THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 21, 1994 TAG: 9410200156
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF STORY
LENGTH: Short : 43 lines
Prancing white stallions, descendants of the 16th century breed of horses founded for the exclusive use of the Hapsburg royal family in Austria, are performing today, Saturday and Sunday in Virginia Beach.
The Original Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions of Austria will go through their paces - leaping horizontally, flying over hurdles, performing classical dressage and the famous ``Airs Above the Ground.''
The event benefits the Virginia Beach Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and will be in the indoor exhibition ring at Holly Ridge Manor at 2993 Seaboard Road.
During World War II, Col. Ottomar Herrmann Jr., his father, Col. Ottomar Herrmann, and U.S. Gen. George Patton worked together to smuggle the horses out from behind the enemy lines and save the breed.
Since then the gentle animals have performed for audiences of all ages and nationalities across the world.
This show will be their last appearance this year as part of their East Coast tour, which is benefiting shelters up and down the coast. ``They chose us for it,'' said Sharon Adams, SPCA director. ``We're very excited about that.'' In fact, she said, the group might not return to this area for a long time.
The public is invited to arrive early and view the horses behind the scenes. ``We're encouraging that,'' said Adams. ``They can see them munching on whatever they're munching on.''
Performances are 7 p.m. today and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $15 at the door for adults and $8 for children. Call 427-0070. ILLUSTRATION: During World War II, Col. Ottomar Herrmann Jr., his father, Col.
Ottomar Herrmann, and U.S. Gen. George Patton worked to smuggle the
horses out from behind the enemy lines and save the breed.
by CNB