LITCHFIELD – The original Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions of Austria will appear Fridays through Sundays, September 5-7 and 12-14, at the Litchfield Hills Equestrian Centre at 556 South Plains Road in Litchfield.

There will be 90-minute shows at 7 pm on each Friday and 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Founded in the 16th century for the exclusive use of the Hapsburg Royal family of Austria, the Royal Lipizzans are unquestionably the rarest, most aristocratic breed of horses in the world. The pride of the Hapsburg Empire, the Lipizzan breed was first established by Archduke Charles at Lipizzan (now part of Yugoslavia). Only a few hundred have ever existed at any one time.

Indeed, it is a contemporary miracle of sorts that this precious bloodline is not extinct, having barely been saved by General George Patton from the Russian advance during World War II. When the rider found himself surrounded in battle, he would give the signal and the stallion would leap high into the air, kicking out at the very top of the leap, about the height of a man’s head. This maneuver is called the Capriole.

Another move is called the Courbette. When advancing on the enemy, the stallion would rear up and leap forward like a kangaroo, fighting with his hooves and teeth as the rider fought with his sword. A maneuver called the Ballotade, calls for the stallion to rise to his hind legs and strike out repeatedly with his forelegs.

In the Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallion show the stallions do the same battle maneuvers they were trained for centuries ago. These stallions, with their great strength, intelligence and endurance will perform classical dressage; exquisite Pas de Trois; dramatic Airs Above the Ground – including such exceptionally difficult measures as the Courbette, the Capriole and the Levade and conclude the spectacular performance with a complex military Quadrille. During the exhibitions, Herrmann’s Lipizzans perform to the music of Mozart, Wagner and Tchaikovsky.

Colonel Herrmann presents audiences what he calls “the art of the horse world, a symphony in white.” They are also known as the “ballet dancers of the horse world.” Colonel Herrmann believes horses must be trained with kindness, patience and love.  They are truly magnificent and the spectacular leaps and plunges executed by the horses will leave viewers awestruck.

Tickets prices for the performances are can be purchased at in advance at Litchfield Hills Equestrian Centre, The Equestrian Centre in Avon and C.L. Adams in Woodbury. Tickets will be $12 in advance ($15 at the gate) for adults; $6 in advance ($8 at the gate) for children ages 6-12; and $10 in advance ($12 at the gate) for senior citizens. For groups of 20 or more, tickets will be $12 per person. Children under six are free.

For additional information, call the Litchfield Hills Equestrian Centre at 1-860-567-1441.