Hard Hat,

Did you go see the Lipizanner Stallions when they were in your town? How did yall enjoy it. I hope I can see them again one of these days.

History

A Stud Makes History

1798
After the demesne of the St. Lambrecht abbey is dissolved, Piber's destiny takes a decisive turn when it is designated as a depot for military horses.

1867
The military stud farm comes under the Austro-Hungarian Imperial Ministry for Agriculture in Vienna.

1920
After the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Imperial Stud "Lipizza" (1915), the remaining Lipizzans are relocated to Austria. It is decided that the new home for the horses is to be a small hamlet in north-western Styria by the name of Piber. The horses settle into their new home immediately and demonstrate their extraordinary fertility.

1942
During World War II, the Lipizzans are transferred from Piber to Hostau, Bohemia. It is thanks to the courageous decision made by the American General G. Patton that the valuable Lipizzan herd does not fall into the hands of the Soviet Army toward the end of the war.

1945
The Austrian Lipizzans are transported from the stables in Schwarzenberg, Bavaria, to St. Martin in Upper Austria on May 18 and 25 in two convoys. The 215 horses are brought to their temporary quarters in Wimsbach, where they remain until 1952.

1952
The horses return home to Piber in 1952, marking a new uninterrupted phase in the successful development of the stud.

2001
On January 1, 2001 the Piber Federal Stud merges with the Spanish Riding School to create a company under public law.

2003
One highlight in Piber Federal Stud's history is the Province of Styria's Exhibition entitled "The Mythical Horse". The extensive investments in the stud's infrastructure made in connection with the exhibition have made the stud an ideal venue for holding both equestrian and cultural events.

I have not seen the show in years but remeber itas being amazing.

I am sure it has only gotten better over time.

They are a historic breed and an element of Pattons army actually saved a group of them at the end of world war II. there was even a movie made about it. don't remeber the name. will try to find something.

I don't know a lot about the history of the Stallions, but I have seen their show. It has been several years ago though. They put on a great show. They were in my hometown last year. I would have loved to see them again, but I was out of town the weekend they were here. Enjoy the show!!