Everyone Loves a White Horse

Author:Terry A. Bowman

For some of us drawn to white horses (specifically Lipizzan horses) maybe it's the stories of Royalty riding and owning these special horses created by The Hapsburg Empire over 450 years ago. American history buffs love the stories of General Patton and his 3rd Army rescuing these amazing horses from Hitler and Russia during World War II.  Are you dreaming of horses that can fly without wings?  Most find this quality in the Lipizzan Breed "The Ballerinas of the Horse World".  

How do you go about selecting "The One"? You do not, they find you, that's right! You might be thinking you would like to see, ride, and possibly own a Lipizzan?  First off, they are rare with less than 1100 in the United States today.  Another interesting quality about these brave and beautiful unicorns in white is that they decide who will dream, touch, brush, care, work with and ride them. They are looking for an equal, not a master but a human that is not afraid to take the lead with them and find joy in the intelligence and loyalty of each special individual Lipizzan. 

As with every meeting in life, the first one is so very important with a Lipizzan. They will look at you with their big, beautiful eyes and look right into your soul. I can guarantee you will never meet such an extraordinary creature as these horses, as they will capture your heart like no other. 

Having had the privilege and honor to be connected to these amazing horses from birth to riding, training, owning, and performing with them for over 30 years, I have a few suggestions for those of you who are being called by the Lipizzan.

First, this is a proud, strong horse, so you must always stand tall, walk as you mean business and look this horse in the eye (like you would look at a dear friend). Smile you are meeting your new best friend.  For it is all about respect and love with this horse.  Do not be in a hurry to touch him or her. Just stand close enough and to the side to be able to do a proper greeting. Talk with them and they will invite you to touch them or breathe with them. If they invite you to touch them, take note if they like soft or firm rubs? Do they want you to rub behind their ears, on their neck, shoulder, or face? Never pat them like a dog. Soft circular strokes make them happy. If your Lipizzan moves away, never chase them. Do not take offense, understand this is all about the dance with them. You are being invited to entice them. You might try singing softly to draw them closer, or you might try sharing a treat like an apple or carrot just one please, and not the whole bag! You eat some first, then offer to share it with them. Eat loudly with relish! Taking turns eating with them. I have not met one yet that says, no thank you. And always take the first and last piece of a treat for yourself. If you notice their lips quivering, you are winning them over.

This breed is smart and will always tease you, taking note of your response. Humor and a lot of patience is the best response. Do laugh out loud, your Lipizzan will be happy you are in on his joke. Always be the one to feed and water your Lipizzan at least for the first two to three months.  They must see that you will be making sure they are properly cared for and that all good things come from you. Consistency, fairness, and fun are the keys to success with this horse. If they are watching you and coming up to greet you the relationship is growing the correct way. Pay attention to the name they wish to be called. If they are not responding to their given name, that is your invitation to try to find the name they wish to be called.  The minute you call them by their true name, try not to be surprised when they respond immediately by coming across the paddock, stall, or field to you.

Every day is a new day with your Lipizzan. Always pay attention to their wishes for the day as well as your own plans with them. A Lipizzan does not have to let you ride them (please read that sentence again). Understand that a happy Lipizzan will gladly let you ride them every day and enjoy spending every day with you. An unhappy Lipizzaner might let you on but gives no guarantee you will be allowed to stay on their back for the whole ride. This horse is an athlete and can do maneuvers other horses just dream about. This is called "Airs Above the Ground" they do them when they are happy, nervous, excited, mad or to try and please you. This horse was not created to always keep all four hoofs on the ground. It was created with a Big Loyal Brave Heart and an intelligent Creative Brain.  Do not let this happen.  If your Lipizzaner is getting board, your Lipizzan will start trying to train you, just for fun.

How do you know if your Lipizzan is trying to train you? Here are the top four things, but be aware they are intelligent, so there is always more where this comes from. Do they bang on the door of their stall to see if you will run faster to them with their morning grain? Please make them wait until they behave with manners  (standing quietly and patiently) and not like they were raised in a barn.

Does your Lipizzaner try to lead you with the lead rope, instead of stopping and going on your command? Ground manners are a must, if they are not listening to you on the ground then they will not listen to you on their back.  

Mounting block dance, does your Lipizzan stop before, after or go sidewise just as you are getting into the saddle? Please do not get mad at your Lipizzan.  Always carry a treat in your pocket so that when they finally get bored with this dance and let you on, you can both enjoy standing quietly at the mounting block enjoying a treat (just one each). 

And my favorite Lipizzan training trick, "The Mommy I'm Scared".  Most people baby their Lipizzan at some point during the spook with love pats and cooing calming noises and even stopping the horse. You are now rewarding your horse for the behavior you do not want, and they are having a really fun time, at your expense. Push them forward with voice and body.  Do not engage in the spook dance, ignore it and move on quickly with a different pattern, stay relaxed but ready and move on quickly. When you get in tune with your horse you can feel the spook dance coming on. Always play a more creative game with them immediately change up the ride, have more fun with obstacles, etc. Do not stop your horse, do not slow down the horse. Ride on, eventually, your horse will listen to you and not be coming up with his or her own game of spook. Remind yourself that these horses were so brave, they were the choice of Knights and Royalty riding into battle for hundreds of years.

Now maybe some of the normal behavior of the Lipizzan leaves you thinking is this the horse for me? There are many ways to Love and Support a Lipizzan besides owning and riding one. Go to the performances and Tip Well. The care and upkeep on these living legends are easily over two thousand a month per Lipizzan! The Herrmann's Royal Lipizzaner Stallions Perform every winter in Sarasota Florida and Temple Lipizzans also host clinics and performances in Libertyville outside of Chicago Illinois. 

Another way is Donations to the Very Worthy Lipizzan Rescue Foundation.  This amazing Foundation helps save the Lipizzans who need help finding new homes. You can help save a living legend by donating for their care and upkeep. Maybe the horse you help save will be the Lipizzan who calls to you! Feeling like you need to get closer to the Lipizzan (You are definitely being called by one) check out the loving Lipizzans up for adoption or sponsorship at lipizzanrescuefoundation.org. This could be your once-in-a-lifetime chance to help save a living legend.

Author:Terry A. Bowman