Shagya-Arabian

History
 Near the beginning of the 19th century, breeders from the Austro-Hungarian were searching for the perfect calvalry, one that was strong, beautiful, obedient, and had lots of endurance. The famous Arabian horses caught their eye, so they imported a desert stallion named Shagya from Syria. Because they wanted larger, stronger horses, this horse was bred to several breeds of horses, including the Thoroughbred, Lippizzaners from the Siglavy line, and several Asian and Spanish horses. Afterward, the best offspring were bred to other Arabians.

Shagyas are typically grey or white, though chestnut and bay can also be found.
credit

 The result of this cross-breeding was a Arabian-type horse with stronger, more substantial bone, and a calmer temperament. The breed became quite popular throughout Europe. It was not only used as a calvalry mount, but also as a royal parade horse and a carriage horse. After World War II, however, most countries didn't see breeding horses as a priority. Consequently, the number of Shagya-Arabians dropped to the 3,000 they are today. They remain extremely popular in Hungary, though.

 In 1947, a Shagya-Arabian named Bravo was imported to America and bred to create the American line of Shagyas. His sons and daughters are being used for breeding today.

Breed Description and Uses
 The Shagya-Arabian, named for the foundation stallion, stands 15 to 16 hands high and has the same high-set tail as the Arabian. However, it is much more substantial and less refined than pure blooded Arabians, with stronger hindquarters and bigger bone.

 Today, they are used dressage, jumping, eventing, endurance racing, and even as a western mount by some.

Lipizzaner

History
 In 1580, Archduke Charles II of Austria bought a stud farm called Lipizza, located in treacherously rough mountain terrain and harsh climate of Karst, where he planned on breeding excellent calvary horses. He cross-bred Andalusians, prized at the time, with all kinds of superb horses, including Arabians from Syria, Spanish horses bred in Germany and Denmark, horses of Neapolitan lines, and horses from the Polesine region of Italy.

 In 1920, the famous stud farm in Piber, part of Styria, the moutainous province of Austria, was founded. This is where the main stables of the Spanish Riding School's breeding program are located. At the riding school, horses and soldiers train in classical dressage, which keeps the horses strong and balanced.

An amazing Lipizzaner(credit)

 During World War II, the existance of the amazing Lipizzaners was threatened. When battle moved closer to Vienna, chief stable master Colonel Alois Podhajsky decided to move the stallions from the riding school another stable, called Lainzer Tiergarten. The horses at Piber were in an area under German command, and Colonel Podhajsky feared for the horses in the area, so he gave 1,000 horses to American troops for safe keeping. General George S. Patton, a dressage rider, sent the horses to Bavaria under the protection of the U.S. Army.

 After the War, with the economy down, Podhajsky had trouble justifying continuing classical dressage at Spanish Riding School, so he had to wait until 1955 to return to the school. When he did, he made some changes to preserve the breed and classical dressage. For example, he made the school open to the public, not just dignitaries and royals. He also gave worldwide tours and wrote classical dressage training books.

 In 1985, the Spanish Riding School and Piber stud farm became managed by the same group of people In 2007, Elisabeth Gürtler became director of the Spanish Riding School, bringing even more changes. she made family-friendly activities and introduced the concept of female trainees, called eleves.

Breed Description and Uses
 Lipizzaners are sturdy, athletic horses. They have a compact body, powerful hindquarters, muscular shoulders, and short, strong legs. Like most Baroque horses, they have a convex profile and low hocks. Most Lipizzaners are born black or dark bay, but become grey with age, usually between the ages 5 and 10. On rare occasions, a horse will remain the color it was when born. Such horses are considered good luck.

Lipizzaners are kind, friendly, patient, and intelligent. Once you earn one's trust, you will have a willing partner and a strong bond.

Haflinger

History

 During the late 19th century, in the southeastern Alps along the border of Austria and Italy, the Austrian government decided to breed strong pack horse for their military. They started in 1874, when they crossed a half-Arabian stallion with a mare native to the area, producing the chestnut colt Folie. Mares were continuously bred with him, and the resulting offspring were called "Haflingers." All of today's Haflingers are descendants of Folie.

 Even though the breed only got its name in the late 1800s, similar horses have been seen in paintings from as early as the beginning of the 19th century. This proves that when the military horses were being bred, the government may have just been refining an already existing breed, one that has never been named.

Haflingers are strong yet athletic. credit

 Once World War II broke out, the military need shorter, more agile horses. Since then, the Haflinger has developed into a sturdy horse strong enough for driving yet agile enough for riding.

 In 1954, Tempel Smith wanted horses with great bloodlines for his breeding farm, so he sent a man named Leo Lightner in search of horses throughout Europe. Though Lightner recommended the Haflinger, Smith decided to get the Lippizaner.

Breed Description and Uses
 Haflingers are sturdy, strong horses with powerful hindquarters and are perfect for driving and packing, though they also make good riding horses. Despite their muscular build, they are quite small, standing only 13.2 to 15 hands high. Their coat is thick and soft, coming in a golden chestnut color with cream manes and tails. White legs are undesired, yet blazes are preferred, though it is not very important. They have calm, friendly temperaments and are very patient, especially with young children.

 Today, Haflingers are used for a variety of sports: driving, like they were traditionally used for; jumping, dressage, and even western disciplines.

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