Our seats were close, just two rows of heads above us. If I had a complaint, it might be that we were so close we could often not see feet. Up higher might have actually had a clearer view. They seated people within feet of the arena. So close that I'm sure the front row got slimed with occasional slobber flyin' out of the horse's mouths.
They did many group exercises... synchronized and choreographed dressage patterns.
The first 'airs above the ground demo, they did in hand... on long lines. Most horses they use in exhibition are late in their teens or twenties... this stallion is only seven. A huge break with tradition but he is a great Capriole horse, which is what is seen here. Coincidentally, this is exactly what my pony does when we jab her in the butt with a needle ;~D
This is an Andalusian Stallion... Andalusions are accepted and being used in Lipizzan breeding programs to improve the very small gene pool.
This rider is doing a Corbette under saddle. He actually hops forward like this.
This horse had some neck.
This is the chief rider and lead horse in a musical number.
This is the whole group together for a routine near the end.
I thought the lighting in this one is cool
This flag rider rode around while the MC spoke of the capture of the Spanish Riding School, home of the Lipizzaner, in Austria, by the Germans in WWII, and of Patton's unauthorized rescue of the stallions that recovered them from Nazi possession. They said there will always be a special appreciation to America for saving the breed. It was actually quite a patriotic event, the first flag horse they brought out for the national anthem was bein' fractious... and the lady had to hand off the flag because her horse was not going to behave. He looked about ready to come unglued. The MC said "We should have known that horse would get edgy during the national anthem... he was born in France".... lol.
Sorry so many pictures, I just thought I got so lucky getting a lot of good shots.