History

The original Lipizzaner stud was founded in 1580, in Lipica, Slovenia which is where they received the Lipizzaner name. Lipica was at that time a part of the Austrian/Hungarian Empire. The founder was Erzherzog (Archduke) Karl.

There are six distinct lines of the Lipizzaner Stallions: Pluto, Conversano,  Maestoso, Neapolitano, Favory and Siglavy. The only two lines that contain Arabian blood are the  Favory and Siglavy. The other lines were imported using the best horses from other bloodlines, including the Andalusian, Barbs, Spanish horses, Berbers and Karast horses. Lipizzans represents over 400 years of select breeding.  From the 1700's the first of the Stallion lines were the Royal Danish horse Pluto, born in 1765, then came the black stallion line, Conversano. One of the Italian lines that is now extinct is Neapolitan. Another Italian line is the Neapolitano. The Favory line is of Kladruber breeding.

In the 1800's two other lines were introduced Siglavy, the Arab influenced line . In addition to the Maestoso line which I believe is  half Neapolitan and half Spanish horse. In Europe there were two other lines also introduced these lines are Tulipan & Incitato, However these two lines are not recognized by all registries.

For years Lipizzaner herds either in Slovenia or Piber (Austria), were the only recognized national stud farms for the breed. The Second World War was  deeply impacted the Lipizzan breed. Presently, the herd size is a question of economics and carefully selected breeding practices of each line is practiced by most Lipizzan breeders. Today Less than 4000 Lipizzans exist in the World. This breed is considered to be rare. The number of foals born each year is correspondingly small. Extreme care is taken by those involved in the production of Lipizzan horses to insure that the purity of the breed is preserved. Much effort has been expended to develop educational programs to foster voluntary adherence to the traditional breed goals and objectives.

The Lipizzan has proven to be a successful competitor at all levels of competition dressage and driving, as well as continuing to be the ultimate mount for classical horsemanship. The breed has also proven to be suitable for other equestrian disciplines including pleasure riding. Owners and breeders are dedicated to the Lipizzan breed because they appreciate its beauty, rarity, cultural importance, romantic history, and it's traits of intelligence, classical beauty, and harmonious, athletic way of moving.