Rottlady goes Horsey!

I'm so sorry! I didn't even realize I did that. Thank you for removing it.

I have had the pleasure of seeing the Lipizzaner stallions perform twice -- the whole big show when they go on the road -- about 30 years apart! These were the group based in the Midwest at Tempel farm in Illinois. (see clip at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_AalqXV57o ) Can die happy now.

A bit of history about the lovely Lipizzaner's survival. My husband told me about this and I had forgotten. Clipped this from Wikipedia....

The rescue of the Lipizzans by the United States Army, made famous by the Disney movie Miracle of the White Stallions, occurred in two parts: The United States Third Army under the command of General George S. Patton, was near St. Martins in the spring of 1945 and learned that the Lipizzan stallions were in the area.^[20] Patton himself was a horseman, and like Podhajsky, had competed in the Olympic Games.^[20] On May 7, 1945, Podhajsky put on an exhibition of the Spanish Riding School stallions for Patton and Undersecretary of War Robert Patterson, and at its conclusion requested that Patton take the horses under his protection.^[21]

Meanwhile, the Third Army's United States Second Cavalry, a tank unit under the command of Colonel Charles Reed, had discovered the horses at Hostau, where there were also 400 Allied prisoners of war, and had occupied it on April 28, 1945. "Operation Cowboy," as the rescue was known, resulted in the recovery of 1,200 horses, including 375 Lipizzans,^[19] Patton learned of the raid, and arranged for Podhajsky to fly to Hostau.^[22] On May 12, American soldiers began riding, trucking and herding the horses 35 miles across the border into Kotztinz, Germany.^[19] The Lipizzans were eventually settled in temporary quarters in Wimsbach, until the breeding stock returned to Piber in 1952,^[18] and the stallions returned to the Spanish Riding School in 1955.^[23] In 2005, the Spanish Riding School celebrated the 60th anniversary of Patton's rescue by touring the United States.^[24]

The Lipik stable in Croatia had been evacuated to Novi Sad, Serbia during the Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995) where the horses remained in exile until 2007.^[25]

Only recently did I learn how several breeds are very closely related. The Spanish jennet seems to be the oldest "breed" from which the Lipizzan and Andalusian were bred. My impression is that the Lipizzan is a bit heavier and larger because they were trained as war horses. And the Paso Fino seems to be the closest to the original Jennet -- being a smaller horse with a very smooth gait.

Check YouTube for clips of Andalusian and Lippies and they look almost identical!

And they are all very beautiful of course.

Mrs D!

My Pops was indirectly involved with the rescue of the Lipizzans! He was in one of the General's support units, and helped with their load-up and shipping. He always said he should have taken the opportunity to ride one of them, but one of the officers had clamped down on that escapade after Patton heard they were being ridden around before Pops got the chance to. The story on the ground was Patton was fiercely tee'd off and profoundly protective of them.

But he climbed aboard one the very first chance he got tho, too!

Pops always had a huge soft spot for them, and every time they toured thru town, he stopped what he was doing right then and there and went to see them, without fail.

(*marvelouscreaturesgrins*!)

Wow... great history Augur about your father. Thanks for sharing with us. :)

(Lipizzangrins!)

My pleasure, my good friend, and Happy New Year!

(*Happygrins*!)

Thanks rottlady! Yep, Pops was always very proud he had a hand in their rescue, small part among many tho it was. I think they all were each in their own ways.

I've seen them perform a bunch of times, with and without Pops too. (*grin*!) I could never, ever, get tired of watching them. Such majestic creatures!

(*amazedgrins*!)

and they are actually local girls!

Well, that's really, really cool too!

But, alas, no sympathies for a dusty bench for Sis! If she can maneuver in and out of my Bella like she so magnificently did, a dusty ol' horse-bench is all in a days entertainment! ROFLROFL!

(*smartalecgrins*!)

I have read that Clydesdales can be ridden like any other saddle horse (assuming they are trained to take the saddle) -- altho of course most of them are trained to pull wagons, light or heavy. They are really a pretty versatile horse. Am surprised yours was so small. Only 15 hands? That's a strong pony! And a jumper too, whoa. Must have been great riding a horse who was so brave.

I would think similar to Photographers - the video has to be yours.

I did Western Pleasure also.. but, like you, my first enjoyment was taking my dearest gelding out for our trail rides. The best times ever. Horse shows have a lot of pressure. And, you're right, when you are out with your lovely horse... the problems and hurts in life just go away. :) I will scan a photo of me on my dressage horse someday to show you. :)

Oh you did fine, considering you allegedly "did not know what you were doing." You will get better pretty quick, I'm sure.

Mine sure did.

My "crotch rocket" is a registered Morgan. He used to do a pretty good clip in his day.

Nice video rottlady - I imagine it was hard with the motion and lighting. It came out well - enjoyed!