horses using their backs and hindquarters. Sigh.... Thanks for sharing!

[@awnutz]

So true. I watch these GP rides with riders using the spur almost up to the cantle

[@awnutz]

There is contact with the snaffle rein but ever so soft.

[@SilverPonyKat]

​@@awnutz Agreed. As it should be... 😊

[@dizzywordninja]

The half passe in unison brings tears to my eyes. So beautiful and skilled

[@sharonewig3900]

Beautiful. Stunning. Praise God for His creation.

[@littlerascaleventing]

Beautiful. After watching a horse perform a test with a tail constantly swishing from side to side, it was refreshing to see horses who were calm, collected, and whose riders were so straight and tall... *Chef's kiss* perfect, what we should strive for.

[@oscarellenius2007]

im not a dressage person normally but even i can see the craftmanship in this. not only the talent of both riders and horses but also the hard work. i absolutly love seeing it

[@RissaFirecat]

The horses are amazing, but it's the horse and the rider that makes it magical. They practically live together, and that's why the horses trust them enough to do what is asked of them. I read some books about them and saw some movies about them being rescued. These are amazing!

[@lucentekids6805]

What an art. It's so beautiful to see such a magnificent breed doing what they were bred to do.

[@user-sp8eb6iz7f]

yea, turning tricks for the man.

[@betpatpatten3840]

I think these are some of the most beautiful horses in the whole world. General Patton save them from extinction during the second world war. I'm so glad he did!! Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@katie-didellis2437]

I remember as a child my mother and grandmother took us to see the Lippizaner horses in K.C.Mo. Now we're talking over 65 years ago. They were gorgeous the performance was breathtaking I'm sure I didn't but it felt like I held my breath during the whole performance. Mom and grandma told us about their story and how they were saved / rescued and I think it was the second world war it may have been the first world war. What magnificent horses. I haven't thought of that performance in decades. Thank you for the Post.

[@comesahorseman]

I saw them at the old Boston Garden in the early 60's, perhaps the same tour. This got me started riding soon after! 😄

[@charlottehayward5943]

It was the second WW. My friend's dad was imprisoned in Austria after helping save the breed by taking them to Spain. She had a picture of her dad riding one and her family immigrated here in the 50 sponsored by a Presbyterian family.

[@Sunweaver593]

Thank you General George Patton! These magnificent horses were going to be slaughtered for horse meat before Patton rescued them.

[@DaleRFetz]

They are exquisite!😊

[@tanyabrown9839]

I loved this.

[@equine2020]

This is the height of horsemanship. Totally connected to your horse. Signals so slight you can't see them. These animals are born dancers. Using war movements to produce beauty. Proud to say I'm full bloodied Austrian. A country of classical music, culture & beauty. But 2nd generation American & love the USA.

[@suzanneterrey4499]

Although I had a Hanoverian, I always strove to have the lightness that these horses have and when I achieved it, it was heaven! It was so soft and effortless. When we did half pass, I hardly had to do anything once we started. But it took so long to get there! So much sweat (on my part), so many years. But, it was worth the journey, that was the fun part, never the competitions. I wish all of you a good journey! My best tip: ride and train for a year without stirrups.

[@Axelsmom]

When I was young, I started out riding bareback with a rope configured into a halter. Learned how to use soft legs, knees and hands. Did it for about 3-4 years. Invaluable riding lessons!

[@suzanneterrey4499]

@@Axelsmom When I was a kid, I rode bareback with just a halter and used my body to turn and stop. Of course, I was Immortal then...lol!

[@dianalclements9223]

I envy all of you who got to see them in person. Sigh. I watch as many videos as I find....these are such beautiful horses and the fact that their line almost disappeared is a tear jerker Changing subject a bit, when you mentioned riding bareback to develope your riding skills I remember watching our grandson learn to ski, same principle, He started at 3 where all the kids in class are without poles. No poles to depend on so they have to learn balance pretty quickly. His pictures are pretty funny. I'm glad you learned that way, always thought it taught great lessons and feelings of muscles your horses uses to follow instructions. I love these white horses and riders, such precision for all those in the ring at the same time. sigh once again.

[@marshakennedy210]

Im Almost 70. I've loved these horses since I was very young. I got to finally see them in my 50's. Front row center I could smell them I was so close. It was definitely a bucket-list moment. They are beautiful.

