American Friends of the Spanish Riding School Vienna

The Spanish Riding School is one of Austria's most renowned cultural institutions and the world's oldest riding school, preserving the art of classical horsemanship for more than 460 years.

Together with the Lipizzaner Stud Piber and the Heldenberg Training Center, the School safeguards the unique heritage of the Lipizzaner horses—from breeding and raising to the training and presentation of stallions according to centuries-old traditions. This unique combination is unparalleled anywhere in the world.

More than a place of extraordinary performances, the Spanish Riding School is a living cultural institution dedicated to education, animal welfare, research, and the preservation of an internationally recognized cultural heritage. In 2022, the classical horsemanship practiced by the Spanish Riding School was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Looking ahead, the School is committed to preserving this unique tradition while expanding educational initiatives, strengthening international partnerships, and ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the timeless values of respect, harmony, and excellence embodied by the Lipizzaner horses.

By supporting the Spanish Riding School, you help preserve one of Europe's most extraordinary living cultural treasures for generations to come.