Lipizzan Association of North America

UPDATE REGARDING THE LFA

2009-03-25T00:22:00.010-04:00

To Our Members:

In an attempt to keep fellow members of LANA up-to-date on the progress of the unification process, we are reporting the following developments to our members.

The following update was written by LANA's representatives to the Interim LFA Board of Directors, to be distributed to the members, via the blog and later the newsletter.

---Delphi

LANA has tried to keep its members informed about the work towards formation of a member-based LFA. Prior minutes and documents have been posted on the LANA website, on this blog and in our quarterly newsletter. Please realize that the LFA has existed as an umbrella organization of the three major American Lipizzan associations for about ten years, and continues to serve as the American representative to international Lipizzan associations.

The minutes and drafts of minutes of the telephone meetings by the Interim LFA Board of Directors have now been posted on LANA’s website. [Despite the request of a USLR board member that the draft minutes be removed from LANA’s website, we have chosen to keep them public for our members to review.]

During the Florida annual meeting, when it was determined that an all-out effort should be made to effectuate unification, a schedule was made in order to keep the process flowing. That schedule was posted to LANA’s website.

John Gliege, an attorney by profession, undertook to draft modifications of the Articles of Incorporation of the LFA. In addition, several sets of By-Laws were drafted and circulated by various members of the Interim Board.

During the first two telephone conferences, the Articles were discussed and, in large measure, approved. However, the By-Laws were questioned by some members of the Interim Board because they were more like club rules than By-Laws that would pass legal muster. John N. Iannuzzi, also an attorney by profession, undertook the task of drafting a set of legally appropriate By-Laws to be ready by the next meeting.

Meanwhile, a controversy arose regarding the distribution of the proceeds from the auction that was held in conjunction with the most recent annual meeting in Florida. Courtney Tripp, of Tempel Farms, who ran the auction, has not yet distributed the funds to the three organizations.

After the By-Laws were drafted by Mr. Iannuzzi, as had been agreed, several additional versions of the By-Laws were drafted by other members of the Interim Board, changing, adding and modifying the By-Laws back to the unacceptable version that existed before Mr. Iannuzzi was assigned the task of re-drafting the By-Laws.

There was a call for the various versions of the By-Laws to be circulated so that they could be compared at the next telephone conference. By that time, the By-Laws were so muddled, it was decided to adjourn the telephone conference until a set of the By-Laws could be modified into one document by a By-Laws Committee [consisting of June Boardman, Muffin Smith and J.N.Iannuzzi] so that the Interim Board could add to, modify and remove provisions in some orderly fashion.

Meanwhile, Laura Wiener-Smolka [former president and director of USLR] circulated an email that the USLR should not bother with the delays that were taking place in the unification process and instead urged USLR to just start stealing LANA’s members, or urging them not to renew their LANA memberships, thereby basically eviscerating LANA - which, of course, would result in unification by execution. [Copies of that correspondence are attached below.*]

Members of the LANA Board were very upset by the revival of USLR’s intent to “subsume” and eliminate LANA [intentions that had appeared previously in print on the USLR website, as well as being suggested by various USLR members at the Ohio, Oregon and Illinois annual meetings]. It was hoped that the three organizations were operating in good faith toward the common goal of unification; this vicious suggestion seems to be out of the bounds of decency.

Further, various members of the Lipizzan community, through the on-line bulletin boards, have chosen to make spurious, scandalous and libelous allegations and accusations against members of the Interim LFA Board, which have further hindered the work of the Interim Board of Directors of the LFA and resulted in the resignation of John Gliege from the LFA Board.

On Friday, March 20, 2009, J.N. Iannuzzi wrote a letter on behalf of LANA to both USLR and ALBA asking for a clarification of the USLR position, and asking for an assurance that unification, not evisceration, was the goal of the USLR. [A copy of that letter is attached below for viewing by LANA Members.**]

As stated in the most recent letter, all unification processing has stopped, awaiting some word from USLR and ALBA as to their perception of unification, and also an explanation for the refusal to distribute the proceeds of the auction to the three groups.

To date, there has been no response whatever to LANA’s concerns from either USLR or ALBA. Nor has there been a distribution of the held funds. We are waiting.

