Lipizzan Association of North America

Director of the Spanish Riding School joins LANA Board of Directors

2011-03-17T18:00:00.000-04:00

Mrs. Elisabeth Guertler, the Managing Director of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, has joined the LANA Board of Directors.

It is an understatement to say that Mrs. Guertler is a remarkable and accomplished woman. She is an experienced equestrienne and was a member of the Austrian Dressage Team before retiring from riding. For many years she was Chair of the Vienna Opera Ball. Mrs. Guertler and her family own and manage the Hotel Sacher in Vienna and Hotel Sacher in Salzburg. She continues to enlarge and expand the family holdings of this prestigious and elegant hotel business.

LANA has always maintained a strong international profile. We continue our close relationship with the Spanish Riding School and the Piber Stud Farm, as well as with the Lipizzan International Federation (LIF). LANA, through its original organization, the Lipizzan Association of America, was the first American Lipizzan organization recognized by the Lipizzan International Federation. LANA's studbook is the only USA or North American book recognized by the LIF.

The current LANA Board now has three Directors who are tied closely to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna:

former Director Jaromir Oulehla (who served as Director from 1983 to 2001),

current Director Elisabeth Guertler (who assumed management of the School in 2007),

former First Chief Rider Johann Riegler.

We are all very excited that Mrs. Guertler has chosen to join LANA in supporting and perpetuating the Lipizzan breed across North America. We will all benefit from her valuable advice and guidance.

New Year Greeting from LANA

2010-12-27T15:03:00.006-05:00

Dear Fellow LANA Members:

A new year is beginning and we are again looking forward to spring, with rebirth and, for a fortunate few, foals on the way. Again we are grateful to have had these magnificent horses touch our lives, and again we are reminded of our responsibility to insure the perpetuation of this historic breed and of their critical pedigree records.

This new year will bring some excitement to the LANA community:

Gary Lashinsky, a member of LANA's Board of Directors and President /Producer of Lipizzaner Stallions, hopes to bring the Spanish Riding School of Vienna back to North America soon for another series of performances. We will keep you informed of when and where the SRS will appear and what associated events LANA will plan. Gary just returned from Bahrain where his horses were invited to perform for the King. We are so pleased that one our Directors continues to bring Lipizzan performances to appreciative audiences around the world.

LANA has been working toward having the pedigree records available online, through a secure website, so that members may log in to review current pedigree information for breeding purposes or for researching bloodlines. LANA has available, not just currently registered purebred and partbred horses, but all known horses born in or imported into North America, Get of Sire, Produce of Dam, DNA data, and an AKA list for horses whose names were changed from their European form.

LANA has interesting new historical articles planned for its Haute Ecole newsletter.

In addition to the website and blog, LANA has added a Facebook page, designed and managed by Samantha Martel.

LANA has expanded its online store with new Lipizzan-related merchandise, including several newly available classic books. Please revisit the store: http://lipizzan.org/store.html

LANA continues to represent Lipizzan competitors through its involvement as an Affiliate Member of the USEF (United States Equestrian Federation).

The LFA (the Lipizzan Federation of America) will continue in its present form, as an organization of three organizations (LANA, ALBA, USLR) which represents North America to the LIF (the Lipizzan International Federation). Though an attempt to change the LFA into a member organization has failed, there is no change in our interaction with the international community, nor is there any change in the international recognition of our pedigrees. LANA is a member of the Lipizzan International Federation. LANA’s studbook is recognized by the LIF and remains part of the LIF records. All LANA registered Lipizzans are recognized by the LIF.

Any LANA member who would like to become more involved in the organization's activities, or business operation, or in the governance of LANA, please just speak up. Your involvement is welcome and appreciated. Let us know what you would like to do.

LANA wants to continue to meet the needs of our members. Our primary focus as a breed registry has always been the horses, and the maintenance of accurate, verifiable pedigree data in order to preserve and promote the Lipizzan breed in North America and abroad.

HAPPY NEW YEAR from LANA's Board of Directors

Dr. Delphi Toth: Delphi@Lipizzan.org

Gary Lashinsky: Gary@Lipizzan.org

John Nicholas Iannuzzi, Esq.: Iannuzzi@Lipizzan.org

Melody Hull: Mel@Lipizzan.org

Sandra Heaberlin: Sandy@Lipizzan.org

LANA has been forced to withdraw from negotiations

2010-12-21T19:25:00.002-05:00

From the outset of negotiations to form the LFA, LANA has found itself continually fighting an up-hill battle on disadvantageous terrain. This difficulty stems partly from the fact that while there are three divisions equally casting votes in decision making (USLR, LANA, and ALBA) , there are, in actuality only two membership organizations (USLR and LANA), while ALBA, an evaluation-dedicated organization representing little, if any, membership base, casts its voting power in lock-step with USLR.

