Lipizzan - Training

Training

The traditional training methods for Lipizzans were developed at the Spanish Riding School and are based on the principles of classical dressage, which is in turn based on the writings of Xenophon, a Greek commander whose works were rediscovered in the 16th century. His thoughts on horses' mental attitude and psyche are still considered standards today. Other writers and equestrians who strongly influenced the training methods in place today at the Spanish Riding School include Federico Grisone, the founder of the first riding academy in Naples, who lived during the 16th century; and Antoine de Pluvinel and François Robichon de la Guérinière, two Frenchmen from the 17th and 18th centuries. The fundamentals taught to the Lipizzan stallions at the Spanish Riding School were passed down via an oral tradition until Field Marshal Franz Holbein and Johann Meixner, Senior Rider at the School, published the initial guidelines for the training of horse and rider at the School in 1898. Alois Podhajsky, whose works, written in the mid-20th century, serve as textbooks for many dressage riders today, was another significant influence. The principles taught at the Spanish Riding School are based on practices taught to cavalry riders to prepare their horses for warfare.

Young stallions come to the Spanish Riding School for training when they are four years old. Full training takes an average of six years for each horse, and schooling is considered complete when they have mastered the "School Quadrille". There are three fundamental skill sets taught to the stallions, which are:

• Forward riding, also called Straight riding or the Remontenschule - The first year of training, where a young horse is taught to be saddled and bridled, started on the longe, and then ridden in an arena on straight lines, to teach correct responses to the rider's aids while mounted. The main goals during this time are to develop free forward movement, riding in as natural a position as possible.
• Campaign school, Campagneschule or Campagne, which teaches collection and balance through all gaits, turns and maneuvers. The horse learns to shorten and lengthen his gait and perform lateral movements, and is introduced to the double bridle. This is the longest training phase of the three.
• High-school dressage, the Haute école or Hohe Schule, which includes riding the horse in a more upright position with increased angling of the hindquarters, as well as increased regularity, skill and finesse in all natural gaits as well as dressage maneuvers which may include the "Airs above the ground." (see below). In this period, the horse learns the most difficult movements such as the half-pass, counter-canter, flying change, pirouette, passage, and piaffe. This level emphasizes performance in a methodical manner and a high degree of perfection.

Although the Piber Stud trains mares for driving and under saddle, the Spanish Riding School exclusively uses stallions in its performances.