Lipizzan Association of North America

Odd News of the SRS

2008-05-05T11:41:00.010-04:00

from the Lancashire Telegraph:

The 140th Great Harwood Agricultural Show, May 26, will be moving to a new and larger show grounds. Great Harwood is a small town in the Hyndburn district of Lancashire, England, 4 1/2 miles north east of Blackburn. To highlight the last show at the traditional site, special events and exhibitions are scheduled.
These special events include:
ferret racing, a Romany fortune teller, archery contests, and ...
"A demonstration of show-jumping from the Spanish Riding School, with riders wearing traditional Spanish flamenco costume, on horses of Andalucian origin."
I hope they post photos.
--Delphi

http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/hyndburn/headlines/display.var.2246301.0.great_harwood_shows_farewell_to_traditional_home.php

Most Riders of the SRS will be in the USA for Clinics this Summer

2008-04-07T13:40:00.006-04:00

(more information as it becomes available)

July 7-11, 2008. SRS Chief Rider Andreas Hausberger Dressage Clinic at Raflyn Farms Dressage Center, Snohomish, Washington. Contact John D’Addamio at johndaddamio@gmail.com or Ralph Dreitzler at raflyn@aol.com

July 9-13, 2008. SRS Rider Christian Bachinger Dressage Clinic at Indian Creek Farms, Spring Branch, Texas. Contact Rebecca Dabbs at info@indiancreekfarmtx.com.

July 11-15, 2008. SRS Rider Rudolf Rostek Dressage Clinic at Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, Augusta, Michigan. Contact Jorie Sligh at joriejay@comcast.net or visit www.dressageclinics.org

July 14-18, 2008. SRS Chief Rider Andreas Hausberger Dressage Clinic at Across the Diagonal Farm, Carmel, California. Contact Jennifer Roth at jrdressage@gmail.com

July 16-20, 2008. SRS Rider Christian Bachinger Dressage Clinic at Wellspring Farm in Glen Rock, Pennsylvania. Contact Melanie Adams at madams8550@aol.com or visit www. Lipizzanerhorses.com

July 17-19, 2008. SRS Rider Rudolph Rostek at Greystone Equestrian Center, Hartsburg, Missouri. Contact Susie Gordon at whitneygt@hughes.net or Sharon Rose 573-268-4366

July 19 - 21, 2008: SRS Assistant Rider Marius Schreiner, Liston Stables, Woodcrest, CA. Contact Deanna Cummins at deanna@equineclinics.net or 909.731.7983. More info at www.equineclinics.net .

July 19-22, 2008. SRS Rider Herbert Seiberl Clinic at Blue Water Dressage Stables, Bridgeport, Michitgan. Contact Jorie Sligh at joriejay@comcast.net or visit www.dressageclinics.org

July 23 - 25, 2008. SRS Assistant Rider Marius Schreiner, Malbis, AL. Contact Teresa Simmons at tms@alabamasoutherncross.com or 251.402.7621.

July 24-26, 2008. SRS Rider Herbert Seiberl at Green Bay, Wisconsin. Contact Amy Tewes at atewes2002@yahoo.com

July 26 - 28, 2008. SRS Assistant Rider Marius Schreiner, New Berlin, New York. Contact Sarah Casey at waltzinghorsefarm@gmail.com . More info at www.waltzinghorsefarm.com .

July 27 - 29, 2008 - SRS Rider Herbert Seiberl at Caduceus Farm in Broomield, CO (near Denver). Contact Peggy Judy at caduceusf@mac.com or 303-475-2608. More info at www.caduceusfarm.com.
August 8 - 9, 2008. SRS Rider Herwig Radnetter clinic at Shellhaven Farm, Mt. Vernon, Iowa. Contact Rachel Wehrheim at ialipizzan@yahoo.com or 319-624-2546.More info at www.ialipizzan.com .
August 15-17 2008 -- SRS Rider Herwig Radnetter clinic at Highland Stables, Beavercreek, Oregon. Contact Jenice at 306-563-1035.

