The “World Famous” Lipizzaner Stallions will be performing Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 at the ipayOne Center.
Created in 1970 by producer Gary Lashinsky, the Lipizzaner Stallions tour across the globe, including North and South America, Great Britain, Europe, Australia and Hawaii.
The tour focuses on the famous Lipizzaner Stallion, and the traditional moves and exercises of the world renowned Spanish Riding School of Vienna, which is the oldest riding style in the world.
The Lipizzaner breed was close to extinction during World War II, and was rescued by U.S. troops led by Gen. George S. Patton. Only 250 Lipizzaner horses remained.
“These horses have a lot of history, there’s Spanish history because they were Military horses, but they have American history too, because Patton saved them,” said Troy Tinker, in his fourth year as Master of Ceremonies for the tour.
While the show immediately appeals to horse enthusiasts and equestrians, the show aims to entertain even those who may know nothing about horses.
“Our philosophy is to share with people who may not have an opportunity to see these horses,” Tinker said. “We ensure that anyone can enjoy the show. I take the audience through a training session before the show begins, it brings everyone up to speed.”
The show consists of 14 horses and has a staff of 25 people, including truck drivers, riders, grooms and trainers.
While the show consists primarily of classical music, there are solo performances that pick up the pace; one horse performs a solo to Big Band swing music.
“We pay close attention to each horse’s personality and movement,” Tinker said. “We try to choose choreography and music that best suits the horse.”
There is also a segment titled, “Airs Above the Ground,” battle maneuvers that are not choreographed, which were the secret weapon of Spanish soldiers during war.
The Lipizzaner are famous for these “Airs.” Especially popular is a move called a Capriole, or when the stallion leaps into the air, tucking its front legs under itself and kicking its hind legs out at the height of the leap.
While there is VIP seating available for a higher price, Tinker assures that the view is great from any seat in the arena.
“People who have never seen a horse up close may like to sit there,” Tinker said. “But sitting away is a good vantage point also, you get to see the patterns that the horses move through.”
Tickets range from $17.50 to $32.50. To charge by phone, call 619) 220-TIXS. For addition information,
visit www.ipayonecenter.com.