Harness training with top international coaches
On 21 and 22 March , a professional harness training took place at the Lipica Stud Farm in cooperation with the Equestrian Federation of Slovenia.
The training was led by renowned international coaches Mieke van Tergouw and Claudio Fumagalli from the Riant Equestrian Centre in the Netherlands, who are behind the successes of world champions in the last five world championships in horse-drawn driving.
The program was divided into morning and afternoon parts. In the morning, the training was intended for the drivers of the Lipica Stud Farm, where five harnesses participated, and in the afternoon for Slovenian drivers with six harnesses.
On Sunday, dressage training was also held, which was aimed at preparing for the upcoming competitions in Lipica in May.
The emphasis of the training was on working with young horses, proper preparation, lunging and analysis of rides, which was accompanied by expert talks and repetitions of training. Such collaborations significantly contribute to the development of the profession, the exchange of knowledge and the improvement of the quality of work with Lipizzaner horses and harnesses.
Coaches with international success
Mieke van Tergouw
Mieke van Tergouw is the owner of the Riant Equestrian Centre. Mieke has a number of Dutch Champion titles under her belt, first with four-horse carriages and later with two-horse carriages. The highlight of her career is the title of World Champion in Double Horse Carriages, which she won in 1995 in Poznań, Poland. Mieke is involved in the horse trade, training and management on a daily basis. In addition, he also leads a team of committed colleagues, both in the stable and in the catering part, at the Restaurant Foyer Riant. “I’m often overseas, because a lot of our clients come from there. We sell the horses, but we feel it is very important to be able to continue to monitor them and work with them. On the other hand, I’m very happy to work on our beautiful property along with the team and the horses.”
Claudio Fumagalli
Claudio Fumagalli is a trainer and racing driver at the Riant Equestrian Centre. Claudio has been with Rianto since 2003 and is a master in riding and harnessing training. In addition, he regularly performs with young horses in international competitions. “Working with young, talented horses is my passion, and it’s also a pleasure to work in such a versatile environment as Riant offers.”
Mednarodno tekmovanje v vožnji vpreg
Na mednarodnem tekmovanju v vožnji vpreg v Lipici, ki je potekalo med 10. in 13. oktobrom, je slavila švicarska ekipa.
V treh tekmovalnih dneh se je pomerilo 32 voznikov iz 8 držav. Petek je bil v znamenju dresure, najboljši v tej disciplini je bil Ulrich Stefan iz Švice. Drugo mesto je zasedel Ulrich Werner, ki je prav tako iz Švice. Tretje mesto je pripadlo Dibak Jozsefu iz Italije.
Domača voznika Miha Tavčar in Marko Memon pa sta zasedla 11. in 15. mesto.
Najbolj atraktivno in adrenalinsko vzdušje je prinesel sobotni maraton, na katerem je slavil Vörös Zoránvčeraj iz Madžarske. V spretnostni vožnji v nedeljo, pa je ponovno slavil Ulrich Werner iz Švice.
V skupnem seštevku je prvo mesto in drugo mesto pripadlo Švicarjem Ulrich Stefanu in Ulrich Wernerju, na tretjem mestu pa je bil Djurdjevic Milan iz Srbije. Najboljši slovenski rezultat je dosegel Miha Tavčar, ki je v skupnem seštevku tekmovanje zaključil na 7. mestu.
Foto: CalistoM
The First Foal of the Year at the Lipica Stud Farm
The foaling season at the Lipica Stud Farm started a bit earlier this year. The first colt of 2025, Favory Wera XXXVI, joined the herd on 2 March, just before midnight, becoming the first among the 28 foals expected in Lipica by the end of May.
Shortly after birth, the young colt stood up and began nursing. He is now already curiously observing his surroundings under the watchful eye of his dam, 691 Wera XXXVI, who is taking good care of him.
Favory Wera XXXVI was born in the safe environment of the Borjača stables, where all Lipica foals come into the world. He will spend his first few days in a foaling stall, then join the herd, which will continue to grow with new arrivals throughout the spring.
Visitors will have their first chance to see this year’s firstborn during the May Day holidays, when he will be presented together with other foals and their dams in the courtyard of the Borjača stables. As temperatures rise and the spring pastures become lush, the foals will gradually begin to explore the expansive pastures of Lipica.