TBA – SRS Rider Herwig Radnetter clinic at Valhalla Farm, Welborrn, Florida Call 386-063-4619 or email Valhalla@alltel.net

Is anyone back in Vienna minding the Spanish Riding School? --Delphi

News from the SRS's Website, January 30, 2008: SRS–Piber Statement on Auditors’ Report

2008-01-31T22:20:00.000-05:00

The two new Managing Directors Elisabeth Gürtler and Erwin Klissenbauer, who were appointed on December 1st, 2007, are taking the observations made by the Court of Auditors very seriously. A number of recommendations have already been implemented and during the next months others will follow.

The Spanish Riding School – Federal Stud Piber is one of Austria’s most important cultural institutions. Classical dressage is cherished and maintained in the unique setting of the historical Winter Riding School built by Fischer von Erlach.

Commercial Development

It was clear from the beginning that in the commercial development of the enterprise which was released from the Federal Administration in 2001, the first years would generate a loss. As stated by the Court of Auditors a significant improvement was achieved in 2006. Measures are currently being implemented that will enable further improvements on both returns and expenses.

One must take into consideration that especially in the first years after the spin-off comprehensive and long-overdue necessary investments had to be made, notably with regard to the improvement in horse husbandry, which were covered among other things by financial funds from the federal government and by the sale of individual real estate.

It must be stated that both the Spanish Riding School and the Federal Stud Piber are cultural establishments which certainly have the potential for improvements, however, generating profits is not a priority, especially taking into account the numerous statutory remits.

Budget management is conducted with the outmost commercial diligence.

Sponsoring

Concerning sponsoring activities a new, comprehensive concept is being drafted and great importance will be attached to the quality in the attendance to sponsors.

Events and Tours

The new management has already increased the number of performances for the year 2008, in accordance with the School Director especially taking into account the requirements of the horses.

The planning of tours is undergoing a complete realignment. It is important to emphasize that tours are generally seen as an investment for the School into different markets, which in the long term should generate economic viability.

Staff

Concerning the riders’ income a new salary system is being developed, which will take into account the points of criticism voiced by the Court of Auditors.

Real Estate

With regard to the existing real estate at the different locations a real estate concept is currently being drafted based on the principle of generating current income through real estate management.

SRS to Tour East Coast in 2010

2008-01-29T21:20:00.000-05:00

This news comes from Gary Lashinsky who has been in Vienna meeting with the Director of the Spanish Riding School.

The Spanish Riding School tour of the West Coast, planned for 2008, has been postponed indefinately.

In 2010 the Spanish Riding School will return to tour the East Coast of the USA. Further information will be posted as it becomes available.

New Items at The Lipizzan Store

2008-01-27T17:03:00.000-05:00

*
www.Lipizzan.org/store.html or www.cafepress.com/LipizzanStore

Spanish Riding School Will Return to Tour USA Possibly in 2010

2008-01-12T10:01:00.000-05:00

Gary Lashinsky, President and Producer of White Stallion Productions, indicated that he spoke with Mrs. Guertler, Managing Director of the SRS, about the SRS returning to the USA to tour. Future USA tours will resume possibly in 2010.

News from the SRS's Website, January 11, 2008: Savings Plan in SRS–Piber To Be Continued

2008-01-11T16:45:00.000-05:00

Since the so-called spin-off from the Austrian Federal Administration in 2001 the financial situation has never been ideal. The new management, Elisabeth Gürtler and Erwin Klissenbauer, intend to accomplish the balancing act of on the one hand remaining an institution true to its Imperial traditions and on the other becoming an economically sound enterprise.

Such an undertaking requires long-term measures and a change in thinking at all levels. Therefore, the planned and necessary changes will not stop at any area of the company with its three locations in Vienna, in Piber in Western Styria and the Lipizzaners’ summer quarters in Heldenberg, Lower Austria. Detailed savings potentials are being developed, such as the best possible use of various real estates in Vienna and in Piber.

At the moment, the currently available draft report by the Austrian Court of Audit is not under discussion. As soon as the final report is released by the President of the Austrian Court of Audit, which is expected to be in the next 1-2 months, an official statement on the report will be made. This audit was the first since the spin-off seven years ago.

