The World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions

I hadn't planned on seeing them, but fate had its way. Barbara Ann sent me an email message just as I was leaving work. "The Lipizzaners are unloading at Zorn arena!" So I walked out that way, hoping to catch a glimpse of them. As luck would have it, the performers and staff were bathing and grooming the horses near enough the sidewalk that we could chat.

A driver told me how the horses peed on command. When I expressed my skepticism, one of the performers agreed with him and told me how they whistle each time the young horses urinate to train them. Then before the show and during intermission, the horses can free their bladders and not have wet flooring. (That doesn't work for poop, however.)

Speaking of flooring, they cover the floor with panels made of egg carton plus other materials which provides a cushy footing surface.

Thank you, Elizabeth!!

A young performer from Nebraska, Elizabeth Sorenson, explained what maneuvers she would be performing, how much she enjoyed this work, how her career will be in equine performance. She wondered if I'd seen the show before and would I be coming? I answered, no, I hadn't planned on it. She wondered if I'd change my mind if she got me tickets. How could I refuse?

Twisting Bob's arm took about 2 seconds, and when we got to the ticket office, there were 2 tickets in my name. The show was amazing. We watched as Elizabeth did precision maneuvers, sideways, rearing. She also partnered with another performer as they demonstrated how they did groundwork preparing a horse for the rearing maneuver, levade.

Then there were the Andalusian. Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful, they were, with curly main and tail.

The Capriole

Baby, their youngest Lipizzaner, did the Capriole, the signature movement where the horse springs up and violently kicks his rear legs backward. The first time, he did OK and the crowd cheered, but you could tell he wanted to do better. The second time was better and the crowd was louder. The tension mounted as he pranced and prepared for his third and perfect attempt. The crowd roared. I truly believe the horse was proud of his performance.

We came home and visited the Lipizzaner web site and were disappointed we couldn't find a bio of Elizabeth. If you're out there, Elizabeth, thank you so very much for this treat! Now Bob wants to buy an Andalusian...