The birth of every foal at the Lipica Stud Farm is an important event, confirming the stud farm’s mission to preserve the Lipizzan breed and its rich tradition.
On this festive occasion, the Lipica Stud Farm expressed the hope that their Lipizzan horses will grow up healthy and spirited, and that awareness of the significance of the Lipica Stud Farm—and its role in safeguarding this precious cultural heritage—will continue to grow alongside them.
Elegance and Tradition in Germany
Lipizzan Horses from Lipica Enthrall at the Marbach Festival
This year, the Lipica Stud Farm captivated Germany as a special guest at the traditional Marbach Stud Festival, Germany’s oldest state stud farm. Slovenia was honored as the guest country, with Lipizzan horses from Lipica joining the four-hour program, which featured dressage, carriage driving, and synchronized performances. The highlight of the event was a joint performance by horses from Marbach and Lipica, whose elegant quadrille enchanted the audience. The event drew horse lovers from around the world who admired the Lipizzan horses in their impressive dressage maneuvers, including the courbette and capriole, showcasing the pinnacle of this art.
The Lipizzan horses once again solidified their important role in promoting Slovenia and its cultural heritage through the story of Lipica, a significant symbol of elegance, tradition, and perseverance. The presentation also included the promotion of Slovenian tourism, with a focus on destinations like the Karst region, as well as Slovenian cuisine and wine, enriching the entire event with a remarkable cultural experience.
The event garnered extensive media coverage, highlighting the collaboration between the Lipica and Marbach Stud Farms, which strengthens the bond between two of Europe’s oldest equestrian institutions, while also enabling the preservation and promotion of the Lipizzan horse heritage on the international stage.
Lipica Stud Farm Day 2024
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<!– wp:acf/template-text-block {“name”:”acf/template-text-block”,”data”:{“highlighted”:”0″,”_highlighted”:”field_5f513d92a4ab5″,”text”:”\u003cp style=\u0022text-align: center;\u0022\u003eNumerous creative workshops were organized for the youngest visitors, where children could get closer to the wonderful world of Lipizzan horses and the tradition of the stud farm. Adults had the opportunity to enjoy a tour of the Stud Farm, presentations of the work of riders and carriage drivers, and relaxed gatherings in the beautiful surroundings of Lipica.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp style=\u0022text-align: center;\u0022\u003eThe highlight of the day was undoubtedly the performance at the hippodrome, where the Lipizzaners showcased their full beauty and elegance. Visitors enthusiastically watched performances that displayed top-level dressage and the art of riding. This year, the Lipica Stud Farm introduced several novelties, demonstrating the good work of the Lipica staff. For the first time in 40 years, we experienced a carriage ride drawn by six white horses. In the next act, we saw an extremely elegant and refined performance by a mixed quadrille, where we admired the girls riding in side-saddle. The special feature and the pinnacle of this year’s performance was certainly the performance by rider Miro Dragič, who brought back the performance of the school above ground in the saddle to Lipica.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp style=\u0022text-align: center;\u0022\u003eThe performance was also complemented this year by the Equestrian Police Unit, which collaborates with the Lipica Stud Farm on various levels. The unit is celebrating an honorable 50 years this year and includes eight horses from Lipica in its ranks.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp style=\u0022text-align: center;\u0022\u003eThe event was also attended by numerous guests and partners of Lipica, who enriched the celebration of this important anniversary with their presence. Their support and cooperation are crucial for the preservation and continuation of the Lipica Stud Farm tradition.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp style=\u0022text-align: center;\u0022\u003eThe guest of honor this year was the Minister of Economy, Tourism, and Sport, Mr. Matjaž Han, who emphasized the importance of sustainability and sustainable operations in his speech: \u003cem\u003eToday, as we face many challenges in the economy and in broader society, Lipica offers us important lessons. Its honorable 444-year tradition is proof that with perseverance, dedication, and respect for nature, we can achieve long-term success and sustainability. We can be proud of this heritage, but it is even more important to carefully nurture and enhance it. Just as we received it from our ancestors… it is right that our children and future generations receive it from us.