Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 13, 1991 TAG: 9102130225
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ROBERTA ENGLISH STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"It's like going to see the Ice Capades on horseback," said producer Gary Lashinsky.
The Lipizzaners are famous for their leaping movements that were originally used in military battles during the 16th century.
This year's edition of the show includes a few modern twists: An equine salute to James Bond and big-band and rock 'n' roll numbers. Lashinsky said the variety gives the show broader audience appeal.
"You don't have to be a horse lover to enjoy the show," Lashinsky said. "It's good family entertainment."
The Lipizzaners' trainers also have added a new tandem presentation where a rider rides one horse with no rein control while guiding the horse in front with long lines.
Ten Lipizzaner stallions, four Spanish Andalusians and one Arabian appear in the show.
The Lipizzaner horses have an aristocratic heritage that dates back to 1562, when Archduke Maximillian of Austria began breeding Spanish horses to create a horse exclusively for royalty.
The Spanish Moors mated the finest Arabians, Andalusians and Vilanos to produce a horse that was said to be invincible in battle. Because of their superb strength, coordination and intelligence, these horses could be taught defensive and offensive military battle tactics.
Techniques they will perform Friday include the capriole, in which the horse draws its forelegs under his chest and kicks out violently with his hind legs; and the courbette, in which the horse balances on the hind legs and jumps, keeping his forelegs off the ground.
Nine riders, three of them women, perform in the two-hour show. The riders and horses are in constant training to create a powerful rhythm and harmony between the two.
"Lipizzaners are in training from their first step to their last," Lashinsky said.
Lashinsky said he hopes the added variety will inspire more people to see the show and get involved with horses. But the mystique of the breeding and unique training are what has kept the 400 year-old tradition alive, he said.
"It's like the classical ballet `Swan Lake,' " Lashinsky said. "It will stay forever." ROYAL LIPIZZANER STALLIONS: 8 p.m. Friday, Salem Civic Center. $11.50. 375-3004.
by CNB