BREED STANDARD
UNITED STATES LIPIZZAN REGISTRY
The following has been approved by a vote of the USLR membership as the Lipizzan Breed Standard.
This information is for educational purposes only.
Definition of outward appearance
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
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. A slightly 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 into 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"
Rev. 4/20/06