March 25, 2009

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**[LANA LETTER TO USLR AND ALBA]

March 20, 2009

Ms. June Boardman
A.L.B.A.

Mr. Tim Foley
U.S.L.R.

Dear June and Tim:

I write to you both on behalf of the Lipizzan Association of North America

In view of the controversies that have reared their ugly heads recently, until such time as the LANA Board and Members can be satisfied that this unification process has not been a mere pretext to obtain LANA’s membership lists and then totally eviscerate LANA, i.e. to satisfy the apparently long felt desire to covet LANA members [as recently openly suggested by Laura Wiener Smolka who was repeating what had previously been espoused on the official blog/website of USLR] and that the attempt to convert the proceeds of a recent Auction proceeds by Courtney Trip at Temple Farms has been resolved, no further action shall be taken by LANA relative to joint by laws or unification.

It may be that you yourself and the majority of your organization are not openly involved. Giving tacit approval, however, making believe it isn't so, is, in effect, a condonation of the openly professed underhanded activity and an endorsement of the evil intentions.

We realize, of course, that ultimately the members of all organizations would have been revealed in order to be blended together However that likely ultimate result does not entirely trigger the counsel of the current aphorism: No Harm, No Foul. The problem is not with the ultimate result so much as with the foulness of method espoused by your organizations to obtain that result, even to the extent of deceiving the very people your are courting. If you think about it, such actions are all well and good for the Courtor, but not so pleasant for the Courtee.

We might be able to put this matter behind us. However, personal attacks will not be tolerated nor ignored. The silence of the USLR board speaks volume as to the apparent lack of respect (to members on the LFA Board and LANA) and true intent to the formation of the LFA. We need some input, some action from A.L.B.A. and U.S.L.R. to allay our concerns.

We await your response.

Very truly yours,

Lipizzan Association of North America

by_______________________________
John Nicholas Iannuzzi, Director

Carolyn Blakeslee
John Gliege, Esq.
Sandy Heaberlin
Melody Hull
John Iannuzzi, Esq.
Gary Lashinksy
Dr. Delphi Toth
Johann Riegler, Senior Rider, Spanish Riding School
Dr. Jaromir Oulehla, Former Director, Spanish Riding School and Federal Piber Studfarm

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*[recent emails and bulletin board postings by Laura Weiner-Smolka]:

Unification-LFA-Delays-How to make it happen

Hi Everyone,
No, the delays are not caused by people on the LFA board who are too busy.
Because the people on the LFA board do not want to perpetuate us/them or act rudely, they are remaining silent about the REAL CAUSE of the delays.
I also do not want to say who is responsible for the delays, because I don't want to fan embers I hope are dying out. Also, I don't want to be rude or accusatory.
But, believe me, everyone representing USLR and ALBA do not want delays in the unification process, and they are as frustrated as all of you are.
I know of a way to cause the unification to happen - - but if I say what it is, I will offend 3 of the "old guard" persons in LANA.
Laura Wiener-Smolka
USLR member since 1982
p.s. if any of you wish to email me privately, I would give you the name and email of a particular person to appeal to""

How to Accomplish Unification

It is John Gliege, with assistance from Sandy Haeberlin.
I know this without a doubt.
The way to make it happen is for LANA members to not renew with LANA.
They don't necessarily have to join USLR, but that would help the unification effort, especially if people who joined or renewed membership w/ USLR wrote a note on their check or paper enclosed, that their renewal is based upon accomplishing the unification (and, of course, maintaining members' right to vote for decision making representatives).
Honestly, if all the membership voices were represented by USLR right now, the unification would happen and LFA would be functioning.
The reason I suggest such extreme measures, is because, after 25 years, I know that there is no possible way to work with John Gliege and have fruition.
He's a cordial fellow (a lawyer), who thrives on his ability to cause monkey wrenches to perpetuate delays. He is not capable of any other method of operation in his personal or professional life.
Also, John and Sandy simply do not want to give up their lifetime status/owernship of a Lipizzan registry. They certainly do not want to face running for election to maintain a decision making office/position.
John also wants to maintain his "power status" in the eyes of the Europeans.
Laura
P.S. Non-essential reading about history of USLR/LANA:
When John originally left USLR, it was because he was not reelected to the presidency.
He formed his own registry and sent out newsletters and invitations to join for free, but almost no one joined.
Later, Sandy H. and Barbara VanDam formed their own registry, and after Sandy's husband died and Barbara got divorced and hit hard times (she went to Arizona w/ her horses and moved in w/ John), the three of them formed LANA.
LANA did not have many members until Cheryl Wright, USLR Registrar, was afflicted with personal problems and failed to register horses for about two years. During that time, USLR members and new Lipizzan owners became very frustrated and began registering horses with LANA (that was in about 1994-1996).
Finally, USLR was basically broke and almost defunct - down to about 50 or less paid members. I just boldly, and w/o any authorization, send a mass mailing to all present and past members with a ballot - - members electing to temporary waive Bylaws, and call a meeting in Dallas, Texas, to rescue the USLR and appoint a new Registrar.
Won't bore you with the rest of the details - - and not looking for any pats on the back - - just providing some history of how LANA grew to have membership and a pedigree database long before USLR published its database...
Laura Wiener-Smolka