This unequal playing field exhibits itself in almost every position taken by the Interim Board. The most recent example is the attempt to select a database program to be utilized for the registration of horses. The process has dragged on for months, mainly because no matter what suggestions are made by any Board Member, the USLR faction - inclusive of members of ALBA - insists on carrying the day, insists that its suggestions are superior. When solutions to questions are finally in sight, more questions are posed, more resistance is thrown into the balance. At one point, cost became the sole issue, with questions posed directed solely to cost or purchase, cost of upkeep. When LANA advised that it's program - already owned by LANA, accessible by any number of authorized persons without the need to purchase additional licenses or copies and demonstrably more economic than the USLR program - USLR voiced the objection "we don't believe" the numbers, and another log-jam was formed, a continuation of the search for a solution.

When a number of questions were posed by the Interim Board in a hope to resolve the difficulties, before answers can even be interposed to the specific questions, USLR members unilaterally pose new, additional, unauthorized-by-the-Board questions - supported by USLR Board members as an attempt to move the process along.

How can a process move along when any step forward is followed by extending the road. The only moving of the process along results when LANA slogs its way through the continually new impediments, always winding up with the insistence of the USLR faction to do it the USLR way or no way.

It has been, and continues to be, a losing battle of trying to keep LANA’s voice heard, trying to equitably resolve issues on a rational basis, whichever side is favored by the result, while other Board Members insist on their way, their methods, their systems, regardless of the factual reality of the circumstances - the latest example, significant costs (USLR) versus no costs (LANA) in the registration programs; despite the objectively-real price distinction, USLR continues to battle for its program on the school-yard basis of "we don't believe" the facts. Even this evening, in the hours before an Interim LFA Board Meeting, the assault on LANA's honesty continues, with emails from Muffin Smith indicating that she conducted a personal pseudo-investigation of the Alpha Five Program, and she again insists that she does not believe LANA's report that the cost of LANA's database program to the LFA is $0. This is at least the fifth time that Muffin has directly accused LANA of lying; this accusatory behavior is unprofessional, intolerable, inappropriate and unacceptable.

Unfortunately for Unification, there have been months and months of bickering without progress, bogged down in obstructionist tactics apparently intended to obtain one result or to sabotage the process.

Well, in a manner of speaking, these tactics have achieved their purpose. There is no progress, the Board cannot control members of the organizations, cannot organize or achieve its goals, cannot direct sub-committees, without obstructionists vociferously insisting on continuing their refusal to agree on anything but the USLR way or the highway.

In November 2008 there was a resolution of the LFA Interim Board citing 23 steps toward consolidation, all to be completed by June 2009. Yet here we are, in late December 2010, 18 months past that "final" date, and work has not progressed beyond step #10 of the 23 steps. Remaining and incomplete, or not even begun, are a Transition and Election Plan, a Financial Plan, Asset Conveyance, a Database Plan, and a Plan to Run the LFA Office. All that has been accomplished is a Resolution to Commit, a Resolution concerning the 23 Steps, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Rules, all largely completed in 2008. The pace has been glacial but has now ground to a halt over use of a computer program. Continuing in this manner is pointless.

Thus, LANA wishes to withdraw from this vortex of confusion, derision, and obstruction in favor of continuing to function independently on its own, regardless of whether others agree or disagree. Everyone is entitled to their own view, their own comfort level.

We thank you for the opportunity of participating in the attempt at Unification and regret that more result and less clangor was not possible to achieve.

The LANA members of the Interim LFA Board:

John Nicholas Iannuzzi

Gary Lashinsky

Delphi Toth

Death of LANA Director, John Gliege

2010-02-23T21:07:00.014-05:00

John G. Gliege, Esq.
Founding Member of the Lipizzan Association of North America
Founding Member of the Lipizzan Pedigree Trust
August 3, 1948 – February 21, 2010

After a short battle with pancreatic cancer, John G. Gliege, 61, passed away with his family by his side at his home near Flagstaff, Arizona.

John was a loved and trusted leader in the Lipizzan community, sharing with all of us his deep historical and cultural knowledge of the Lipizzan and of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He appreciated the Lipizzans and the traditions surrounding their breeding, training and performance.

He worked tirelessly in the pedigree and registry organizations that help preserve the purebred Lipizzan, serving on the Boards of Directors and providing wise counsel.

The world is a little less sparkling today, without the joyfulness of John's presence. We miss him.

A memorial service will be held at St. Pius Church (San Francisco Di Asis Parish) in Flagstaff, AZ on Saturday, February 27 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in John’s name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org) or in support of the family to “RLR” at Chase Bank (account #: 122100024-643458011).

---Delphi

On a personal note, I have copied below my letter to John's children. John was a good friend with wonderful personal qualities and quirks:

"Dear Gerhardt, Stephanie, and Kristine,

"How sad that your Father did not live into his 90s as your grandfather did, living longer so he could spend more time with each of you, and enjoy seeing you all find continuing personal and professional satisfaction as your lives unfolded. He was so delighted that you each became strong and independent people, happy in your pursuits, and happy in your chosen lives.

"He called me as he was leaving the hospital after stopping all treatment, so happy to be going home, and enjoying the spectacle to come of the paramedics carrying him, like an ancient potentate, up the stairs at his home to his room. It is nice that he was able to depart with you all there, on his terms.

