Vienna’s Spanish Riding School

Since their return from Upper Austria in 1955, the Lipizzaner stallions of the Spanish Riding School have regularly spent their well-earned summer break away from Vienna. Until 2004 they relaxed in stables close to the Hermes Villa in the Lainzer Tiergarten. In 2005 they moved to their new generous summer quarters in Heldenberg (district Hollabrunn) with spacious boxes, paddocks and surrounding woods where they are gently and carefully exercised. In 2010 they added an outdoor riding arena measuring 20 x 60 metres and an indoor riding hall with the same dimensions and featuring a spectators’ platform, turning the summer quarters into a state-of-the-art training centre which can be used all year round.

The young up-and-coming stars of the Spanish Riding School spend their first training years in Heldenberg, gradually becoming accustomed to their training schedule and new surroundings.

The fully trained School stallions that delight their audiences in Vienna during the season not only enjoy a respite in Heldenberg during the hot months of July and August but are also allowed to relax for an additional 6-8 weeks every year and enjoy the fresh country air, freedom of movement and quiet, natural surroundings.

The 81 horse boxes at the training centre Heldenberg are only fully occupied during the summer months. Subsequently, the expertise on the High School of Classical Horsemanship is imparted to high level international riders in various dressage seminars. These include theoretical courses, clinics for riders bringing their own horses, seminars for professional riders and dressage judges as well as classes featuring international experts and advanced training courses for grooms.