Ride the White Stallions! (Slovenia)

Member Name: janna

Product:	Slovenia
Date:	03/07/01 (213 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: green countryside, wonderful Lipizzaner horses,, lovely coast

Disadvantages: none

Horses have been part of my life since I was a small child, so when I was given the opportunity to stay at the Lipica stud farm in Slovenia in June of this year, needless to say I jumped at the chance.

Slovenia is situated in Southern Central Europe between the Alps and the Mediterranean and is bordered by Hungary, Croatia, Austria and Italy. Lipica is situated in the Karst region which offers caves, thermal springs, lakes and mountains, colourful flowers, Baroque churches, but above all it offers green and luscious countryside as half of Slovenia's land surface is blanketed by forest.

The Lipizzaner descends from Spanish horses, taking its name from the stud at Lipica in Slovenia. Although associated with Vienna's Spanish Riding School these horses are now extensively bred in Hungary, Bosnia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia as well as Austria. It is also bred in lesser numbers elsewhere in Europe.

Austrian Archduke Charles II founded the Lipica stud farm in 1580; making it one of the oldest horse studs in the world. Today, Lipica succeeds in carrying on its 400-year-old tradition of selective breeding of purebred Lipizzaner horses for the needs of the classical school of riding, dressage and carriage driving.

The Lipizzaner stands at around 15.1 to 16.2 hands high. They are strong, powerful horses who are intelligent and willing. The breed is long-lived, many horses achieving 30 to 35 years of age and many school horses continue to perform difficult movements well into their twenties.

Lipican foals are born black, bay or dark grey and change colour as they mature; firstly to a lighter grey and eventually to white when they are between 6 and 10 years of age. We walked in the warm June sunshine through paddocks with mares and their foals; this year 33 foals have been born.

Young stallions are lunged and schooled for riding. In the second year, the stallions undergo extensive training so that they c
an master elements required in dressage. At the end of this period, any stallion that shows character defects e.g. aggressive behaviour or stubbornness end their training and are gelded. Currently there are about 60 geldings, which are available for recreational riding by visitors. Guests staying at the Hotel Maestoso in the grounds of the stud farm can participate in dressage lessons provided by highly trained instructors, hacking through superb parks and woods, fox hunting or carriage driving.

The best of the young stallions receive a further two years training during which time they must master advanced classical dressage routines including the passage, piaffe and pirouettes. The most successful stallions are chosen to be used as foundation sires.

Fillies undergo the same training as the young stallions and are eventually used for carriage driving or become broodmares.

The exhibition performance of the classical school of riding represents the climax of a visit to Lipica. Specially trained Lipizzaners participate and show the dexterity of old riding skills.

And if you have read to the end of this section and are wondering if I rode at Lipica - well I certainly did. The horse riding is second to none and was truly superb. I rode a wonderfully well-trained Lipizzaner who obeyed every command I gave him through beautiful scenery enjoying the peace and tranquility of hundred year old oak trees and fragrant lime trees. On another occasion early one morning we galloped through the parklands at Lipica with a gentle wind blowing white manes and tails. Bliss....

Information: Kobilarna Lipica, 66210 Sezana, Slovenia.
Telephone: 0671/73-781, 73-792, 72-617, 73-541
Telex: 34217 YU LIPICA

Other Places to Visit
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~ Postojna ~

The Postojnska Jama caves situated south of Ljubljana and not too far from Lipica are Europe's largest caves and the second largest in th
e world. Marvel at the breathtaking size and incredible shapes of rock formations millions of years old.

The whole cave system of Postojna consists of four caves, some 20 kilometres long, some of which are not accessible to the public. This fascinating underworld is easily enjoyed from a special cave train with full commentary. The train takes you through the beautiful realm of stalagmites and stalactites, past subterranean waters to visit the home of the blind cave salamander.

The Postojna caves are open all the year round. Each visit lasts just under one and a half hours and the temperature inside the caves is a constant 8 C, so take a fleece with you as it does get a bit chilly.

Also, the cave tour does involve some walking (about a mile). One member of our party is slightly disabled and struggled a little. She thoroughly enjoyed the caves and felt that she had made an achievement in spite of her disability. It is worth keeping this in mind if you suffer any walking disability.

Information: Postojnka Jama, Tourizem, Jamska cesta 30, Slo-6230 Postojna, Slovenia.
Telephone: +386-5-7000100

~ Portoroz ~

Portoroz "Port of Roses" is situated in a wind sheltered area and offers the largest beaches on the Adriatic coast of Slovenia. The clear and warm waters are ideal for swimming and watersports. The town is well known as a health resort since medieval times. Most of the man-made beaches are privately owned and there is a small charge if you wish to go onto these beaches. We found a free beach near the Grand Hotel Emona, but did wonder why there was a shark net surrounding this area (when we were swimming on the other side of the net!)

~ Piran ~

Piran is adjacent to Portoroz. It is a quaint and picturesque coastal town on a narrow rocky position with a fishing port, once famous for smuggling. There are many cafes, bars and restaurants lining the narrow streets and a traffi
c free old town. It displays Venetian and Gothic architecture and in the centre of the town is Tartine Square with an impressive town hall and Venetian palace.

Additional Information
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Slovenia enjoys a temperate climate. The Mediterranean coast languishes in mild, sunny weather for most of the year with temperatures of around 80 degrees fahrenheit.

Slovenian food is influenced by the cuisine of its neighbours with goulash from Hungary; sausage, strudel and schnitzel from Austria and pasta and pizza from Italy. Slovenia offers many varieties of bread and cake. There is an abundance of seafood from its Mediterranean coast and the wines are outstanding in quality.

Slovenia is a simple, unspoiled, relaxed and easy-going country. Enjoy crystal-clear seas, quaint fishing villages, medieval towns, ancient villages, fairy-tale castles and green countryside. It will have immense appeal if you enjoy a natural holiday experience.

Slovenia - undoubtedly Europe's best kept secret.

Janna
3rd July 2001

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