Since their return from Upper Austria in 1955, the Lipizzaner stallions of the Spanish Riding School have regularly spent their well-earned summer break away from Vienna. Until 2004 they relaxed in stables close to the Hermes Villa in the Lainzer Tiergarten. In 2005 they moved to their new generous summer quarters in Heldenberg
with spacious boxes, paddocks and surrounding woods where they are gently and carefully exercised.
Two years ago, an outdoor 20 x 60 arena and an indoor riding hall with the same dimensions including a spectators’ platform were added to the Heldenberg Equestrian Centre, turning the summer quarters into a state-of-the-art training centre which can be used all year round. The training centre is located on 3,5 hectares of land (7 acres).
The young up-and-coming stars of the Spanish Riding School spend their first training years in Heldenberg, gradually becoming accustomed to their training schedule and new surroundings.
The fully trained School stallions that delight their audiences in Vienna during the season not only enjoy a respite in Heldenberg during the hot months of July and August but are also allowed to relax for an additional 6-8 weeks every year and enjoy the fresh country air, freedom of movement and quiet, natural surroundings. This system not only ensures that the stallions are kept physically fit and mentally healthy but is also in accordance with animal welfare.
The 81 horse boxes at the training centre Heldenberg are only fully occupied during the summer months. Subsequently, as of spring 2013, the expertise on the High School of Classical Horsemanship will be dedicated to high level international riders in various dressage seminars. These will include theoretical courses, clinics for riders bringing their own horses, seminars for professional riders and dressage judges as well as classes featuring international experts and advanced training courses for grooms.
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