Lipizzan Stallions.

5 March-25 June 2006. The Winter Riding School hall in Viennas Imperial Hofburg Palace reopens its doors for the spring season performances of the white Lipizzan stallions of the Spanische Hofreitschule. Originating in the 16th century, Lipizzans are Europes oldest domesticated breed of horse. Since 1920 the Spanish Riding Schools Lipizzans have been bred at the Piber Federal Stud in western Styria. The stallions performing at the Winter Riding School have been trained in classic baroque equitation. Performances include advanced dressage manoeuvres, the pas de deux, off-the-ground manoeuvres; the levade, capriole and courbette; and the School Quadrille with eight stallions taking part. In a new section of the programme one of the schools chief riders explains how the horses are trained. Admission 105-20 (standing room). Performances every Sunday of the month as well as occasional Fridays and Saturdays. Sun performances 11.00.