Loss of LANA Board Member, Tom Hull

2008-12-03T20:09:00.002-05:00

Tom Hull, LANA Board Member and Registrar of Pedigrees
March 29, 1948 - Nov. 26, 2008

Tom was an absolute treasure

for those of us in the Lipizzan horse community.

He gave of himself and of his time with good spirits, integrity,

and a sense of fun and adventure.

He was devoted to compiling accurate pedigrees, with endless patience in investigating the confusing and sometimes contradictory international records, and he created a comprehensive data base to share with all Lipizzan owners.

We will miss his booming laugh, his sweet smile, and his warmth.

Months ago, Tom and Mel told his fellow Lipizzan Board members that he was ill, but he continued his activities with his usual good spirits,

even participating in our annual meeting less than 2 weeks ago.

No one can replace him in our small community; he was unique.

Our thoughts are with Mel

as we mourn the loss of Tom.

---Delphi

Orlando Meeting Kicks Off Unification Process

2008-11-17T17:55:00.010-05:00

This past weekend, in the steamy warmth of Orlando, Florida, the three different American Lipizzan associations held their annual meetings.

The three associations (LANA-Lipizzan Association of North America, ALBA-American Lipizzan Breeders Association, USLR-United States Lipizzan Registry) are making efforts to unify into one organization to be called the Lipizzan Federation of America (LFA). Discussions of possible unification began years ago.

At this meeting there were concrete efforts toward following through on unification. There are now suggested steps toward unification, a process begun on November 15, 2008 and scheduled to proceed through May 30, 2009.

Here is the proposed schedule which emerged from the meeting:

Steps to Consolidation for Formation of the LFA

1. √ Adopt a Resolution of Commitment to Consolidation into the LFA by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 11/15/2008. (Resolution # 1A, 1B and 1C).

2. √ Establish a Board of Directors for the LFA. Three Members selected by each Lipizzan Organization by 11/15/2008.

3. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Steps to Consolidation for Formation of the LFA by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 11/30/2008. (Resolution #2A, 2B and 2C)

4. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Steps to Consolidation for Formation of the LFA by the LFA Board of Directors signed by 11/30/2008. (Resolution #3)

5. Revision of the LFA Articles of Incorporation by the LFA Board of Directors by 12/15/2008.

6. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Revised LFA Articles of Incorporation by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 12/30/2008. (Resolution #4A, 4B and 4C)

7. Development of the LFA Bylaws by 3/15/2009. (Attachment A)

8. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Bylaws by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 3/30/2009. (Resolution #5A, 5B and 5C)

9. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Bylaws by the LFA Board of Directors signed by 4/15/2009. (Resolution #6)

10. Development of the LFA Rules and Regulations for Registration of Horses by 3/15/2009. (Attachment B)

11. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Rules and Regulations for Registration of Horses by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 3/30/2009. (Resolution #7A, 7B and 7C)

12. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Rules and Regulations for Registration of Horses by LFA Board of Directors signed by 4/15/2009. (Resolution #8)

13. Development of the LFA Board of Directors Transition and Election Plan by 3/15/2009. (Attachment C)

14. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Board of Directors Transition and Election Plan by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 3/30/2009. (Resolution #9A, 9B and 9C)

15. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Board of Directors Transition and Election Plan by the LFA Board of Directors signed by 4/15/2009. (Resolution #10)

