Lipizzaner

Lipizzan

A modern Lipizzan
Other names	Lipizzaner, Karster
Country of origin	Developed by the House of Habsburg from Arab, Barb, Spanish and Neapolitan stock. Today associated with nations of Austria, Croatia, Hungary, and Slovenia.
Traits
Distinguishing features	Compact, muscular, generally associated with the Spanish Riding School
Breed standards
Verband der Lipizzanerzüchter in Österreich Lipica Stud, Slovenia Ministero delle Politiche Agricole e Forestali, Italy Lipizzaner Society of Great Britain Lipizzan International Federation Lipizzan Association of North America
Equus ferus caballus

The Lipizzan or Lipizzaner (Czech: Lipicán, Croatian: Lipicanac, Hungarian: Lipicai, Italian: Lipizzano, Slovene: Lipicanec), is a breed of horse closely associated with the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria, where they demonstrate the haute école or "high school" movements of classical dressage, including the highly controlled, stylized jumps and other movements known as the "airs above the ground." The horses at the Spanish Riding School are trained using traditional methods that date back hundreds of years, based on the principles of classical dressage.

The Lipizzan breed dates back to the 16th century, when it was developed with the support of the Habsburg nobility. The breed takes its name from one of the earliest stud farms established, located near the Karst Plateau village of Lipica (spelled "Lipizza" in Italian), in modern-day Slovenia. The breed has been endangered numerous times by warfare sweeping Europe, including during the War of the First Coalition, World War I and World War II. The rescue of the Lipizzans during World War II by American troops was made famous by the Disney movie Miracle of the White Stallions. Along with the Disney movie, Lipizzans have also starred or played supporting roles in many movies, TV shows, books and other media.