Tempel Lipizzan Horses Perform Majestic Dressage
Austrian Lipizzaners, a Royal Breed, Dances in Wadsworth, Illinois
Aug 29, 2008
Lipizzan horses are a rare breed, treasured for their elegant performances in the art of dressage. Lipizzans have been protected by royalty and have performed for kings and presidents. Lipizzans are magnificent horses, treasured for their proud bearing, elegant gait, superior intelligence and enduring strength. During the summer months, Tempel Farms offers two dressage performances per week in Wadsworth, which is north of Chicago.
Lipizzan Horses a Majestic Breed
According to the Tempel Farms website, the Lipizzan breed is considered Europe's oldest breed of domesticated horse. White steeds were developed during the Renaissance. In the late 16th century, the Royal Court of Imperial Austria imported Spanish stallions and established a stud farm. The best of the imported Spanish horses were bred with domestic Austrian horses to preserve the best qualities of the breeds. Karst horses were white in color, slow to mature and extremely tough.
The Tempel Lipizzans
In 1958, Tempel and Esther Smith imported 20 LIpizzans from the Austria stud farm in Piber. From the royal courts of Austria, the Lipizzaners came to America. Tempel Lipizzans grew into the largest privately owned herd in the world. The rare horses have performed at several Presidential Inaugurals and at special exhibitions at the White House and the U. S. Capital. Tempel Lipizzans have also performed at Taste of Chicago, Ravinia Festival, Arlington Park Race Track and Madison Square Garden.
The President of Austria recognized the contributions of the Smith family to the equestrian world of the Lipizzan horses in 1997. The Austrian President presented the Officer's Cross, Grand Declaration of Honour for Service to the Republic of Austria.
Tempel Farms is the only stable in the United States where the Lipizzans are bred, trained and perform on the same property. Tempel Farms celebrated their 50th anniversary of performances in 2008.
Tempel Lipizzan Performance Program
Sophisticated training methods, employed by riding masters from the 16th and 17th centuries, elevate riding to an art form. Temple Farms employs the training practiced by the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Lipizzan training begins when the horse is four years old and continues for three to five years. The program introduces onlookers to various stages of this rigorous dressage training.
Tempel performs on Wednesday morning and Sunday afternoon during the summer months. The performances are a delightful treat, with the majestic horses dancing in time to classical music.
Tempel Farms is in Wadsworth, which in near Gurnee, Illinois, in Lake County. Gurnee in about 35 miles north of the City of Chicago and just a few miles south of the Illinois/Wisconsin State line.
Gurnee Illinois for Family Getaway Near Chicago
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
