While living in Vienna, Austria the Spanish Riding School was one of my most favorite destinations.  To be able to sit ringside and watch the fabulous Lippizzan Stallions going through their drills convinced me that these horses are among the most magnificent creatures on this earth.  Their history is dramatic and almost unbelievable and this link http://www.lipizzaner.com/home.asp  goes into depth about their past and miraculous rescue during World War II by General George Patton. 

Sarasota may be the arts capital of southwest Florida but it is also right next door to the Myakka home of Herrmann’s Original Royal Lipizzan Stallions where shows are performed throughout the spring. Relaxing on lawn chairs surrounded by horse lovers it is exciting to watch these strong animals perform physical feats that seem unlikely for a horse to be able to do.  Please click on this linkhttp://www.lipizzaner.com/capriole.asp  to see a move called the capriole and go to this link http://www.hlipizzans.com/  to learn more about this wonderful facility and all it has to offer.