New home for senior stallions of the Spanish Riding School
Lipizzaner horses now live at Gut Aiderbichl
They are part of a 450-year tradition and graduated at the legendary Vienna Riding School one of the most demanding equestrian training in the world. The Lipizzaners. They are athletes, their ability is incomparable. But at some point, the first signs of age begin to show. What do we owe a horse that has given so much pleasure and worked so hard for it? Most certainly respect, love and an aging with dignity. Usually, retired Lipizzaners spend their twilight years at the stud farm in Piber. But the space there is limited. So the search began for a suitable place for the seniors of the Vienna Riding School. They found what they were looking for at Gut Aiderbichl.
The perfect housing of the animals is not an easy task, because the hard training has left traces. But at Gut Aiderbichl in Szépalma, Hungary, we have specialized in the species-appropriate keeping of old horses. We make sure that they can enjoy a wonderful retirement here, just as they deserve!
Gut Aiderbichl Szépalma is located in the Hungarian Bakony Mountains, in the midst of lush meadows and green mixed forests. Gut Aiderbichl Szépalma has developed into a center of excellence for old and chronically ill horses. About 100 horses of different breeds live here, as well as gray cattle, Mangalica pigs, goats, cats and sheep.
The first stallions to move into Gut Aiderbichl Hungary in 2021 were Favory Bartonia, Maestoso Fabiola and Siglavy Theodora. In the meantime, six Lipizzaner old stallions live at Gut Aiderbichl Hungary. They are all over 20 years old and can now enjoy their twilight years in a self-determined way.
"For the animals, the move is a big change," explains Zsófia Kelemen, veterinarian at Gut Aiderbichl Hungary. "Their life until now consisted of training and the shows. And they miss that, too, when they arrive here." In exchange, the animals here have the opportunity for the first time in their lives to freely decide whether they want to be in the stable or outside, when they eat and how they spend the day. But even here, some conditions must be met, because while young stallions can still walk together, this is no longer possible for many old stallions. This can lead to rivalry fights. The solution? A stable system that allows eye and scent contact, friendly sniffing and coat grooming across sturdy fences.
Another Gut Aiderbichl farm where senior Lipizzaner horses find a new home is Gut Aiderbichl France. Very close to the historic town of Moulins, Gut Aiderbichl France stands - an extremely impressive castle on a 60-hectare property. The inhabitants are mainly horses, but also cats and dogs. The approximately 130 hectares of pasture land, it is flat
and surrounded by spreading hedges. The horses use the wild hedges as a wellness oasis: they can scrub their fur on the branches. In addition, the hedges provide them with a natural windbreak, sun protection and a canopy for rain.
Whether in Hungary or France, the Lipizzaners enjoy the happiness of freedom at Gut Aiderbichl.