16. Development of the LFA Financial Plan for Unification Including Membership Issues by 3/15/2009. (Attachment D)

17. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Financial Plan for Unification Including Membership Issues by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 3/30/2009. (Resolution #11A, 11B and 11C)

18. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Financial Plan for Unification Including Membership Issues by the LFA Board of Directors signed by 4/15/2009. (Resolution # 12)

19. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Conveyance of the Assets of the Lipizzan Organizations to the LFA, as said assets are listed in an attachment to the resolution by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 4/15/2009. (Resolution #13A, 13B and 13C)

20. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Assets Conveyed or Transferred to the LFA by the Three Lipizzan Organizations by the LFA Board of Directors signed by 4/30/2009. (Resolution #14)

21. Development of the LFA Database Plan for Unification Including Registration and DNA Records by 3/15/2009. (Attachment E)

22. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Database Plan for Unification Including Registration and DNA Records by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 3/30/2009. (Resolution #15A, 15B and 15C)

23. Adopt a Resolution Accepting the LFA Database Plan for Unification to Include Registration and DNA Records by the LFA Board of Directors signed by 4/15/2009. (Resolution #16)

24. Adopt a Resolution Committing to Run the LFA with NELA as the Business Office for a minimum of one year after unification by LFA Board of Directors signed by 3/30/2009. (Resolution #17)

25. Adopt a Resolution Committing to Disband the Lipizzan Organizations after all financial liabilities are satisfied by the Lipizzan Organizations signed by 3/30/2009. (Resolution #18A, 18B and 18C)

26. Vote by LFA Membership to accept LFA Bylaws by 5/30/2009.

27. Vote by LFA Membership to accept LFA Rules and Regulations for Registration of horses by 5/30/2009.

The task looks daunting but possible. The initial Board of Directors of the LFA is charged with following through on this proposal; this Board consists of three members from each organization's current Board. Please feel free to post comments here or contact them directly with your questions or comments or support:

LANA: John Gliege, John Iannuzzi, Susan Castle

ALBA: June Boardman, Rennie Squier, Ingun Littorin

USLR: Tim Foley, Lyn Schaeffer, Muffin Smith

GOOD LUCK! ---Delphi

2008 North American Lipizzan Symposium

2008-09-07T11:15:00.001-04:00

The 2008 Annual Meeting will be heald at Walt Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida. Hosted by White Stallion Productions, Inc., this meeting is a collaboration of the American Lipizzan Breeders Association, the Lipizzan Association of North America and the United States Lipizzan Registry. Meeting information and registration is now available through the LANA website: www.lipizzan.org

Also, the following pdf links contain current meeting information: 2008 Meeting Announcement, Meeting Information, Registration Form

Lipizzans Perform for President Bush at EU Meeting in Slovenia

2008-06-11T11:52:00.024-04:00

AP photo by Filip Horvat

White House photo by Shealah Craighead

On June 10, 2008, Lipizzans from the Lipica Stud Farm Riding School performed the eight horse musical Quadrille for President George W. Bush, the first American President to watch a Lipizzaner performance in more than 20 years.
President Bush was in Kranj, Slovenia for the United States-European Union Meeting at the Grad Brdo near Ljubljana. The Renaissance style Grad (Castle) Brdo was first built in 1510 by a Carniolan aristocrat who was General Administrator of Habsburg private estates in the Duchy of Carniola, long a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Grad Brdo is now an international diplomatic conference center in democratic Slovenia.
President Bush joins President Ronald Reagan as the only two recent Presidents who have been horse enthusiasts and appreciative of the remarkable Lipizzaners.
Kudos to President Bush for respecting the Lipizzaners and their riders enough to demure when urged to ride one of the stallions.---Delphi

White House photo by Eric Draper

AP photo by Filip Horvat

White House photo by Shealah Craighead

White House photo by Chris Greenberg

AP photo by Filip Horvat

for a brief video of this event, go to:
President Bush & Slovenian Lipizzaners

Bronze Sculptures Added to LANA's Store

2008-06-08T11:54:00.009-04:00

LANA is pleased to be able to offer two different Limited Edition Bronze Sculptures by Colorado artist Micheal E. Halterman. Mr. Halterman draws his inspiration from historical figures, war figures and wildlife. He runs his own foundry and is therefore able to offer exacting quality in these beautiful bronze Lipizzan statues. One sculpture is one foot tall, the other is three feet 4 inches tall.

