The Lipizzan, or Lipizzaner (Slovene Lipicanec), is a breed of horse closely

associated with the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria where the

finest representatives demonstrate the "high school" movements of classical

dressage, including the highly advanced "airs above the ground.

" The Lipizzan breed dates back to the 16th century, when it was

developed with the support of the Habsburg nobility. The breed takes its

name from one of the of the earliest stud farms established, located near the

Kras village of Lipica (spelled "Lipizza" in Italian), in modern-day Slovenia.

Most Lipizzans measure between 15 and sixteen hands. They are compact

and muscular, with very powerful hindquarters.