The Lipizzaner Stallions

We went to the South Point Casino to see the 38th Anniversary Tour of the "World Famous" Lipizzaner Stallions. A show hearkening back to time when the horse was a symbol of grace and majesty, the Lipizzaner Stallions were truly a great experience to watch. One does not need to be a horse lover to enjoy this equestrian treat and the beauty of these majestic animals. Over the years, twenty-three million people throughout North and South America, Great Britain, Europe, Australia and Hawaii have seen this internationally acclaimed spectacle.

The Lipizzan is a rare and unique breed; its history and culture is known worldwide. The Walt Disney movie The Miracle of the White Stallions, depicting General George S. Patton saving them at the end of World War II from certain extinction, created an even greater world-wide interest in the Lipizzaner breed. Had it not been for Patton, there would be no Lipizzans today.

The current tour features 12 to 14 stallions performing specially selected maneuvers in an exciting presentation. This anniversary performance included a segment called the "Airs Above the Ground." These are the spectacular leaps and maneuvers, once used by riders in saddle to protect and defend themselves on the battlefield, which are now preserved as an equestrian work of art. The conclusion of the performance is the traditional Grand Quadrille, featuring six to eight Lipizzaner Stallions with their riders performing an intricate, equine ballet, exhibiting maneuvers through the highest level of dressage. The Lipizzans prance, march and intricately weave their way across the floor to the music of the Masters in a spectacular ballet of four-footed white dancers. Watching them perform was like stepping back four hundred years and viewing one of the greatest equine ballets in history.

We were both amazed at the complexity of some of the steps and maneuvers these wonderful animals were able to perform, many of which seemed to be against what would be the natural instincts of the horse itself. We can certainly see why it takes 45 minutes of training, per day, for a minimum of 3-4 years for a stallion to become trained enough to perform. Glad we were able to catch this wonderful performance; and the good news was we had 1/2 price tickets.