LipiData

The daily crossing

The quiet machinery of this centuries old tradition forms part of the daily rhythm of the Lipizzaners whilst they live within the Stallburg.

It is a strange meeting of tradition and modernity, where the Lipizzaners and their handlers still tread the same ground that has carried generations of these white stallions through Vienna.

Whilst we were busy discovering Slavonia, we were lucky enough to manage a side quest into Serbia to visit the Kelebija stud farm.

Kelebija has an almost fairytale quality to it - white stallions, carriages and stables with chandeliers and turrets.

Watching the stallions run out was a highlight. It was fascinating to see how each stallion expressed individuality, both in breeding and temperament. Some were Kelebija-bred over multiple generations, while others showed Croatian influence, and their personalities ranged from outright showmen to consummate professionals.

The consistency within the Kelebija mare herd was particularly intriguing. The mares were strong, refined, and possessed a very clearly defined type. It gives the impression of a stud with a distinct vision and a strong understanding of what it wants from its breeding program.

Thank you to Miloš Ilovac for showing us the horses and the stud farm. It was a wonderful experience.

It is so often we go in with a plan, with an idea of how we think things will be. They never turn out that way of course, but for our journey into Croatia it was because we discovered first hand the cultural heritage, traditions and connections these people have to the lipizzaner. We have discovered that lipizzaners very much exist outside of pedigrees and evaluation marks and exist in culture, tradition, and every day life. We discovered people who have so much love and pride for their horses, and were eager to share their stories, knowledge and experiences with us.

Thank you to everyone who welcomed us so warmly into your homes, and showed us your wonderful horses. It was a truly humbling experience and we are forever grateful for the experiences and memories you gave us.

Ivan Alatrović
Davor Tubanjski
Antonio Mačinković
Ergela Dorić
Alen Milković
Dragan Žigić Žiga
Lorenc Klaić
Ergela Ćorić
Filip Grgacevic

LipiData has always been extremely intertwined with the Croatian lipizzaners. Right from the moment the site launched almost 5 years ago, the Croatian people have been submitting studbooks, horses, photos and providing information.

We are extremely privileged to be spending the week with Filip Grgacevic of Djakovo stud farm.

In the past few days we've visited at Djakovo's two locations, met some wonderful people who have been so lovely to open their home to us and show us their horses, and even managed a visit to Kelebija in Serbia.

We're a bit overwhelmed with the amount of kindness we're receiving, the horses we're seeing and the people we're meeting, so our social media has been a bit quiet as we eventually try to convey our thoughts and emotions at finally experiencing Croatian lipizzaners and their people.

📸 Nikki Harding / LipiData - Ivandvor

🇸🇮🇸🇮🇸🇮

And our adventure in Slovenia begins

🇸🇮🇸🇮🇸🇮