„A horse is the projection of people´s dreams about themselves: strong, powerful, beautiful1- Pam Brown, Lipizzaner Piber
Anyone who’s known me for a while—and I’m talking about the real insiders among you—knows that my heart has always been a little bit into a gallop. Horses have been a part of my life. I haven’t just ridden, I’ve competed in tournaments, had my own horse, and spent countless hours in the stable. The smell of hay, leather, and fresh air—for many, perhaps „country air,“ but for me, it was always pure bliss.
So it was really only a matter of time before I took a trip to the Lipizzaner Stud in Piber—the place where the world’s most famous white horses are born and raised before (if they’re among the chosen few) they’re allowed to go to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. And when we planned our short trip to Lake Wörthersee (See the Blogpost -> Link) , it was clear to me: We’ll make a detour there.
And what can I say: I was in heaven. Truly.
First encounter with the grey gentlemen
Even arriving in Piber was magical. The streets became narrower, the air clearer, and suddenly – horses. Horses everywhere. Honestly: If I’d been allowed to, I would have packed up at least three and taken them with me right away. A stallion for the living room, a foal for the bedroom (it’s still small), and a third just because, right?
“ I was in heaven! „
The grounds surrounding the stud farm are beautiful. Everything is clean, well-maintained, and lovingly designed. You immediately notice that people don’t just work here, but really live here – with and for the animals. The grounds are extensive and consist of several areas: the castle, a small, charming church, a museum, and, of course, the centerpiece – the stables with the horses.
And I really liked that: The entrance fee is only for the stud farm itself. Everything else is free to visit. Still – come on – who goes to Piber and doesn’t go to see the horses?
My heart beats to the rhythm of the hooves
When we entered the stables, I immediately felt like I was eight years old again. Two curious Lipizzaner stallions greeted us—or rather, sniffed us. This mixture of elegance, gentleness, and strength is simply hard to put into words. Their eyes have this very special expression—alert, intelligent, a little playful. I was instantly in love.
The stables themselves were beautiful—bright, tidy, with plenty of space and fresh air. I have to honestly say, though, that I had imagined them to be a bit bigger. Maybe that’s because I grew up with large equestrian facilities or simply because of my exuberant imagination. Nevertheless, every corner there was carefully designed, and it was pleasantly quiet. No hustle and bustle, no crowds—just room to breathe.
A very special moment was the visit to the mares and their foals. There’s truly nothing more touching than a newborn foal snuggling up to its mother, its legs still a bit wobbly. This gentle closeness, this trust—my heart literally overflowed.
A little horse knowledge for in between
If you’re familiar with Lipizzaners but never quite knew what makes them so special, here’s a little digression, because I simply love it when places tell stories.
The Lipizzaner is one of the oldest cultivated horse breeds in Europe. They originated in present-day Slovenia, more precisely in the town of Lipica – hence the name. The breed originated in the 16th century through selective breeding, primarily with Spanish, Italian, and Arabian horses.
They became famous through the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, where they have celebrated the high art of classical riding for centuries – with spectacular moves like the levade, courbette, and capriole. What many don’t know: The foals are born dark, usually a dark brown or gray, and only turn white over time. This also explains why we saw a few „not quite white“ horses in Piber – they are simply too young.
The foals are born in Piber itself and grow up there under the best conditions. From the very first months of life, they are allowed out into the paddock – simply to develop a sense of their bodies, coordinate their legs, and build muscle. Exercise on natural ground helps them become stable and self-confident. At around three years of age, the selection process begins – only the best, with the right temperament, optimal stature, and the necessary talent, make it to Vienna. The rest often remain in breeding or are placed with private individuals.
Schnitzel & caresses
After so many impressions and emotions, I needed something to eat. There’s a small restaurant right on the grounds – quaint, down-to-earth, no frills. I opted for a classic schnitzel (Team Schnitzel for Life), and it was exactly what I needed. Crispy, warm, simply delicious. Afterward, I was ready for more petting – for the horses, that is, not for myself. Although… a bit of sunshine, a few happy horse noses, and a full belly – that certainly makes you feel like you’ve been petted all over. And please look at that cute face of the horse I felt in love with in Piber.
my summary
A place that remains
For me, the visit to the Lipizzaner stud farm was more than just a pleasant stopover. It was a return to my roots, to a time when horses were my everyday life, my refuge, my pride. And even though my life is different today, I realize that this connection has never gone away. It slumbers somewhere deep within me, until I suddenly step into a stable again and a horse looks deep into my eyes.
Piber is a place that slows down. No noise, no hustle and bustle, just you, nature, and these graceful animals. I can truly recommend a visit – whether you’re a horse person or simply want to experience a different side of Austria. The combination of history, love of animals, and nature is unique.
Perhaps it’s this special mix of elegance and down-to-earthness that makes the Lipizzaners – and Piber – so unique. It’s not a place for grand gestures, but for real moments. And as we all know, those last the longest.
Would you also take a horse with you if no one was looking? Or am I the only one with such crazy thoughts? 😉
If you’ve already been to Piber or want to add it to your bucket list, let me know. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll ride into the sunset on my own horse…
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