Lipica National Stud
Slovenia
The Slovenian National Stud Farm Lipizza is located in the picturesque Karst region of Slovenia, in the shade of centuries-old linden and oak trees, just a stone’s throw away from the Slovenian-Italian border.The stud farm was founded in 1580 and has been following the tradition of breeding and selecting Lipizzaner horses for over four centuries.
The history of Lipizza is closely linked to the Habsburgs, who ruled over a large part of Baroque Europe and relied on the use of horses.At that time, the Spanish horse was regarded as the breeding ideal.This is why Archduke Charles, third son of Ferdinand I of Habsburg, decided to establish the royal stud farm in the Karst region, which is very similar to that of Spain thanks to its good soil and climate.
Lipica National Stud
Lipica 5
6210 Sezana
Slovenia
Lipizzaner breeding, as it is known today, was developed at the time of Empress Maria Theresa (1740-1780).Her husband Francis Stephan, Duke of Lorraine, was very interested in horse breeding. Of 22 stallions from the 18th century, today’s descendants belong to only four breeding lines:Pluto (Denmark, 1765), Conversano (Italy, 1767), Favory (Austria, 1779) and Neapolitano (Italy, 1790).In 1816 Siglavy, a pure Arabian stallion born in 1810, joined the herd. The 5th classic line of Lipizzaner stallions comes from his descendants and is still bred today. Among many stallions from the 19th century, the stallion Maestoso X is particularly noteworthy. He was bred in the Hungarian military stud of Mesöhegyes. In 1837 he founded the 6th classical stallion line in Lipizza.
Today, Lipizza is a jewel among the cultural and historical monuments of the Slovenian Republic and a famous recreational area. Visitors can choose between two hotels and sports and entertainment facilities such as a golf course, tennis courts, mini golf, sauna, swimming pool, training room and casino.The stud farm is home to 400 horses.Visitors can enjoy guided tours, riding lessons, carriage rides, classical dressage demonstrations and take a look at the art gallery of August Cernigoj, who lived and worked in Lipizza.
Lipizza is also a high-quality venue for major international equestrian events, such as preliminary rounds of the FEI World Cup in dressage and show jumping, as well as international driving competitions.