Among the different breeds, the Lipizzan has an exclusive position. This cultural breed is considered to be the most ancient in Europe. As a parade horse, the Lipizzan shows nobleness, expression, and talent for dressage and carriage. He must have a moderate nature (well-balanced) and a good character. The body is rectangular and the ideal height is between 155 and 158 cm* at the withers. The traditional grey colour is dominant.

A) Type

Both the riding and driving horse type are accepted in the Lipizzan breed. Both should be judged within its special character, extremes should be disliked. The subconvex profile throughout the body with rounded outlines is typical for the breed.

B) Height

Average height, to be measured at the withers, is for males 155-158 cm. at the age of 6. It must be perfected and pointed out by scientific approach. Bigger or smaller horses must be harmonious in extra good breed character.

C) Colour

The grey colour is dominant. Brown and black occur and should remain, all other colours are disliked.

D) Attitude

A natural ability for concentration with a great disposition for collected work in High School and/or large endurance for riding and driving work.

E) Movements

Proud and elevated action. Long, elegant and in complete balance in walk, trot and canter.

F) Head

Well proportioned, of medium length, narrow and dry, with not too pronounced lower jaw and the cheek inclined to be round. As lightly convex profile belongs to the breed character, the too fine (Arabic) and the too convex (ram head) should occur only in low frequency. The eyes intend to be large and dark, expressive and confident, the ears are of medium length, fine and expressive.

G) Neck

Medium length, arched with a narrow mainline, the junction between head and neck is not too narrow, the neck is deep in the base and well inserted between the shoulders, rising up from the withers without interruption.

H) Withers

Well developed and long, not well expressed, with a smooth transition from the back to the neck, always higher than the croup.

I) Chest

Of medium size, deep and muscular.

J) Ribcage

Well developed, deep and not too long, with ribs obliquely arched in to the joint with the spinal column.

K) Shoulder

Should be long, sloping and well muscled.

L) Back

Well defined and tending towards the horizontal, making a smooth union between withers and loins.

M) Loins

Short, wide, muscular, slightly convex, well connected with the back and croup, with which they form a continuous harmonious line.

N) Croup

Strong and rounded, well muscled and balanced, slightly sloping, the length must not be shorter than the width, the profile convex and harmonious, with the point of the hip not too pronounced. The tail must not be set too deep, with long and silky hair.

O) Legs

The legs are well muscled, with regular angles. The joints well proportioned and dry. The upper arm straight and muscular. The cannons are not too long. The fetlocks are dry, with very little hair. The pasterns are of medium length and regularly angled.

P) Hooves

The hooves are hard, of good quality, well defined and proportional.

Q) Temperament and Character

Noble, generous and ardent, but always gentle, friendly, willing to work, able to bear pressure and directed to men.

2.54 cm. = 1 AND 10.16 cm. = 4 (one hand)

*155 cm. = 61.02 or 15h1

*158 cm. = 62.20 or 15h2

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