Until then the famous white Lipizzaners were under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management. This arrangement dates back to the First Republic when the subject “animal” was associated with agriculture and not for instance with culture or the then still exisiting Ministry responsible for buildings. The currently applicable employment contracts and salary schemes which apply to long-serving employees also date back to these times. Recently employed staff are subject to contracts applicable to companies run under private law.

It will be more important than ever to convince employees of the necessity to collectively bring about a change and perhaps accept the loss of one or two fond privileges. However, such realignments require time, patience, tact and a willingness to talk on both sides.

Elisabeth Gürtler: „I am always willing to listen and am prepared to take up constructive suggestions. We aim to jointly discuss possible measures not only with the equestrian team, but also with the employees from the back office, such as the administration or the technical department. We want to hear each and everyone’s wishes and concerns.”

Video of New 4-Year Old Stallions to the SRS for Training

2008-01-09T11:45:00.000-05:00

This information comes from Mr. Adjan Hop of the LIF:

Four young Lipizzaner stallions from the Piber stud arrived in the Spanish Riding School, and were presented to the press today! These four-year-olds are: Pluto Malina, Favory Duba, Maestoso Bellamira and Neapolitano Madera, all born in 2004.

Beside those four, other young stallions of the same age remained in Piber, as "reserve". (This is a new situation.) They will be trained there by the stud personel, guided by an Oberbereiter from Vienna. After some time, it will be judged whether those four in Vienna are really the best.

You can find a small video about this event here: http://video.vienna.at/members.stadtreporter/20080108_spanische.mov/viewer.html

Spanish Riding School Tour of USA POSTPONED

2008-01-06T10:57:00.000-05:00

The planned tour of the Spanish Riding School for later this year has been postponed until further notice. Gary Lashinksy [member of LANA's Board of Directors and owner of White Stallion Productions which is producing this US tour] will be in Vienna January 22 - 26 to reset a future tour for the SRS in the United States. As soon as new dates are established, this information will be posted.

News from Vienna via LANA Director John Gliege

2007-11-29T17:45:00.000-05:00

This item comes to us today from John Gliege, LANA Director, who is currently in Vienna:

Ms. Gurtler, the new director of the Spanish Riding School made clear today in an interview aired by ORF today that the Spanish Riding School needs to maintain the tradition of being the pinnacle of classical dressage in the world. To do so it is important to retain the correct training. She believes that first she must observe before anything new is done. The old culture must be maintained. Based upon her experience she believes that the SRS can thrive as the choice example of classical dressage.

WOMAN Named New Managing Director of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna

2007-11-24T01:19:00.000-05:00

For the first time in its more than 430 years’ history, the Spanish Riding School of Vienna will have a woman as its Director. Elisabeth Gürtler-Mauthner will be the Managing Director, responsible for strategy, sponsoring, marketing, and external representation of the Spanish Riding School. Mrs. Gürtler comes to the Spanish Riding School after serving for 17 years as managing director of the Sacher Hotel and Hotel Österreichischer Hof. The Gürtler family bought the Sacher property in 1934. Mrs. Gürtler has been active with the hotel and parent company, situated opposite the Viennese State Opera, since 1973, after obtaining a degree in economics. In 1994 she became a member of the board of the Austrian Hotel Association and was named Vueve Cliquot Business Woman of the Year. In 1995 she became vice president of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber.For the past 8 years, she has also been chairlady of the Vienna Opera Ball.

Named as second Managing Director is Erwin Klissenbauer, who will be in charge of the operative and economic day-to-day tasks. Mr. Klissenbauer has been Manager of the Austrian Federal Forests and a supervisory board member of Dachstein Tourism AG.

Mrs. Gürtler and Mr. Klissenbauer will start their work on December 1.

