World-famous Lipizzaner stallions to appear in Hollister for
36th anniversary tour
As the aristocrats and royalty of the equestrian world, Lipizzaner stallions know how to strut their stuff. Their flawless white coats shimmer as they perform graceful acts of athleticism, and they’re in near perfect harmony with their riders as they maneuver around the arena. But don’t assume the horses are snooty about their talents – manners are the first thing they learn.
The world-famous Lipizzaners, performing July 11 at San Benito County Fairgrounds in Hollister, go through about two years of behavioral training before beginning to learn the seemingly effortless leaps, bounds and bows that have made them famous. The current tour, part of the stallions’ 36th anniversary season, features new music and choreography, as well as routines that place particular emphasis on the historical background and foundation of the Lipizzaner breed.
Set to classical music, the show features 14 stallions and 10 riders and emulates the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria. Part of the performance is a segment called “Airs Above the Ground,” in which the horses leap and maneuver in ways once used by riders in saddles to protect and defend themselves on the battlefield. Other aspects of the show include “dressage” – near-perfect harmony between the stallions and their riders – and the “cabriole” – when the horse leaps with its legs tucked under its body.
Watching the stallions and their riders is an experience for everyone: children, adults, horse experts and novices, said Troy Tinker, narrator and master of ceremonies.
“If you know nothing about horses, you’ll be very enthralled with what you see,” he said. “And if you know everything about horses, you’ll feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven.”
A rare and unique breed, the Lipizzan and its history is known worldwide. The 1963 Walt Disney movie “The Miracle of the White Stallions” depicts the story of how Gen. George Patton helped rescue the Lipizzaner bloodline, which had been threatened by extinction during World War II.
Today, there are six significant bloodlines in the Lipizzaner breed. The horses generally live 30 to 35 years. Although they’re born black, their coats change slowly through a period of six to 10 years to the final, pure white color seen on the stallions starring in the shows. Rarely is a Lipizzaner born pure white.
Everyone who sees the show will come away with something different, Tinker said. For him, it’s the crowds’ candid reaction that leaves an impression every time.
“Watching the faces of the people in the audience, they’re so enthralled,” he said. “These horses are are magnificent to watch.”
