Did you know that these “flying horses” were rescued by General George S. Patton in World War II? This year, 2015, marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the war. During the closing days of the war, Gen. Patton learned of Lipizzan horses that were being held as prisoners by German troops. Patton was a cavalry officer and Olympic equestrian, and ordered a daring rescue mission to move the horses out of the path of the rapidly advancing Soviet Army. This action, dubbed “Operation Cowboy,” is credited with protecting this rare breed from probable extinction. Patton’s rescue was recounted in the 1963 Disney movie, “Miracle of the White Stallions.”
You can see these beautiful creatures perform at Tempel Farms in northern Lake County, Il. Tempel Farms is one of the few places in the world where the rare Lipizzans are bred, trained and perform on the same property and is the largest privately owned herd of Lipizzans anywhere.
Public performances run June 14 through Sept. 12 on select Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays. The 90-minute program is set to classical music and shows these “dancing white stallions” doing their Pegasus-like leaps and lifts. The program follows the horses’ training progression from newest foals to highly trained adults performing difficult dance-like movements in unison.
Following each performance, guests are invited to enjoy a self-guided tour through the stable and ask questions of trainers and riders. An outdoor café is open for lunch or dinner before the performance. In case of bad weather, performances are held indoors. Parking is free. To purchase tickets, visit the website , www.tempelfarms.com or call 847-623-7272.