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp style=\u0022text-align: center;\u0022\u003eThe director, Ms. Tatjana Vošinek Pucer, emphasized in her speech that the success of Lipica is also, and above all, due to the people who work at Lipica: \u003cem\u003eLipica is not just a stud farm, it is a place where tradition lives and intertwines with modern approaches to raising and training these exceptional horses. Every visitor who steps through the gates of Lipica immediately feels its special pulse – a pulse that you, dear colleagues, co-create with your unwavering dedication and love for horses and this heritage.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp style=\u0022text-align: center;\u0022\u003eThe Lipica Stud Farm Day once again confirmed the significance and value of this unique institution, which has been inspiring horse lovers and preserving rich cultural heritage for 444 years.\u003c/p\u003e”,”_text”:”field_5f513d9ba4ab6″},”mode”:”edit”} /–>
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Numerous creative workshops were organized for the youngest visitors, where children could get closer to the wonderful world of Lipizzan horses and the tradition of the stud farm. Adults had the opportunity to enjoy a tour of the Stud Farm, presentations of the work of riders and carriage drivers, and relaxed gatherings in the beautiful surroundings of Lipica.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the performance at the hippodrome, where the Lipizzaners showcased their full beauty and elegance. Visitors enthusiastically watched performances that displayed top-level dressage and the art of riding. This year, the Lipica Stud Farm introduced several novelties, demonstrating the good work of the Lipica staff. For the first time in 40 years, we experienced a carriage ride drawn by six white horses. In the next act, we saw an extremely elegant and refined performance by a mixed quadrille, where we admired the girls riding in side-saddle. The special feature and the pinnacle of this year’s performance was certainly the performance by rider Miro Dragič, who brought back the performance of the school above ground in the saddle to Lipica.
The performance was also complemented this year by the Equestrian Police Unit, which collaborates with the Lipica Stud Farm on various levels. The unit is celebrating an honorable 50 years this year and includes eight horses from Lipica in its ranks.
The event was also attended by numerous guests and partners of Lipica, who enriched the celebration of this important anniversary with their presence. Their support and cooperation are crucial for the preservation and continuation of the Lipica Stud Farm tradition.
The guest of honor this year was the Minister of Economy, Tourism, and Sport, Mr. Matjaž Han, who emphasized the importance of sustainability and sustainable operations in his speech: Today, as we face many challenges in the economy and in broader society, Lipica offers us important lessons. Its honorable 444-year tradition is proof that with perseverance, dedication, and respect for nature, we can achieve long-term success and sustainability. We can be proud of this heritage, but it is even more important to carefully nurture and enhance it. Just as we received it from our ancestors… it is right that our children and future generations receive it from us.
The director, Ms. Tatjana Vošinek Pucer, emphasized in her speech that the success of Lipica is also, and above all, due to the people who work at Lipica: Lipica is not just a stud farm, it is a place where tradition lives and intertwines with modern approaches to raising and training these exceptional horses. Every visitor who steps through the gates of Lipica immediately feels its special pulse – a pulse that you, dear colleagues, co-create with your unwavering dedication and love for horses and this heritage.
The Lipica Stud Farm Day once again confirmed the significance and value of this unique institution, which has been inspiring horse lovers and preserving rich cultural heritage for 444 years.
Commitment to Godparenting
Lipica, 12.9.2024 — Today, a solemn event took place at the Lipica Stud Farm, where Dr. Damjan Kukovec and Ms. Špela Spanžel committed to becoming godparents to Lipizzan foals born in 2024. By taking on this role today, they have joined numerous individuals who support the preservation and development of the Lipizzaners, one of the oldest and noblest horse breeds in the world.
Supporting Slovenia’s Cultural Heritage
Godparenting Lipizzan foals is a special way to contribute to the preservation of the rich cultural heritage represented by the breeding of Lipizzaners in Slovenia. Dr. Damjan Kukovec, a renowned lawyer, judge at the General Court of the European Union, and professor who lectures at numerous prestigious universities, including Harvard, where he also obtained his Ph.D., and Ms. Špela Spanžel, an art historian and expert in cultural heritage who led the nomination for the inscription of the tradition of Lipizzaner breeding on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity, currently heads the Directorate for Cultural Heritage at the Ministry of Culture, have demonstrated their deep support for cultural heritage and Slovenia’s natural wealth with their commitment.
