Sometimes a word is used so frequently in conversation, or in the wrong context, it loses its meaning. The word I have in mind is “breathtaking”. This word came to life for me and I felt its most literal meaning at a Sunday performance of the Lipizzaner Stallions, at their home in Vienna, Austria.
The splendor of the show begins as you find your way to your seat. The Spanish Riding School hall is located in the Imperial Palace of Vienna. When you first arrive to will call to collect your ticket, you are walking through part of the historic Palace. The stables where the performing stallions live is so close, you can smell them as you’re walking up. Once home to the Habsburg Empire, now in the city centre, you could walk past it and not even realize horses live and perform inside
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It doesn’t matter if you were born a horse person or if you were just bribed by a horsey friend or family member to attend. Anyone can appreciate the beauty and talent of these incredible horses. I brought my mom along, and bless her heart for humoring me. As we booked the tickets online she was indifferent about it, but she knows she has a daughter who loves horses more than anything. From the time the riding hall gates open, and the spotlight is shining down on a line of beautiful grey stallions, the audience is completely mesmerized. It is absolutely silent, except for the classical music the horses will “dance” to. Each section of the performance is introduced in a number of languages. Sitting in the historic wooden chairs looking up at ginormous crystal chandeliers you can’t help but be impressed. The architecture with pillars and ornate murals overhead keeps you staring for every moment the horses are not performing. Needless to say, both my mom and I LOVED the performance.
The show opens with a performance by the younger stallions in training with progressing riders, the “up and coming” talent. Both horse and rider are in the early stages of their education at the Spanish Riding School. The next performance is by the intermediate stallions. They are more skilled in the more challenging Dressage maneuvers, and the synchronization of the horses and riders is outstanding. The third and final act is the finished stallions performing the “airs above ground” under saddle and on the lines. The stallions and their handlers enter, and spend time warming up. It is so evident that the stallions love their job and are wonderfully trained and cared for. When the horse and rider or handler pairs begin performing the airs, the crowd gasps, oohs and ahhs, all in unison. No one applauds until the performances are finished, demonstrating great respect for the horses and riders.
Now, I’m a bit of a nerd. I love history! I think that is why I enjoy traveling overseas so much. There is so much to learn about the world! You see, the riding hall where the stallions perform was nearly destroyed in the second World War. Not only that, but the entire Lipizzaner breed was almost lost to the Nazis and USSR troops. If you like history novels and factually accurate horse books, read The Perfect Horse. I read this book prior to arriving in Vienna, and it made me appreciate the stallions and the whole show tenfold.
If you are in Vienna, and have an hour to spare on the weekend, you must see the Lipizzaner stallions perform! Especially if you are a person who loves or admires horses. They will leave you breathless.
P.S. Be prepared to take photos before and after the performance, but not during. They are strict about no photography during the performance, for the safety of both horse and rider.
Xoxo,
A Travelling Cowgirl