Page 73 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Austria

INNER CIT Y  71

k Spanish Riding School VISITORS’ CHECKLIST

The Spanish Riding School was founded in 1572. Initially, its Practical Information
training of horses served a practical purpose, but today Michaelerplatz 1. Map 2 B4.
performances are staged purely for entertainment, and have Tel 53 39 031. Open 9am–4pm
become one of the city’s top attractions. Shows are held in daily. Shows: Jan–Jun, Aug–Dec:
10am– noon Tue–Sat. & 8 2pm,
the building known as the Winterreitschule (Winter Riding 3pm & 4pm daily. ∑ srs.at
School), constructed between 1729 and 1735 by Joseph E. Transport
Fischer von Erlach. The Hofburg fire in 1992 destroyed some % Herrengasse, Stephansplatz.
of the stables and almost @ 1A, 2A.
put an end to the
school’s activities. Black bicorn
hat with gold
braid stripe

Coffee-coloured
jacket with rows
of brass buttons

Interior of the
Winter Riding School
The opulent interior is lined
with 46 columns and adorned with
stucco ornaments, chandeliers
and a coffered ceiling.
Buckskin jodhpurs
Long boots Rider in Typical Uniform
covering the The riders of the Winter Riding
knees School wear historical uniforms,
Pale leather which are complemented by
gloves
elegant saddles with
embroidered cloth.

The Horses’ Steps
The riders perform on the
specially trained white
Lipizzaner stallions, a breed
originally produced by crossing
Spanish, Arab and Berber
horses. The steps made by the The Capriole
horses are part of a carefully The horse leaps into the air with a
orchestrated ballet. The Levade simultaneous kick of the hind legs.
The horse stands on its hind legs,
hocks almost touching the ground.
The Piaffe
The horse trots
on the spot,
The Croupade often between
The horse leaps two pillars.
into the air with
hind legs and
forelegs bent
under its belly.

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