Please go to the LANA website for ordering information:
www.Lipizzan.org/store.html

Odd News of the SRS

2008-05-05T11:41:00.011-04:00

from the Lancashire Telegraph:

The 140th Great Harwood Agricultural Show, May 26, will be moving to a new and larger show grounds. Great Harwood is a small town in the Hyndburn district of Lancashire, England, 4 1/2 miles north east of Blackburn. To highlight the last show at the traditional site, special events and exhibitions are scheduled.
These special events include:
ferret racing, a Romany fortune teller, archery contests, and ...
"A demonstration of show-jumping from the Spanish Riding School, with riders wearing traditional Spanish flamenco costume, on horses of Andalucian origin."
I hope they post photos.
--Delphi

http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/hyndburn/headlines/display.var.2246301.0.great_harwood_shows_farewell_to_traditional_home.php
----------

We have received a wonderful comment about this delightfully mistaken article from the rider in Britain who put together this performance.-- Delphi

Amy Clithero wrote: "hi, i found that article particularly amusing too. it is basically non horsey folk writing about horsey things, and not understanding the meanng of what they have said! it is me, my mum and sisters that give a little spanish display on horses (we also happen to use them in the riding school - which i think the people got the connotation from) at great hawood for the past few years (nothing spectacular like the proper SRC). Sorry for the confusion - my mum even told them it wasnt a jumping display either, just ring and ribbons games this year.
amy xxx

May 29, 2008 4:32 AM

Most Riders of the SRS will be in the USA for Clinics this Summer

2008-04-07T13:40:00.006-04:00

(more information as it becomes available)

July 7-11, 2008. SRS Chief Rider Andreas Hausberger Dressage Clinic at Raflyn Farms Dressage Center, Snohomish, Washington. Contact John D’Addamio at johndaddamio@gmail.com or Ralph Dreitzler at raflyn@aol.com

July 9-13, 2008. SRS Rider Christian Bachinger Dressage Clinic at Indian Creek Farms, Spring Branch, Texas. Contact Rebecca Dabbs at info@indiancreekfarmtx.com.

July 11-15, 2008. SRS Rider Rudolf Rostek Dressage Clinic at Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, Augusta, Michigan. Contact Jorie Sligh at joriejay@comcast.net or visit www.dressageclinics.org

July 14-18, 2008. SRS Chief Rider Andreas Hausberger Dressage Clinic at Across the Diagonal Farm, Carmel, California. Contact Jennifer Roth at jrdressage@gmail.com

July 16-20, 2008. SRS Rider Christian Bachinger Dressage Clinic at Wellspring Farm in Glen Rock, Pennsylvania. Contact Melanie Adams at madams8550@aol.com or visit www. Lipizzanerhorses.com

July 17-19, 2008. SRS Rider Rudolph Rostek at Greystone Equestrian Center, Hartsburg, Missouri. Contact Susie Gordon at whitneygt@hughes.net or Sharon Rose 573-268-4366

July 19 - 21, 2008: SRS Assistant Rider Marius Schreiner, Liston Stables, Woodcrest, CA. Contact Deanna Cummins at deanna@equineclinics.net or 909.731.7983. More info at www.equineclinics.net .

July 19-22, 2008. SRS Rider Herbert Seiberl Clinic at Blue Water Dressage Stables, Bridgeport, Michitgan. Contact Jorie Sligh at joriejay@comcast.net or visit www.dressageclinics.org

July 23 - 25, 2008. SRS Assistant Rider Marius Schreiner, Malbis, AL. Contact Teresa Simmons at tms@alabamasoutherncross.com or 251.402.7621.

July 24-26, 2008. SRS Rider Herbert Seiberl at Green Bay, Wisconsin. Contact Amy Tewes at atewes2002@yahoo.com

July 26 - 28, 2008. SRS Assistant Rider Marius Schreiner, New Berlin, New York. Contact Sarah Casey at waltzinghorsefarm@gmail.com . More info at www.waltzinghorsefarm.com .