[@evelyntanswell3311]

I see beauty, grace and joy in this performance. This is what these wonderful horses were bred to do. For me, they represent perfection ❤.

[@anarotnik4567]

I know this was posted 3yrs ago but I came back to watch it and I have to say that I’m so proud and thankful that our country managed to ‘produce’ such beautiful and elegant being as Lipizzaners and that we have the oldest stud farm which is dedicated to this amazing breed

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

Magnificent! I was blessed to see these guys perform in Vienna many years ago. Breathtaking.

[@BestHorseInTheStable]

Same! It was definitely worth lining up for hours in the pouring and blustering rain when my mum and I went!

[@margis.5873]

My aunt it took me to see them in Boston Garden back in '65 or '66. They were amazing!

[@wendyconnew6458]

Me too. Watched from the balcony. Amazing.

[@sunlightofthespirit-tarotr8805]

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MOMENT FOR ETERNITY IS THEIR POWERFUL ELEGANCE 🙏 THANK YOU SO MUCH 🌹🌹🌹

[@marywrigjt7614]

That was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.

[@patriciajanemcgrath627]

I confess I am glad this is kept unique. I hate to think what might happen if made a competitive sport. The joy of spending time at the School over the years confirms the uniqueness. Many thanks to the participants and those behind the scenes ❤

[@MagnificentHorses]

Amazing horsemanship and well-trained animals. The quality of this video production is excellent, too.

[@silvercreekcrossing]

I long wondered what brought my parents together to create such a beautiful strong family I knew it must have been love but it was not just us children but the horses. Just before I was born there was a stormy day and the pony got out of the barn mom told dad get rid of the horses but he refused . He protected me but he also refused to … I got to grow up but still love the horses. I’m so glad they stayed together for ever and I’m so glad they kept the horses. I so glad they choose to have me. I’m so glad they followed always their dreams.

[@marygagliardi5315]

I’ve loved the Lippizaner Stallions since I was a little girl when I got to see them in the 60’s when they came to Madison Square Garden in NYC. It was the most special day. My dad died not long after. I was 11.

[@comesahorseman]

Mary, I also saw them in the 60s, at the old Boston Garden! I started formal riding lessons not long afterwards! Cheers! 😄

[@samanthahughes472]

Aww must been hard hope do this nice horse videos help you and dad look over you heaven till meet again hard 11

[@bethseacord9299]

I saw them at MSG as well. I was in 8th grade I believe. Their first time back in the States since they had returned to Austria after the war, as I recall. Col. Podhajsky rode a Bay part of that performance and reproductions of the great chandeliers were installed.

[@Christina-ot9ie]

Magnificent, precision, with the bond between rider and horse incredible

[@silvercreekcrossing]

How happy this makes me feel to see this school I will share with my own children the memories just came rushing back like a Christmas Day

[@MonkeyBunny7721]

This is simply amazing. All the time and training that goes into this. The way they all move together with such rhythm. It’s like watching a river! It’s beautiful.

[@nansmith8703]

It is utterly beautiful - takes your breath away. ❤

[@nenhuma57]

This is majestic and also calm, quiet, relaxing to watch, a so wonderful video!!!!!

[@TheRaspberry82]

Beautiful! Was the most important thing for me to go see in Austria!!!!! Magnificence!!!!

[@cindyjohnson6303]

What a beautiful performance. Thank you. The horses tack is stunning.

[@MsDobidob]

Wirklich atemberaubende Reitkunst, eine Einheit von Reiter und Pferd, eine Ruhe, das ist allerhöchste Reitkunst, zum Niederknien!

[@shirleygeorge5222]

Wow!!! So beautiful. I had tears in my eyes watching this. Such beautiful riding and gorgeous horses. Why can't "modern" dressage be like this???? This is real dressage!!

[@sandrasmith16]

Absolutely stunning. Both horses and riders are truly athletic and fantastic to see in action

[@angelalewis3645]

Wonderful! Magnificent!

[@heidiwilliams598]

So very beautiful it brings me to tears when I see the Lippazaners.

[@silvercreekcrossing]

I can watch these horses every day and remember my parents love. I saw them in person. My father took me. And what is greater it was His family story. He preserved the history for me. Completely as he could. Honestly and most wonderfully.