Dr. Kukovec and Ms. Spanžel Expressed Enthusiasm About the Role of Godparents
Upon taking on the role of godparents, both expressed joy and pride in being able to participate in such an important initiative.
Dr. Kukovec emphasized: “I accept this honor with great gratitude and humility. Lipizzaners are pure art in living form. When we look out of Plato’s cave, when we see through life’s illusions, we realize the nobility, authenticity, and truth. And this nobility is represented by our Lipizzaners. How lucky we Slovenians are to have them. I am extremely pleased that the placement of Boljka’s Lipizzaner on the central staircase of the EU Court was successful. The Lipizzaner is thus undeniably Slovenian and European at the same time. Art, law, and the intellectual development of the state go hand in hand, and we continue to work in all areas to promote Lipica at the Court, in Luxembourg, and around the world.”
Ms. Spanžel added: “I understand godparenting as a kind invitation to further cooperation, which arose during the preparation of the nomination of the traditions of Lipizzaner breeding for inclusion in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. International recognition of this common European heritage, of which we Slovenians are especially proud, continues to oblige us. The Lipica Stud Farm is a special place, a place of exceptional heritage – from historical building heritage and cultural landscape, art collections and modern museums, to UNESCO’s intangible heritage, which is mainly associated with people and the community. Thanks to all who have cared for Lipizzaners through the centuries and to all of you who do it today. Caring for horses marks a special relationship between man and animal, which is emotional and therefore transcends ordinary work obligations. Perhaps it also connects us – people who care for heritage, we primarily love it, and therefore it enriches us as well.”
About Godparenting Lipizzan Foals
Godparenting allows individuals, families, and organizations to financially support the breeding and development of young Lipizzan foals. Godparents become part of the Lipizzaner family and are informed about the progress of their foals, and they also have the opportunity to visit the Lipica Stud Farm at any time and participate in numerous special events.
International Lipizzan Championship 2024
Successfully Concluded International Lipizzan Championship 2024
Between August 30 and September 1, 2024, the prestigious International Lipizzan Championship took place in the beautiful surroundings of the Lipica Stud Farm, attracting equestrian culture enthusiasts from all over the world. The event, under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, was a true opportunity to showcase the Lipizzan horse as a symbol of Slovenian and European equestrian heritage.
The exhibition brought together the finest Lipizzans from various countries, competing in different age and category classes. The audience had the chance to admire young and adult horses, judged based on type, movement, and overall impression. The climax of the event on Sunday saw the champions of the exhibition crowned, receiving prestigious awards, including trophies and a plaque for the best Lipizzan horse.
In addition to the competitive part of the program, the event featured a spectacular performance by the Lipica Riding School, impressing with the exceptional coordination between riders and Lipizzan horses. The exhibition was more than just a competition – it was also a space for connecting experts, breeders, and horse enthusiasts, and for preserving the rich cultural heritage.
The event was also successful in terms of attendance, as numerous visitors gathered in Lipica over the three days to admire these magnificent animals and enjoy the beauty of Lipica’s natural surroundings. The organizers expressed great satisfaction with the execution of the event and are already looking forward to future meetings.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this unforgettable event!
At the Lipica Stud Farm, we are delighted with the birth of the first foal of this year. On Women’s Day, March 8, a little playful Neapolitano Dubovina XXXV came into the world. By June, another 27 foals will join the Lipizzan herd.
Little Neapolitano Dubovina XXXV, was born early in the morning, before sunrise. He quickly stood on his feet and began to drink his mother’s milk, now eagerly observing the world around him.
His well-being is constantly looked after by his mother 635 Dubovina XXXV. The father of the little colt is 562 Neapolitano Betalka XXVI, who will soon be admired by visitors to the Lipica Stud Farm in performances.
This year marks the third consecutive year that the first foal was born right on March 8, International Women’s Day.
The firstborn foal of this year’s generation, Neapolitano Dubovina, was born in the safe environment of the stables at Borjača, where all Lipizzan foals are born. Together with his mother, he will spend the first week in the birthing boxes, and then join the herd, which will be increasingly filled with playful foals and their caring mothers every day.
By the beginning of June, we expect a total of 28 foals in Lipica. Visitors will be able to first meet them in the courtyard of the stables at Borjača, and in the warm days of May also on the vast green pastures of Lipica.
