Day 1: Lipizza
ITALY / LIPICA (-/-/D)
This dressage stage is dedicated to lovers of flatwork—a true clinic and a unique opportunity to ride the noble Lipizzaner horse. Through the principles of classical dressage, you will aim to achieve perfect unity and harmony with this magnificent animal. Just two hours from Venice, on the Slovenian Adriatic coast, the world’s largest Lipizzaner stud farm awaits you. Founded in 1580 by Archduke Charles of Habsburg, it continues to breed and select the best dressage horses, renowned worldwide for their pure white coats. The Lipizzaner takes its name from the town of Lipica, where the stud farm is still located today.
Historically, these horses were used to pull royal carriages and serve in the military; it was during wartime that they demonstrated their aptitude for performing defensive and offensive maneuvers, which later evolved into high school dressage movements. Notably, Lipizzaners are featured at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, the only institution in the world to preserve classical dressage as practiced during the Renaissance era.
In addition to the dressage clinic, you will have the opportunity to watch a stunning performance featuring the stallions executing haute école movements. You can also enjoy carriage rides along the estate trails. For non-riders, a well-maintained 9-hole golf course is available.
Arrival in Lipica, check-in at the hotel adjacent to the stables, and dinner. Transfer from Trieste airport or Sezana train station is available on request (at an additional cost).
From Day 2 to Day 6:
LIPICA (B/-/D)
Each day includes two private 50-minute riding lessons (10 lessons total – schedule to be arranged upon arrival, available between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.). Riders are requested to arrive at the stables a little before their lessons to participate in grooming and tacking the horses. If there are friends of similar riding level, group lessons may be arranged.
During the week (reservation upon arrival, subject to availability), the program includes a 30-minute carriage ride, a guided tour of the stables and breeding facilities with an introduction to the breed’s founding stallions and history, and participation in all haute école shows.
Lunch is on your own. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7: Lipizza
LIPICA / ITALY (B/-/D)
Breakfast and free day for independent visits (ask the hotel staff for recommendations). The free day may fall on any day of the week. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8:
LIPICA / ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast, check-out, and departure. Transfer to the train station or airport available on request (for a fee).
Note: The above itinerary is indicative and may be subject to change due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control. Shorter stays are possible; a minimum of 3 nights is recommended. Individual dressage lessons are available for an additional fee. Special Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners available upon request.
Key: (B/L/D):
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°
DURATION: 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
LEVEL: FROM °° TO °°°° (FROM EASY TO ADVANCED)
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
TACK: ENGLISH SADDLE
HORSES: LIPIZZANER HORSE – typically white (technically grey) in adulthood, originally from Lipica, where selective breeding began in 1580. This elegant and docile breed was selected for the Habsburg court and the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Now bred across Europe, it is globally known for its excellence in dressage.
RIDING SCHEDULE: 2 INDIVIDUAL LESSONS OF 50 MINUTES PER DAY (10 TOTAL). Work includes all three gaits and advanced dressage movements (shoulder-in, half-pass, piaffe, passage). This program is recommended for at least intermediate riders to fully benefit. Riders are responsible for their assigned equipment, tacking, and untacking.
WHAT TO BRING: Riders must have standard riding gear: helmet, boots, spurs, and dressage whip.
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 85 kg
TYPE: Equestrian holiday with hotel accommodation
ACCOMMODATION:
7 nights at Hotel Maestoso in "Ecological" room type. Built in 1970 and named after one of the six founding stallions of the Lipizzaner breed. Recently renovated, it offers 59 comfortable rooms and 7 suites with private bathroom, hairdryer, telephone, satellite TV, radio, mini-bar, and Wi-Fi (for a fee). Facilities include a fitness center with sauna, swimming pool, snack bar, casino, golf course, and red clay tennis courts. The restaurant offers a wide selection of local and international dishes.
Pets allowed (extra fee payable on site).
Departure dates available year-round on request, minimum 1 participant departing from Italy.
PARTICIPANTS: MIN 1 – MAX 6
SUPPLEMENTS & DISCOUNTS:
Price for advanced riders (October to March), double room: €1,390
Single room supplement (October to March): €130
Price for advanced riders (April to October), double room: €1,750
Single room supplement (April to October): €200
