Just Writing Through: The incredible, regal and beautiful Tempel Lipizzans

Image of Siglavy V Garbo III, one of the featured stallions during the Lipizzan performance at Tempel Farms.

Jessica Starck with my girls.

A little while ago, I attended an equine photography clinic at Tempel Farms and wrote about it here.

This weekend, I was blessed to go with my family to see an evening show.

There is such a rich history in the Lipizzan horses. I’ve written about it before, but it seems worth mentioning again in this post.

The breed ~ one of the oldest breeds in Europe ~ came about in 1580, when Archduke Charles of the Austro-Hungarian Empire wanted a horse that would be useful in war, in pulling carriages and in performing classical riding.

A cross between Spanish horses – rich in beauty – and Kost horses eventually lead to the iconic Lipizzan breed with its majestic beauty and classic white coat.

In the midst of WWII, however, the fate of the Lipizzans was in peril. As deadly air strikes came precariously close to the riding school and food sources became scarce, it was clear that the future of the Lipizzans was in grave danger.

A German officer, apparently known only as Colonel H., recognized the threat and surrendered to the U.S. Cavalry with a plan to make the plight of the Lipizzans heard. He was brought to Col. Reed who brought Col. H’s cause to General Patton. When Patton heard of the situation, he reportedly responded with, “Get them; make it fast.”

And thus, a breed was saved and history was made. You can read more about the history of Tempel Farms here and the history of the Lipizzan breed here.

Today, you can see these amazing horses at Tempel Farms. In the late 1950s, Tempel and Esther Smith saw Lipizzans perform in Vienna and had a vision. In 1958, the Smiths brought over 20 Lipizzans to Illinois. Over the course of ten years, they worked with breeders, veterinarians and riding professionals and, by the 80s, their Lipizzan herd grew to over 400 horses. They have performed for kings, for presidents and for people all over the country. Today, in Illinois, they perform all summer long for locals and visitors alike.

This fabulous show demonstrates the incredible abilities of these regal horses. My girls probably loved the mares and their foals the most. And, they were probably one of the most adorable things I’ve seen in a long while.

My husband enjoyed the Lipizzans performing to the Star Wars theme, but he also appreciated the precision of the quadrille team where the stallions performed dressage moves together with exquisite timing and spectacular beauty.

We all loved the Airs Above Ground and Work in Hand sections where the Lipizzans, guided by world-renown trainers, appeared to fly in the air. Jessica Starck demonstrated the unbelievably powerful levade. Antonio Garcia and Ted Goad skillfully maneuvered the stallions around the sand arena ~ only separated from the outdoor audience by on small white chain ~ in graceful caprioles and corbettes.

Antionio Garcia being a little silly with the girls.

After the show, we were able to tour the stables and visit the horses. Antonio Garcia and Jessica Starck posed to take pictures with my girls. I had met them before during the photography clinic I spoke of earlier, and both times, they have been impressively kind and willing to talk with guests. Esther Buonanno is a friend of a friend, yet, she remembered me when we walked up to the gate.

If you have time, I encourage you to make the trip see this incredible performance – a careful walk through history from baby Lippizans, through to the times when carriage was the way to travel and all the way up to dressage as it is today and the unique capabilities of the Lipizzan breed.

Thank you, Tempel and Esther Smith for preserving this rare tradition in the United States!