---Dr. Delphi Toth

Art by Don Stivers depicts the Lipizzan Rescue in WWII

2007-10-29T10:54:00.000-04:00

We want to extend our thanks and gratitude to Artist Don Stivers for allowing us to post the beautiful painting “Rescuing the Lipizzaners” on our LANA website photo gallery. Our Lipizzan Photo Gallery features Lipizzans in Dressage, Pleasure, Driving and Jumping. There are also many original Lipizzan photos supplied by LANA members. You will find Don’s artwork in the WWII Photo section of the gallery.

© Don Stivers, all rights reserved

Ernest Bachinger New Head of the Spanish Riding School; Hausberger now a Chief Rider

2007-10-26T14:42:00.000-04:00

October 2007 -- Ernst Bachinger has been named Head of the Spanish Riding School. Mr. Bachinger rode with the SRS for 20 years before retiring to train horses and teach. He returned to the SRS in November of last year as an advisor to the Riders. Now he will serve as the official link between the Management and the Riders, and he will be key in preserving the traditions in training and riding within the School.

In further news from the SRS, Andreas Hausberger has been promoted from Rider to Chief Rider. Herr Hausberger has been with the Spanish Riding School since 1984. He gives dressage clinics in the United States and has worked with the South African National team for the past 12 years. Marcus Nowotny was promoted to Rider and Eleve Phillip Burg was promoted to Assistant Rider.

Note: Our Lipizzan News and Events page highlights recent breaking news on the Spanish Riding School, Lipizzans Horses in Dressage and the Serbian Lipizzan situation.

New! Embroidered Dressage Saddle Pads with Swarovski Crystals!

2007-10-25T09:51:00.000-04:00

Our Lipizzan Dressage Saddle Pads are Embroidered with the Insignia of an Imperial Crown and Baroque “L.” These generously sized dressage pads are 44 inches x 28 inches and have proven large enough for even the biggest barreled of Lipizzans and large 18" sized saddles.

The embroidered dressage saddle pads are available as:
• White pads with white binding, embroidered with the Imperial Crown and Baroque L in black thread, or:
• Black pads with black binding, embroidered with the Imperial Crown and Baroque L in white thread

AND, new for 2007, you can order you pad with beautiful Swarovski Crystal accents! You can purchase these pads throught the LANA Store.

Croatian Lipizzaners Return Home

2007-10-17T18:24:00.000-04:00

October 13, 2007 -- 60 Lipizzaner horses transferred from Croatia to the Bukinac stud farm in Serbia in 1991 were returned to their home late Friday. The horses headed back to Croatia after the Croatian Agricultural Ministry representatives and the owner of the farm in northern Serbia managed to reach a deal, ending a long dispute on the ownership of the herd and compensation for their care. The animals were transferred from Lipik in Croatia when war broke out in that country in 1991.

Agriculture Minister Slobodan Milosavljeviæ told B92 that the Ministry was involved in all aspects of the affair, but did not interfere in the agreement between the Croatian officials and the farm’s owner, Todor Bukinac. “We have conducted veterinary checks together with our Croatian colleagues and handled the paperwork,” he said.

Milosavljeviæ and his Croatian counterpart agreed in August after meeting with Bukinac, that Lipizzaner horses would be returned to Croatia. The stud farm’s owner said at the time he would demand EUR 300,000 in compensation for looking after the animals. B92 reported on several occasions that the horses had been neglected and emaciated, while numerous animal rights groups called for urgent examination of their health. The chief of the State Veterinary Inspectorate, Sanja Eelebièanin, told B92 that the institution confirmed ahead of the transfer that “all horses were in good health.”

Welcome to the LANA Blog!

2007-10-17T16:05:00.000-04:00

The Lipizzan Association of North America is proud to present the new LANA Blog!

We will be posting breaking news about Lipizzans and keeping you up to date on our ever-increasing inventory of gift items. Through both our website and our CafePress store we stock many Lipizzan Lover Gift items, Baroque Horse Art and Dressage Enthusiast Artwork.

You are invited to add your comments and share your Lipizzan stories!

As always, feel free to visit our primary website for Lipizzan Association of North America.

AND, make sure to visit our Lipizzan Gift Store at CafePress. You still have time to order great gifts for all your horse lover friends!