The Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School is not located in Spain, though its name would suggest otherwise. Rather, it is located in Vienna, Austria, where it was established over 400 years ago. The school features Lipizzaners (also sometimes called Lipizzans) whom many people learned of by watching the Disney movie "Miracle of the White Stallions". The Spanish horses which were much sought after during the time when the school was established, are the ancestors of the modern day Lipizzaner. It is from these Spanish horses that the school derived its name.

The Spanish Riding School has a reputation for retaining only the finest trainers and riders; there are extremely strict requirements for those hoping to attain a position at the Spanish Riding School. The horses are trained to the "haute école" or "high school" level, which has been a requirement since the school was established. The horses and trainers travel the world doing performances featuring such moves as the capriole, courbette, levade and others - demonstrating the power and beauty of the horses as well as their impeccable training.

The school has experienced controversy in the past few years, as well as changes in leadership. Formerly a government-sponsored organization, it is now under private ownership. There are those who fear that the school will lose its pristine image and credentials. We can only hope this is not the case.