July 27 - 29, 2008 - SRS Rider Herbert Seiberl at Caduceus Farm in Broomield, CO (near Denver). Contact Peggy Judy at caduceusf@mac.com or 303-475-2608. More info at www.caduceusfarm.com.
August 8 - 9, 2008. SRS Rider Herwig Radnetter clinic at Shellhaven Farm, Mt. Vernon, Iowa. Contact Rachel Wehrheim at ialipizzan@yahoo.com or 319-624-2546.More info at www.ialipizzan.com .
August 15-17 2008 -- SRS Rider Herwig Radnetter clinic at Highland Stables, Beavercreek, Oregon. Contact Jenice at 306-563-1035.

TBA – SRS Rider Herwig Radnetter clinic at Valhalla Farm, Welborrn, Florida Call 386-063-4619 or email Valhalla@alltel.net

Is anyone back in Vienna minding the Spanish Riding School? --Delphi

News from the SRS's Website, January 30, 2008: SRS–Piber Statement on Auditors’ Report

2008-01-31T22:20:00.000-05:00

The two new Managing Directors Elisabeth Gürtler and Erwin Klissenbauer, who were appointed on December 1st, 2007, are taking the observations made by the Court of Auditors very seriously. A number of recommendations have already been implemented and during the next months others will follow.

The Spanish Riding School – Federal Stud Piber is one of Austria’s most important cultural institutions. Classical dressage is cherished and maintained in the unique setting of the historical Winter Riding School built by Fischer von Erlach.

Commercial Development

It was clear from the beginning that in the commercial development of the enterprise which was released from the Federal Administration in 2001, the first years would generate a loss. As stated by the Court of Auditors a significant improvement was achieved in 2006. Measures are currently being implemented that will enable further improvements on both returns and expenses.

One must take into consideration that especially in the first years after the spin-off comprehensive and long-overdue necessary investments had to be made, notably with regard to the improvement in horse husbandry, which were covered among other things by financial funds from the federal government and by the sale of individual real estate.

It must be stated that both the Spanish Riding School and the Federal Stud Piber are cultural establishments which certainly have the potential for improvements, however, generating profits is not a priority, especially taking into account the numerous statutory remits.

Budget management is conducted with the outmost commercial diligence.

Sponsoring

Concerning sponsoring activities a new, comprehensive concept is being drafted and great importance will be attached to the quality in the attendance to sponsors.

Events and Tours

The new management has already increased the number of performances for the year 2008, in accordance with the School Director especially taking into account the requirements of the horses.

The planning of tours is undergoing a complete realignment. It is important to emphasize that tours are generally seen as an investment for the School into different markets, which in the long term should generate economic viability.

Staff

Concerning the riders’ income a new salary system is being developed, which will take into account the points of criticism voiced by the Court of Auditors.

Real Estate

With regard to the existing real estate at the different locations a real estate concept is currently being drafted based on the principle of generating current income through real estate management.

SRS to Tour East Coast in 2010

2008-01-29T21:20:00.000-05:00

This news comes from Gary Lashinsky who has been in Vienna meeting with the Director of the Spanish Riding School.

The Spanish Riding School tour of the West Coast, planned for 2008, has been postponed indefinately.

In 2010 the Spanish Riding School will return to tour the East Coast of the USA. Further information will be posted as it becomes available.

New Items at The Lipizzan Store

2008-01-27T17:03:00.000-05:00

*
www.Lipizzan.org/store.html or www.cafepress.com/LipizzanStore

Spanish Riding School Will Return to Tour USA Possibly in 2010

2008-01-12T10:01:00.000-05:00

Gary Lashinsky, President and Producer of White Stallion Productions, indicated that he spoke with Mrs. Guertler, Managing Director of the SRS, about the SRS returning to the USA to tour. Future USA tours will resume possibly in 2010.

News from the SRS's Website, January 11, 2008: Savings Plan in SRS–Piber To Be Continued

2008-01-11T16:45:00.000-05:00

Since the so-called spin-off from the Austrian Federal Administration in 2001 the financial situation has never been ideal. The new management, Elisabeth Gürtler and Erwin Klissenbauer, intend to accomplish the balancing act of on the one hand remaining an institution true to its Imperial traditions and on the other becoming an economically sound enterprise.