The birth of foals is one of the most beautiful experiences for the employees at the Lipica Stud Farm, especially those who take care of them, and a motivation for further work.
The director of the Lipica Stud Farm, Mag. Tatjana Vošinek Pucer, accompanied the birth of the first foal of this year with the wish that, lively and playful – together with the Lipizzan foals – the awareness of the importance of the Lipica Stud Farm and our noble horses will grow.
Enrollment of Lipizzan breeding on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The tradition of Lipizzan breeding was on the first of December 2022, enrolled on the UNESCO representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
The tradition of Lipizzan breeding in all eight participating countries has been enrolled on the Representative List.
The partner countries are: Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Lipizzan breeding still relies on principles dating back to the second half of the 18th century. Knowledge of breed development, expertise and practical experience are prerequisites for intentional breeding, daily practices and routines, skills and abilities of horse trainers, riders, carriage drivers, and breeding farriers, as well as training horses under saddle and in harness.
An important aspect related to these activities is the relationship between humans and horses, based on trust and partnership, in which the horse is treated as an equal partner or even a family member.
Lipizzan breeding still relies on principles dating back to the second half of the 18th century. Knowledge of breed development, expertise and practical experience are prerequisites for intentional breeding, daily practices and routines, skills and abilities of horse trainers, riders, carriage drivers, and breeding farriers, as well as training horses under saddle and in harness.
An important aspect related to these activities is the relationship between humans and horses, based on trust and partnership, in which the horse is treated as an equal partner or even a family member.
The breeding of Lipizzan horses involves knowledge and skills of horsemen, riders, carriage drivers, trainers, breeders, veterinarians, and others who actively participate in breeding.
Employees in state studs are the central carriers of the element. There are specific roles of employees in studs who are responsible for breeding, rearing, training, and education. They keep records, follow the purposes and methods of breeding, as well as traditional regulations and routines of studs that have been passed down for centuries.
Private breeders are organized in local, regional, or national breeder associations. Village communities also play an important role in implementing and transmitting the element. Entire families are involved in various aspects and stages of breeding and riding, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, and Slovenia.
The element also includes craftsmen (e.g. blacksmiths, saddlers, collar makers), various equestrian organizations closely connected to local communities, and involved in traditional festive and folk events.
Congratulations to all participants!
What to do in Lipica?
Commencement of the sale 2021
The bidding and horse sale process starts on 1 October 2021. Selection of a Lipizzan horse (from the first group of horses for sale) and the submission of bids will be carried out exclusively at https://www.lipicanec.si/en/. The sale is to be carried out through competitive bidding, or the horses are to be sold to the bidders who offer the highest price.
COMMENCEMENT OF THE BIDDING PROCESS – SALE
Friday, 1 October 2021
END OF THE BIDDING PROCESS – SALE (1st round)
Sunday, 31 October 20201, at 11 pm
PRESENTATION OF MARES AND YOUNG MARES & EVALUATION OF HORSES UNDER SADDLE (from the sales catalogue – first group)
Wednesday, 13, 20, 27 October from 9 am to 13 pm
Saturday, 16, 23, 30 October from 9 am to 13 pm
With the aim of preventing the spread of Covid-19 and taking care of the well-being of horses, the number of people at the visit to view and test an individual horse (per day) will be limited.
Please announce your visit by sending an email to info@lipicanec.si with the following information for each individual attendee:
- Name and surname
- Name and surname (accompanied by max 2 persons)
- Address
- Telephone number
- Date of visit
- A list of horses you are interested in.
Confirmation and the exact time of your visit will be sent to you by e-mail.
NOTE
Bids may be submitted via the online sales catalogue until 11 pm on Sunday, 31 October 2021. After this time, the online sales catalogue will be closed and the submission of bids will no longer be possible.
Additional information on the further procedure for purchasing a Lipizzan horse from Lipica, and the possible second sales round, is available at https://www.lipicanec.si/en/kobilarna-lipica/sales/sales-process.html .
We reserve the right to change the rules, process and conditions of sale of horses, as well as the right to withdraw an individual horse from sale in any round of the sale process.
In the event of additional measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, we reserve the right to change the schedule and dates for viewing and testing horses
