Spanish Riding School
Categories: Vienna | Equestrianism
The Spanish Riding School (de: Spanische Hofreitschule, literal translation: Imperial Court Spanish Riding School) of Vienna, Austria, is a traditional riding school for Lipizzan horses. It was established during the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1572. It was named for the Spanish horses that were, and still are, the mainstay of the riding school. Today the horses are bred in a court stud in Lipica (Italian: Lipizza), near Trieste in nowadays Slovenia, and at the Piber Stud in western Styria, Austria.
The methods used by the Riding School, like those of the Cadre Noir, are based on the teachings of the French riding master François Robichon de la Guérinière. The standards are just as strict at the School as they were years ago. The young stallions are taught the basics first, then, as they strengthen, begin collected movements. They are then assessed to determine if they are suitable for the demanding 'airs above the ground.'
The riders, too, are carefully schooled, working first without stirrups and reins on well-trained horses to teach a balanced and independent seat.
Performances at the Spanish Riding School include individual and pas de deux (two horses at once) displays, as well as a Grand Qualdrille consisting of 16 horses working in formation at the walk, trot, and canter, including flying changes, piaffe, and passage work.
All riders wear the traditional brown frock coat uniform with tricorn hats, and all horses wear red and gold saddle cloths.
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Location
The Spanish Riding School is located in a number of buildings on the Michaelerplatz and the Josefsplatz near the Hofburg in central Vienna. Performances take place in the Winter Riding School, an elegant riding hall that was completed in 1735 and was commissioned by the Emperor Charles VI. Prior to that time, the School operated from an arena at the Imperial Palace.
Tourist information
The Spanish Riding School is a famous tourist attraction in Vienna and offers 80-minute performances of Lipizzan horse riding. The presentation builds on four centuries of experience and tradition in horse riding.
One can also buy tickets for the morning exercise sessions between 10:00 a.m. and noon on Tuesday through Saturday. Schedules vary by season. (Children under 3 aren't admitted, and children from 3-6 are free.)
Fall 2005 American Tour
For the first time in more than 15 years, the Spanish Riding School of Vienna is visiting America for an extensive Fall tour. The tour is scheduled to last from early November to mid-December. The locations will be Columbus OH, St. Louis MO, Washington DC, Philadelphia PA, Atlanta GA, and Houston TX. You can visit their website for specific dates and locations.