Does anyone Know much about Lipizzaners?

kate89

Active Member
Joined
24 July 2008
Messages
31
Location
ESSEX!
Visit site
Hi all

I have a beautiful 3 and a half year old lipizzaner gelding, I have had him since he was 6 months and he is currently standing just under 14.2 hands.

Is this a normal height for his age? I am concerned he will not make 15.1 plus as he is really short in the leg and has only done half an inch growth this year!


Can anyone who owns or breeds lipizzaners or has any knowledge on wheather this is the norm.

His parents stand at 15.1, I do understand that they are a slow and maturing breed,but it is conerning me when i compare his height to others lipizzaner on the net.

Cheers in advance for for help :)
 
Hi, yes they are very slow developers. Our just about reaches 15hands on a good day. They are very, very slow developers so I wouldn't be worried about your boy at all.

They are lovely horses!
 
I only know they are one of the baroque breeds from Iberia although I believe now they are mainly bred in Hungary?? Still used by the Viennese Riding School though as they are here in London soon.. sadly can't go.

Well, from what I know of the Iberians, they are very slow to mature. One I had on loan was still growing at 6 yrs old and he only started to fill out properly at about 8 yrs. I know many break for riding at 3 yrs though and this wasn't the sporty type, this was the old style 15hander (or thereabouts at 15.2) so I think your boy may still have some growing to do.

If you haven't broken him already, turn away in good pasture and start him in the spring on good grass and he should continue to develop slowly which is what you want or you will get tendon/bone problems which is common with the Iberian breeds for some reason.

Also, have you tried calling the breeders or breed society to get some more info specifically for the breed?
 
Suggest you contact the Lipizzaner Society of Great Britain, based at Starrock Stud, South Molton, Devon - google Lipizzaner and the Society will come up. The Chairman of the Society is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Yes, Lipizzaners are slow to mature but a fabulous breed in the right hands and with the right support.
 
Top