"I will miss his almost daily late night calls while he was driving home from Phoenix. He was always so happy I was still awake at midnight or 2:30 Eastern time, never thinking that I was awake only because the phone was ringing. He was so filled with enthusiasm after an evening of ballroom dancing lessons, planning what exuberant clothing he would wear in the next competition, and enjoying the companionship of his dancing friends. He was especially delighted by his bright red formal suit and the effect its appearance had on his admirers. Talking about his evening's dancing seemed to prolong his terpsichorean enjoyment throughout his drive home; I was only a cooperative listener.

"The world is a little less sparkling today, without the joyfulness of your father. I am glad I was able to know him. My heart goes out to you----you had a great Dad.

Delphi "

LANA Selected by US Equestrian Federation

2010-02-05T22:22:00.002-05:00

We are pleased to be able to announce that the Executive Committee of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has chosen our organization, the Lipizzan Association of North America, to be an Affiliated Association.

We at LANA are proud to have been chosen to represent the Lipizzan breed. The USEF has more than 90,000 members and recognizes 120 Affiliated Associations.

This recognition as an Affiliated Association is the first step toward being able to promote the Lipizzan horse through USEF national shows and competitions.

Our next step is to compile and submit competition rules for the Lipizzan Breed to the USEF for inclusion in the USEF Rule Book. Anyone interested in helping to put these rules together is welcome to contact any members of LANA's Board of Directors to become part of the Show/Competition Committee.

Loss of LANA Board Member, Tom Hull

2008-12-03T20:09:00.002-05:00

Tom Hull, LANA Board Member and Registrar of Pedigrees
March 29, 1948 - Nov. 26, 2008

Tom was an absolute treasure

for those of us in the Lipizzan horse community.

He gave of himself and of his time with good spirits, integrity,

and a sense of fun and adventure.

He was devoted to compiling accurate pedigrees, with endless patience in investigating the confusing and sometimes contradictory international records, and he created a comprehensive data base to share with all Lipizzan owners.

We will miss his booming laugh, his sweet smile, and his warmth.

Months ago, Tom and Mel told his fellow Lipizzan Board members that he was ill, but he continued his activities with his usual good spirits,

even participating in our annual meeting less than 2 weeks ago.

No one can replace him in our small community; he was unique.

Our thoughts are with Mel

as we mourn the loss of Tom.

---Delphi

Lipizzans Perform for President Bush at EU Meeting in Slovenia

2008-06-11T11:52:00.024-04:00

AP photo by Filip Horvat

White House photo by Shealah Craighead

On June 10, 2008, Lipizzans from the Lipica Stud Farm Riding School performed the eight horse musical Quadrille for President George W. Bush, the first American President to watch a Lipizzaner performance in more than 20 years.
President Bush was in Kranj, Slovenia for the United States-European Union Meeting at the Grad Brdo near Ljubljana. The Renaissance style Grad (Castle) Brdo was first built in 1510 by a Carniolan aristocrat who was General Administrator of Habsburg private estates in the Duchy of Carniola, long a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Grad Brdo is now an international diplomatic conference center in democratic Slovenia.
President Bush joins President Ronald Reagan as the only two recent Presidents who have been horse enthusiasts and appreciative of the remarkable Lipizzaners.
Kudos to President Bush for respecting the Lipizzaners and their riders enough to demure when urged to ride one of the stallions.---Delphi

White House photo by Eric Draper

AP photo by Filip Horvat

White House photo by Shealah Craighead

White House photo by Chris Greenberg

AP photo by Filip Horvat

for a brief video of this event, go to:
President Bush & Slovenian Lipizzaners

Bronze Sculptures Added to LANA's Store

2008-06-08T11:54:00.009-04:00

LANA is pleased to be able to offer two different Limited Edition Bronze Sculptures by Colorado artist Micheal E. Halterman. Mr. Halterman draws his inspiration from historical figures, war figures and wildlife. He runs his own foundry and is therefore able to offer exacting quality in these beautiful bronze Lipizzan statues. One sculpture is one foot tall, the other is three feet 4 inches tall.

Please go to the LANA website for ordering information:
www.Lipizzan.org/store.html

Odd News of the SRS

2008-05-05T11:41:00.011-04:00

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
----------

We have received a wonderful comment about this delightfully mistaken article from the rider in Britain who put together this performance.-- Delphi

Amy Clithero wrote: "hi, i found that article particularly amusing too. it is basically non horsey folk writing about horsey things, and not understanding the meanng of what they have said! it is me, my mum and sisters that give a little spanish display on horses (we also happen to use them in the riding school - which i think the people got the connotation from) at great hawood for the past few years (nothing spectacular like the proper SRC). Sorry for the confusion - my mum even told them it wasnt a jumping display either, just ring and ribbons games this year.
amy xxx

May 29, 2008 4:32 AM

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.

New Items at The Lipizzan Store

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

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

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

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!