[@clairesuzanne1276]

Exquisite ❤ simplicity ❤ seamless❤ peaceful ❤

[@carolbulmer8253]

So elegantly beautiful🙏

[@nancy6160]

I got to see Lippizaners in Nashville in the 1970s and it was magnificent! Later got to meet two riders one who had been trained by my instructor! Great horses great riding. It is unbelievably fun to ride that collected trot!

[@marilynwjlson6792]

This beautiful video soothes my soul. A blessing to behold.

[@marilynwjlson6792]

This is the real deal! Sometimes I start out my day watching this video. I've always wanted to be there in person, but this is almost better with the overhead filming! Thank you!

[@katiekane5247]

Took my daughter to see them live, awesome show.!

[@SandraOrtmann1976]

I went there once to see the grand gala. Will never forget that.

[@jilldwilliams9208]

Saw them live!!! Outstanding!!

[@juliannethompson4432]

Magnificently choreographed, such graceful creatures, both horses and riders moving as one. 👏🏻❤️

[@bnaisirap]

Have loved these horses ever since Disney release "The Miracle of the White Stallions" many, many years ago.

[@melissawarfield]

I went to a show of the Famous White Lippizans. I was amazed with all the movements they performed.

[@debratitone4798]

I agree. I bred Andalusians for 15 years. I attended a show when I was in Vienna. Stunning. Now I live in Colorado where quarter horses rein I’m proud to have a conversation with somebody thinks

[@deedledaddledeedledaddle722]

INteresting I lived in SW colorado back in the early 80's..there was a breeder of Andalusian that rode in our Dressage group..cant remember her name but her horses were wonderful...

[@edheather4056]

I saw this wonderful show twice. And what a show it was. Even got to meet some of the riders and horses. This was over 20 years ago and I've never forgotten the experience

[@BrandyDieterle]

My fifth and sixth grade teacher went to see them.... I was (am) so jealous. I love this and hope to see them in person some day.😊👍

[@Little_trot88]

What an amazing grace !

[@Kris-yr3zc]

Absolutely exquisite!

[@glenysclark8503]

Thank you. I feel so privileged to watch such a magnificent performance

[@SilverPonyKat]

I have gotten to see them perform twice so far and both times it was a beautiful performance and fun to watch. Now that I ride and train my own, its always nice to watch them again online and remind myself- This is what you're aiming for! 💖💖💖

[@blanchedeveroux7483]

Absolutely stunning horsemanship. Did so enjoy.

[@kymberry2079]

My grandmother took me ever year as a young kid! I cried!

[@jibby28]

This video made me emotional. Wow!!! Awesome riding and horses. 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼

[@BrendaLaffoon]

The horses are exquisite but so are the men who train and ride them. Training a horse is a lot of work and they are very special men.

[@DeannaClark-oo9ut]

...and ladies now.

[@ineskucharz1990]

this is so beautiful I cried. Maybe some dressage riders at the international level could take a leaf out of this wonderful book. Total harmony, riding at its best, horse and rider at one ... wonderful!

[@TheNeeenha]

MY mom took me to see them when i was a kid ...I'll never forget it... I'm 65 now☺

[@irenepolchet364]

Gosh. They are stunning. I get goosebumps watching them. And a magnificent setting 🦄🦄🦄

[@marilynwjlson6792]

Can't get enough of this video! I've shared with all my horse friends.

[@sheilatruax6172]

I saw some of the Lippizaners perform back in '76 when I was in college. I see that the more difficult maneuvers were not done here. Nothing like a horse flying!

[@Saartje05]

Because that's a different part of the shows. And other horses. Some. The ones jumping are older and more advanced and trained.

[@elizabethcave7666]

Yes, I too, was waiting for the “airs”.

[@danaventura5998]

Always a pleasure to watch.

[@katiedid1851]

I do not have the words to describe the elegance and beauty of airs above the ground. Edited because I thought of the Disney movie about the stud during WWll. Disney did a pretty good job- the stallions are showcased, of course.

[@zumiiw]

Those stallions are gorgeous! They are did magnificent staying in sync! I love it! Great Job!

[@equineph]

I am blessed to have a lipizzaner stud farm with over 120 horses near my place :)

[@silvercreekcrossing]

Glorious! I remember how excited I was when my father took me to see these wonderful white horses … it was a climax of all of my life.

[@tmross4]

I got to see them perform live. It was so cool. There is a Disney movie about the Spanish Riding School, and how some American military men saved the school during WWII.

[@awnutz]

I still love that movie. During the performance, that is Col Podhasky riding.