Such an undertaking requires long-term measures and a change in thinking at all levels. Therefore, the planned and necessary changes will not stop at any area of the company with its three locations in Vienna, in Piber in Western Styria and the Lipizzaners’ summer quarters in Heldenberg, Lower Austria. Detailed savings potentials are being developed, such as the best possible use of various real estates in Vienna and in Piber.

At the moment, the currently available draft report by the Austrian Court of Audit is not under discussion. As soon as the final report is released by the President of the Austrian Court of Audit, which is expected to be in the next 1-2 months, an official statement on the report will be made. This audit was the first since the spin-off seven years ago.

Until then the famous white Lipizzaners were under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management. This arrangement dates back to the First Republic when the subject “animal” was associated with agriculture and not for instance with culture or the then still exisiting Ministry responsible for buildings. The currently applicable employment contracts and salary schemes which apply to long-serving employees also date back to these times. Recently employed staff are subject to contracts applicable to companies run under private law.

It will be more important than ever to convince employees of the necessity to collectively bring about a change and perhaps accept the loss of one or two fond privileges. However, such realignments require time, patience, tact and a willingness to talk on both sides.

Elisabeth Gürtler: „I am always willing to listen and am prepared to take up constructive suggestions. We aim to jointly discuss possible measures not only with the equestrian team, but also with the employees from the back office, such as the administration or the technical department. We want to hear each and everyone’s wishes and concerns.”

Video of New 4-Year Old Stallions to the SRS for Training

2008-01-09T11:45:00.000-05:00

This information comes from Mr. Adjan Hop of the LIF:

Four young Lipizzaner stallions from the Piber stud arrived in the Spanish Riding School, and were presented to the press today! These four-year-olds are: Pluto Malina, Favory Duba, Maestoso Bellamira and Neapolitano Madera, all born in 2004.

Beside those four, other young stallions of the same age remained in Piber, as "reserve". (This is a new situation.) They will be trained there by the stud personel, guided by an Oberbereiter from Vienna. After some time, it will be judged whether those four in Vienna are really the best.

You can find a small video about this event here: http://video.vienna.at/members.stadtreporter/20080108_spanische.mov/viewer.html

Spanish Riding School Tour of USA POSTPONED

2008-01-06T10:57:00.000-05:00

The planned tour of the Spanish Riding School for later this year has been postponed until further notice. Gary Lashinksy [member of LANA's Board of Directors and owner of White Stallion Productions which is producing this US tour] will be in Vienna January 22 - 26 to reset a future tour for the SRS in the United States. As soon as new dates are established, this information will be posted.

News from Vienna via LANA Director John Gliege

2007-11-29T17:45:00.000-05:00

This item comes to us today from John Gliege, LANA Director, who is currently in Vienna:

Ms. Gurtler, the new director of the Spanish Riding School made clear today in an interview aired by ORF today that the Spanish Riding School needs to maintain the tradition of being the pinnacle of classical dressage in the world. To do so it is important to retain the correct training. She believes that first she must observe before anything new is done. The old culture must be maintained. Based upon her experience she believes that the SRS can thrive as the choice example of classical dressage.

WOMAN Named New Managing Director of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna

2007-11-24T01:19:00.000-05:00

For the first time in its more than 430 years’ history, the Spanish Riding School of Vienna will have a woman as its Director. Elisabeth Gürtler-Mauthner will be the Managing Director, responsible for strategy, sponsoring, marketing, and external representation of the Spanish Riding School. Mrs. Gürtler comes to the Spanish Riding School after serving for 17 years as managing director of the Sacher Hotel and Hotel Österreichischer Hof. The Gürtler family bought the Sacher property in 1934. Mrs. Gürtler has been active with the hotel and parent company, situated opposite the Viennese State Opera, since 1973, after obtaining a degree in economics. In 1994 she became a member of the board of the Austrian Hotel Association and was named Vueve Cliquot Business Woman of the Year. In 1995 she became vice president of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber.For the past 8 years, she has also been chairlady of the Vienna Opera Ball.

Named as second Managing Director is Erwin Klissenbauer, who will be in charge of the operative and economic day-to-day tasks. Mr. Klissenbauer has been Manager of the Austrian Federal Forests and a supervisory board member of Dachstein Tourism AG.

Mrs. Gürtler and Mr. Klissenbauer will start their work on December 1.

