Originally called the Australian Lipizzaner Registry, this organisation was founded in 1995 to facilitate the implementation of the Lipizzaner breed in Australia into an internationally recognised stud book.
The LAA is the only association for the breed in Australia that is a member of, or recognised by, the international body - The Lipizzan International Federation (LIF). Each year an international meeting is held for the breed in Europe and Australia is regularly represented at this meeting.
Standards that the LAA have set for the breed are high and include accreditation for all purebreds for adult registration before they are entered into the international stud book. Accreditors are of the highest international standing, with our very first inspection of the horses in 1999 being carried out by Dr. Oulehla, former director of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Dr. Oulehla described our horses as "of a wonderful Baroque type".
Shortly ridden and driven accreditation will also commence for the breed, which both mares and stallions must take before entry into the stud book.
Members of the Lipizzaner Association of Australasia have performed at all levels of competition, including breed and ridden classes at shows and demonstration days for the breed. A number of horses in Australia have also exhibited their ability, going to Prix St George level in dressage and one horse team has been runner up at the national 'four in hand driving' titles.
Why do people breed Lipizzaners?
- The EU has classified the breed as rare and endangered. All of our breeders would like to preserve the breed.
- The Lipizzaner has superior movement and action to most other breeds.
- The Lipizzaner is an historic breed, thoroughly Baroque, very distinctive in appearance and character.
- Once people have been involved with the breed, they are unlikely to change to another, as they are the Rolls Royce of horses.