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The Lipizzan Horse

Bred for kings, the Lipizzan’s keen intelligence and baroque athleticism is truly unmatched in the horse world. Time and time again, we see an almost spiritual connection between Lipizzans and their human partners. Selecting and acquiring such exceptional horses is a profound… and worthy… journey.

For this reason, we’ve focused on choosing the finest initial bloodstock, whether from American or Austrian sources – horses with traceable pedigrees, beautiful movement, affectionate temperament and superior intelligence. Our international connections can identify the finest Lipizzans – sound, sturdy athletes with the talent needed to compete at upper levels and yet mannered and sensible enough to be ridden by amateur riders.

To assure the best bloodlines and the widest compatibility with American breeding programs, we’ve traveled to Europe since 1988, evaluating European stock and importing horses from the famous Bundegestut Piber (the Austrian National Stud) and the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Our specialty has been Lipizzans of Austrian lineage, and we are one of America’s most experienced importers of Piber-line breeding horses.

As an added benefit for import stock, we’re located just 90 minutes from the East Coast import station, assuring your imported Lipizzan is smoothly transitioned to his or her new home. Situated in the scenic hills of Litchfield County, Connecticut, our farm is minutes away from historic, antique and recreational centers, and convenient to regional and national airports.

Visitors are always welcome by appointment – to discuss our farm or general information on this magnificent breed.

a Stable Life

below are some recent posts

a Stable Life

Jul 21, 2014

Don’t we all just want a stable life? Creating personal balance has always been a challenge for me. As a “type A” personality, my free energy was spent on work, work, more work and a parade of all-encompassing hobbies, activities that maintained my interest until I “mastered” them, at which point I became bored and(…)

It started with a CLICK!

Jul 19, 2014

Can it be this simple? Clicker training – or positive reinforcement for desired behavior – traces back to the 1980s and dolphin training. As a training tool, clicker training stands in direct contrast to virtually all horse training methods, which use negative reinforcement… or mostly negative… reinforcement to train horses. Years ago, I had dallied(…)

A New Filly

Jul 19, 2014

“But she followed me home,” my partner replied, when I asked him why he wanted to buy a several-month Lipizzan old filly. Well, not exactly all the way “home”, but we did find ourselves studied and followed incessantly by a weanling filly on one of our horse-buying trips to the Austrian National Stud. Highly independent(…)

Lipizzan Rescue Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

Lipizzan Rescue Foundation

American Lipizzans (and Part-Lipizzans) now have advocates for their health and protection. Lipizzan Rescue Foundation (LRF), a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation, was formed several years ago by a group of concerned breeders, including Susan Castle of Castle Lipizzans. LRF is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to the safety and well-being of American Lipizzan and Lipizzan-cross horses.

LRF assists in finding homes for Lipizzans of all genders, ages and levels of training. Many have been neglected, and they may need rehabilitative care or training. Some Lipizzans arrive at LRF as a result of owner health issues or changed circumstance; in such cases, LRF acts as “matchmaker”, assessing each horse’s unique situation to assure the best possible adoptive home.

LRF works with a network of volunteers. To volunteer your time or donate much-needed funds, please go to our website: www.SaveOurLips.com and contact us to help. Donations to the Lipizzan Rescue Foundation (LRF) are tax-deductible.

Farm News

Spring and summer are precious times in Northeast USA, particularly in the hills of Connecticut, where winters can be severe. Our imported Lipizzan mares, Medina and Fabiola, remind us how nice good weather can be!

If you’re thinking about nice weather,,, and playing with horses or riding… we encourage you to contact Castle Lipizzans to find that special horse for competitive dressage, driving, show or breeding. We currently have adult stock — both imported and American-bred — available for your immediate consideration.

Our Horses / Horses for Sale

Petrra (Conversano Brentna I x Parana*)

We start our list in honor of a Lipizzan mare who crossed over the rainbow bridge earlier this year. Petrra, a beautiful American-bred Lipizzan, who was by Conversano Brentna I and out of the imported Piber mare, Parana, graced our farm until 2015. A graceful and powerful mover with classic elevated movement, Petrra caught the eye of anyone who saw her. Petrra‘s strong personality and alpha status made her selective of those she allowed into her circle, but she was most gracious to those she deemed “worthy” of her attention . Her name, the feminine form of Peter, was taken from the Greek word “petros”, meaning “stone”, “rock” or “foundation”. Petrra was the only mare that resulted from her particular cross, making her a rare prize for our farm and a foundation of pure Piber lineage! Although she is gone, she remains in our hearts.

Fabiola* (542-Neapolitano Madar x 46-Fabiola)

Fabiola-72 is an imported Piber Lipizzan mare of Neapolitano and Pluto lineage. Her sire was 542-Neapolitano Madar, born at Piber in 1993 and her dam was 46 – Fabiola, born at Piber in 1986. Fabiola‘s movement is quite striking and her leggier appearance, we believe, derives from her grand dam, who was born at the Szilvasvarad stud. Extremely intelligent and quick to learn, Fabiola is a mare who closely bonds to her trusted partner. Her high degree of curiosity and awareness make her a very fast learner and quick to respond.

HORSES FOR SALE

Capra – 64 (Imported)

Bellissima – 46 (Imported)

Medina – 49 (Imported)

Breeding & Import Services

Castle Lipizzans has over 25 years experience at breeding and import service. Through our European contacts, we’ve located just the right breeding or performance prospect, and arranged for transportation and quarantine services.To benefit the American market, we have stood superior quality stallions to Lipizzan mares and select mares of other breeds. For many years, we have successfully shipped fresh cooled semen, with next day delivery usually available. Standing at Stud


Conversano Brentna I (1978 – 2008)Legacy Lipizzan, 15.1 HH, with classic Baroque look and demonstrated prepotency with purebred Lipizzan and outside mares. Out of the exquisite Raflyn Farms mare, Brenta, and by the imported Piber stallion, Conversano Alga I-12. Conversano Brentna I has proven himself time and again as a sire of exceptional Lipizzans. His get, as far away as New Zealand, have inherited his bold forward movement, classic looks and gentle nature. A United States Dressage Federation “Horse of the Year” Award winner, Conversano Brentna I was successfully shown throughout the Midwest and new England circuits in the 1980s – 1990s. Limited Breeding to Select Mares by Frozen Semen. Breeding Fee: $1500



Siglavy Flora 8 Classic Lipizzan of the Spanish type, 15.2 HH. Imported by Castle Lipizzans from the Piber National Stud. Out of the Piber mare 22 Flora and by the Spanish Riding School stallion, Siglavy V Africa. Known for large, bold movement and enthusiastic nature, he was rated an “8” in overall movement by Hilda Gurney, internationally known dressage judge, Siglavy is a CDA Horse of the Year Award Winner and Year End Awards Winner. Limited Breeding to Select Mares by Frozen Semen. Breeding Fee: $1500.