The Lipizzan Horse is an old, established, and disciplined breed. They are almost always white, though some appear in black, bay, or chestnut varieties. But, because the breed was intended for the Imperial House of Austria, it has always been the Lippiza Stud's policy to breed only gray or white horses.

In appearance, the Lipizzan is a compact but strong-limbed horse with powerful hindquarters. The neck is muscular and capable of taking a heavy harness. In terms of health, the Lipizzan is known for longevity and some of the Lipizzaners of Vienna live to over 30; many still performing and working at 20.

The horse was originally developed for carriage work and riding but it was also bred for temperament. It's an intelligent breed that's quick to learn but also willing to submit to strict disciplines - a necessary requirement for horses that are called to perform regimented royal duties.

The stud at Lipizza is the home of the breed. It was founded in 1580 in Slovenia and is still operating today, while the Piber Stud in Austra has housed the Spanish school of the breed since 1920.

Today, they are popular harness horses but they are best known for their ability in dressage. Dressage is sometimes called “horse ballet” and it is a sport designed to showcase a horse's level of training as well as its agility and grace. It takes approximately six years for a trained Lipizzan to become a full member of the “School Quadrille,”the highest level of dressage.

There are a small number of Lipizzaners in North America, about fifteen hundred, and an estimated two thousand in Europe.

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Lipizzan - Horses for Sale