About the USLR

Who belongs to the USLR?

People who own, ride, and/or train Lipizzans.
People who don't own a Lipizzan (yet) but appreciate this noble breed.

Why is it important to support the USLR?

The Lipizzan is a very rare breed with a fascinating history. Only 3,000 to 4,000 exist in the world. More Lipizzans live in the U.S. than in any other country, so we Americans have a big responsibility. We're concerned about making sure the breed itself is preserved, of course. But it's also important to be sure the classical standard is preserved. Many horse people think the "old-style" Morgan horses' and Quarter Horses' qualities were bred out. Wouldn't it be a shame to look back in 30-50 years and think, "Where are the classical Lipizzans?".

What does the U.S. Lipizzan Registry do?

We register Lipizzans and Lipizzan crosses.
We ensure a horse's breed and lineage are verified via DNA testing.
We help new Lipizzan owners stay connected with other Lipizzan owners.
We help identify "lost" Lipizzans when necessary, and if we have to, we'll help them be rescued or placed.
We actively educate Lipizzan breeders and owners (as well as the public) about breed standards, good breeding practices, baroque horse events, etc. via an annual symposium, educational festivals and outreach programs, clinics, a quarterly newsletter, this web site, and sponsorship of Lipizzan classes at recognized USDF shows.
We help to promote the breed to horse people and lay people interested in trainable, athletic, versatile horses.

DNA testing ... the Internet ... that's a lot of high-tech stuff for a 450-year-old breed. Why do the DNA testing? How does it work?

DNA testing is the most crucial part of all of our registrations -- both purebred and crossbred. Since 1988 it has been a requirement for all registered horses to have a parentage verification performed via genetic means. In the early years, that meant blood typing. Today, we can DNA type through mane and tail hair samples.
Since all of our purebreds have been DNA typed, if one of them is "found" in an auction or rescue situation, the new owner must exhaust all means of identifying the horse. Once that is done, we can DNA type the horse and compare it to the DNA markers of any of a number of registered USLR horses. The better we can narrow down who to compare the markers to, the less cost will be incurred.
As the DNA parentage verification is a requirement, a person with an older purebred Lipizzan to register may find themselves in serious registration trouble. In the case of one or both parents being dead and not typed, the owner could run into very costly DNA analysis with full brothers or sisters, grandparents, any other relative to the horse being typed. This is to best discern a verification of parentage to the highest degree possible.
If a horse has European brands, we can usually go straight to the source now to verify those brands (i.e. the Spanish Riding School, Piber, Topolcianky).
We also have the vast knowledge and help of LIF Breeding Commission member Atjan Hop. Mr. Hop has recently helped the USLR fill some pedigree holes and clarify others and has also been instrumental in helping us in identifying horses from other stud farms.
In addition, Europe is now starting to DNA type their Lipizzans. However, we are still unsure of where those records are being kept, how many countries are participating, and whether they will be available to the U.S.