---Dr. Delphi Toth

Art by Don Stivers depicts the Lipizzan Rescue in WWII

2007-10-29T10:54:00.000-04:00

We want to extend our thanks and gratitude to Artist Don Stivers for allowing us to post the beautiful painting “Rescuing the Lipizzaners” on our LANA website photo gallery. Our Lipizzan Photo Gallery features Lipizzans in Dressage, Pleasure, Driving and Jumping. There are also many original Lipizzan photos supplied by LANA members. You will find Don’s artwork in the WWII Photo section of the gallery.

© Don Stivers, all rights reserved

Ernest Bachinger New Head of the Spanish Riding School; Hausberger now a Chief Rider

2007-10-26T14:42:00.000-04:00

October 2007 -- Ernst Bachinger has been named Head of the Spanish Riding School. Mr. Bachinger rode with the SRS for 20 years before retiring to train horses and teach. He returned to the SRS in November of last year as an advisor to the Riders. Now he will serve as the official link between the Management and the Riders, and he will be key in preserving the traditions in training and riding within the School.

In further news from the SRS, Andreas Hausberger has been promoted from Rider to Chief Rider. Herr Hausberger has been with the Spanish Riding School since 1984. He gives dressage clinics in the United States and has worked with the South African National team for the past 12 years. Marcus Nowotny was promoted to Rider and Eleve Phillip Burg was promoted to Assistant Rider.

Note: Our Lipizzan News and Events page highlights recent breaking news on the Spanish Riding School, Lipizzans Horses in Dressage and the Serbian Lipizzan situation.

New! Embroidered Dressage Saddle Pads with Swarovski Crystals!

2007-10-25T09:51:00.000-04:00

Our Lipizzan Dressage Saddle Pads are Embroidered with the Insignia of an Imperial Crown and Baroque “L.” These generously sized dressage pads are 44 inches x 28 inches and have proven large enough for even the biggest barreled of Lipizzans and large 18" sized saddles.

The embroidered dressage saddle pads are available as:
• White pads with white binding, embroidered with the Imperial Crown and Baroque L in black thread, or:
• Black pads with black binding, embroidered with the Imperial Crown and Baroque L in white thread

AND, new for 2007, you can order you pad with beautiful Swarovski Crystal accents! You can purchase these pads throught the LANA Store.

Croatian Lipizzaners Return Home

2007-10-17T18:24:00.000-04:00

October 13, 2007 -- 60 Lipizzaner horses transferred from Croatia to the Bukinac stud farm in Serbia in 1991 were returned to their home late Friday. The horses headed back to Croatia after the Croatian Agricultural Ministry representatives and the owner of the farm in northern Serbia managed to reach a deal, ending a long dispute on the ownership of the herd and compensation for their care. The animals were transferred from Lipik in Croatia when war broke out in that country in 1991.

Agriculture Minister Slobodan Milosavljeviæ told B92 that the Ministry was involved in all aspects of the affair, but did not interfere in the agreement between the Croatian officials and the farm’s owner, Todor Bukinac. “We have conducted veterinary checks together with our Croatian colleagues and handled the paperwork,” he said.

Milosavljeviæ and his Croatian counterpart agreed in August after meeting with Bukinac, that Lipizzaner horses would be returned to Croatia. The stud farm’s owner said at the time he would demand EUR 300,000 in compensation for looking after the animals. B92 reported on several occasions that the horses had been neglected and emaciated, while numerous animal rights groups called for urgent examination of their health. The chief of the State Veterinary Inspectorate, Sanja Eelebièanin, told B92 that the institution confirmed ahead of the transfer that “all horses were in good health.”

Welcome to the LANA Blog!

2007-10-17T16:05:00.000-04:00

The Lipizzan Association of North America is proud to present the new LANA Blog!

We will be posting breaking news about Lipizzans and keeping you up to date on our ever-increasing inventory of gift items. Through both our website and our CafePress store we stock many Lipizzan Lover Gift items, Baroque Horse Art and Dressage Enthusiast Artwork.

You are invited to add your comments and share your Lipizzan stories!

As always, feel free to visit our primary website for Lipizzan Association of North America.

AND, make sure to visit our Lipizzan Gift Store at CafePress. You still have time to order great gifts for all your horse lover friends!