[@jamiburrows9005]

It's based off of book called "The Perfect Horse" and it is also a true story.

[@shychameleon]

@@jamiburrows9005 Fantastic book😉

[@Moraenil]

The movie is The Miracle of the White Stallions for anyone wanting to find a copy.

[@JOlson-gj8sd]

Got to see them live in Casper, Wyoming years ago. Beautiful animals.

[@cherimagelky8963]

I saw them in Casper about 20 years ago. The only reason I remember how long is been is because I was pregnant with my oldest, and they just turned 20. It was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen.

[@emorel48]

It thrills my heart to know that our US Military helped to save these beautiful horses during WW2> They are still beautiful to this day!

[@bonnie448]

This is the most perfect quadrille I have seen them do, maybe due to less stress with no one watching, either for the horses or the riders. No one in the stands or invitational box. PS I have been watching them for 60 years.

[@brookestanford81]

Reading The Perfect Horse and am almost done. Watching this video makes me cry tears of joy and amazement. Such admiration and respect for this breed. ❤

[@Schiffon]

Omg 😱 At long last before I die, THANK YOU‼️❤❤❤

[@jellypanda7461]

Love how the men here have their reins tight but not pulling too hard on the bit. Truely a magnificent art. ❤😊

[@Debdeee]

Men … and a lady

[@suemommie]

I’ve visited there and got to watch the training sessions as well as tour the stable areas. This was back in the late 1980’s.

[@histockton2759]

I'm sure the Queen of England would love this video! Amazing

[@Msfifisquarepantz]

I’ll never forget being able to put my lesson horse into a collected canter.I was 9 years old. It was magical for me. It still is in memory.

[@agnetha2012]

The horses are so incredibly beautiful ❤ The groomers are magnificent and the riders majestic. I wish I could hug and kiss each horse for being such angels.

[@lindawild6568]

BRAVO!🙌🙌🫶🫶👏👏👏💝💝💝

[@mississippiqueen5056]

I won tickets to see them when my granddaughter was 4 months old. She didn't miss a thing. She is 17 now and her "Pop" is in heaven. I will never forget this.

[@gailouellette3785]

I was lucky to see them live performance once beautiful

[@shrinivasraos.sohoni9917]

When the rider and the mount’s heart chakras connect, there is unison and perfection achieved.. ✨💫

[@Saartje05]

And years of training....

[@choleeron]

This is pure art. ❤

[@АлексейЛи-в3з]

Уверен, это одно из высших проявлений красоты и человеческих усилий. Лошади просто божественной красоты. Спасибо джентельмены!

[@charlottehayward5943]

I got to see them in person in Joplin Mo. Years ago. A friend of mines dad helped save the breed during WWII. He was captured by the Nazis and put in prison. He sat a horse beautifully.

[@betsysmall3576]

The passage work was so soft and elastic!!

[@LOL-Can]

Haute ecole riding. Magnificent

[@rustymcnitt5508]

Whoever put the 4 thumbs down evidently doesn't appreciate such a beautiful and talented horse. Or it's the limit of your intelligence and had to show how limited you are. These horse were almost destroyed completely during the war, but kindness and love helped them to survive and the world can again enjoy their beauty and grace.

[@equine2020]

Perhaps jealousy. Some people envy us with well trained beautiful horses. We hear some nasty remarks. We don't care. Our world is our horse.

[@joleneevans5483]

Makes me weep with pure pleasure... Poetry in motion

[@equine2020]

Such beauty does make you cry. But then horses are my life/world 24/7. My only love. What controls my heart.

[@dianehewitt579]

So beautiful…thank you for this video…👏👏👏

[@maggiemckee1512]

Absolutely WONDERFUL 😊

[@sandrabradshaw2864]

such a stunning discipline from both rider and horse, so enjoyable to watch this beautiful performance from man and beast, thank you for sharing, loved it,🥰😍🥰😍❤

[@Linda-dd3wj]

Undeniably Beautiful.....!!!!!!

[@elenacaddell3639]

I saw them THEY ARE STUNNING💗💞💖

[@りこりこ-t4b]

ずっと昔に日本（東京）で公演があって、会社を休んで観に行きました。完璧な様式美、美しく優雅な馬たちの演技に見惚れました。とにかく素晴らしかった！

[@condessadesantar]

Que esta linda tradição perdure pra sempre. Obrigada por TANTA BELEZA .