Lipica & Lipizzaners
Lipica, a cultural monument of European and worldwide reputation, is located in Slovenia's karst region, an unusual stony land covered with low bushes, small pine forests, and vineyards.
Close to the Slovene-Italian border in a lush green oasis with avenues lined with trees between one hundred and one hundred and sixty years old, the Lipica stud, cradle of the Lipizzaner, has been developing for more than four hundred years. In 1580, the Austrian Archduke Karl II established the stud, and it was the property of the Austrian court until 1918. Its history abounds with stories of emperors and rulers admiring the white stallions and, on the other hand, stories of difficult and dangerous times when the stud had to flee from the maelstroms of war. During wars, it was necessary to seek sanctuary for the herd in other countries, but always, more or less reduced, it returned to Lipica, tenaciously resisted decline, and revived.
Lipizzaner horses
Lipizzaner horses are the only breed of horses to originate from Slovenia. The breed was developed out of a Lipica stud farm in the later half of the 1500s. The Hapsburg Empire required horses that would be both sturdy military animals as well as ones that would appeal to the fashionable riding schools of the day. Today, the Lipizzaner horse is a national symbol of Slovenia.
History of the Lipica Stud Farm
The history of Lipica is closely connected with the history of the Habsburg monarchy. At the time when Archduke Charles was thinking about establishing a new stud farm, the Spanish horse was considered the ideal horse breed. Since the soil and climate in the Kras region is similar to that of Spain, Lipica was chosen as the perfect spot for the new farm.
The first horses were bought in 1581 from Spain (24 broodmares and 6 stallions). The Lipizzaner breed as we know today was fully developed in the time of Maria Theresa of Austria, whose husband was greatly interested in horse-breeding.
Tourist Resort
Today, Lipica is a tourist and recreation center that is not just interesting for its stud and the white beauties Valvasor described in 1689. It can now boast of its varied offer; in particular, the performances of its classic riding school are an unforgettable experience. Today, Lipica is known as an international venue for traditional equestrian events including World Cup dressage competitions and the Lipica Stud Days. Lipica is increasingly becoming Slovenia's equestrian center where lovers of equestrian sports from Slovenia and abroad meet.
The Lipica golf course is located on the countryside of Karst. There are plenty of oaks and old limes and the climate is mild Mediterranean which gives constant fresh air to breath. The landforms in Karst are absolutely spectacular and the course is enjoyable for anyone who is looking for beauty in a course.
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Tags: | Slovenia | Lipica | Lipizzaner |
