| The Spanish Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule) is the oldest riding school in the world. It was founded by the Austrian Emperor Maximillian II in 1572. The tradition and art of Renaissance horsemanship has been carried on and practiced for over 400 years. White Arab - Spanish horses, or Lipizzaner, are systematically trained to move in the most elegant, “haute école” style, resulting in a wonderful harmony of rider and mount. Performances take place year round at the Winter Riding School in 1st District of Vienna on Josefsplatz, except the summer months of July and August |