Lipizzaner Stables

The Lipizzaner Stables in Lipik are the home of the State Stud Farm Lipik, a large horse-breeding estate in the Pakrac–Lipik area of Slavonia, in Croatia, devoted to the Lipizzaner, one of the most famous breeds in the world. More than three hundred horses graze and train on the farm’s paddocks and fields, and a visit is a chance to see the animals close up in a rural setting that has changed little for generations.

The breed has a distinguished history. Lipizzaners take their name from Lipica, a stud farm founded in 1580 by an Austrian archduke in what is now Slovenia, where Spanish, Italian and local horses were crossed to produce a strong, intelligent and elegant animal suited to the riding schools of the imperial court. Lipizzaners are best known as the white horses of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, where they perform the classical art of dressage, including the dramatic leaps and movements known as the airs above the ground. One of their charms is that they are born dark, usually brown or black, and gradually turn white as they mature, a process that takes six to ten years, so that a herd on a pasture shows animals of many shades together. Croatia has several Lipizzaner stud farms, the best known being at Đakovo and Lipik, and the breed is part of the country’s heritage.

The Lipik farm has been breeding horses since the nineteenth century, and it has survived wars, including the conflict of the 1990s, which badly damaged the town and the estate. Today it is a working stud farm, where mares and foals, stallions and young horses are raised and trained. Visitors can walk around the grounds, on guided tours or at their own pace, and watch horses in the paddocks. One of the highlights is a visit to a historic stable, where you can get close to the horses, learn about their breeding lines and see how they are trained and cared for. The Lipikum Museum on the estate explains the history of the breed and its role in Croatian and Central European culture.

Other features of the estate include the Chapel of St. Anthony of Padua, a small wooden building which dates from the eighteenth century and adds a touch of local tradition. Throughout the year the farm hosts events, riding schools and open days, and carriage rides and other experiences with the horses are available for an additional fee, as are souvenirs in a small shop. Lipik itself is a spa town with a handsome park, and the Lipik Spa Park is a pleasant place for a stroll.

Opening hours and prices vary, so check with the farm. The stables suit horse lovers, families and anyone interested in rural heritage. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a camera.