It is pretty quiet in the horse world around here right now, sure there are the winter shows going on at Ledges and in St Louis, there are some NIHJA indoor shows scattered about. All great places to head out to with your equine mount to gear up for the spring and summer show season. However, many of us decide to stay in and work on things at home.
With things being pretty quiet around here it was perfect timing for the "World Famous" Lipizzaner Stallions to stop in the area. The traveling tour was at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates for 3 shows on February 19th and 20th. The show consisting of 12 - 14 Lipizzaner Stallions also featured Andalusian Stallions, the forefathers of Lipizzaners, and one beautiful 17 hh Freisan.
The show was done very well, they were able to successfully marry the art and history of dressage with the history of the Lipizzaners. The military use of the horse in combat was touched upon with the showing of the Airs above the grounds movements that were originally used in battle and the beautiful ballet of the Quadrille with 8 horses performing intricate dressage movements together. The dramatic use of classical music and spotlights transformed the floor of the Sears Centre, you could imagine yourself not in the Chicago suburbs but perhaps in Austria at the Spanish Riding School.
The partnership that the riders had with those magnificent stallions was exquisite! It was a special treat to see the 'airs above the grounds' movements in person and up close.
As we were driving home that evening I had such lovely visions of my horse and I performing so lovely together, with our movements so purposeful and in such perfect timing. I may not be competing in the dressage arena but I certainly can use all the help I can get between the fences.
In other Chicago area news:
We have some great riders from the area down in Ocala, Florida competing. Some notable mentions in the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix on February 15th: Taylor McMurty from Barrington Hills winning her first Grand Prix on Just an Illusion and Laura Linback from Mundelein coming in 3rd on Uppsala. Way to go Chicago riders!
Be sure to check out our website, Chicago Equestrian, for all the latest news and happenings!
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