Lipizzaners welcome Christmas foals
KYALAMI - The South African Lipizzaners are proud to welcome two new foals, born over the Christmas period, into their family.
The South African Lipizzaner stallions have a proud history of performance, however the brood mares and breeding herd are just as important in the continuation of the Lipizzaner heritage.
The new foals are Arba, born on 23 December 2013, and Cypriana, born on 28 December 2013.
They were born at the Lipizzaner Stud Farm which is situated close to Hartebeespoort Dam. The stud farm is home to mares, foals and yearlings since only stallions perform in Lipizzaner shows.
Judy Vertue of the South African Lipizzaners explained that the mares are pregnant for 11 months and foals are generally born during November, December and January each year. Lipizzaner foals are either black or dark brown when they are born and between their sixth and ninth year they will gradually turn white.
The males, called colts, are brought to the South African Lipizzaner Centre in Kyalami when they are three and a half years old to begin their training. The females, called fillies, will become brood mares and will remain at the stud farm.
Vertue said, “The two Christmas babies are both fillies and so will eventually become brood mares.”
She explained that Arba’s father is Conversano Cintola, who leads the ballet of the white stallions in the Lipizzaner performances, while Cypriana’s father is Maestoso Antonija, who also performs in the ballet of the white stallions.
Vertue said, “With champions for fathers let’s hope our two new girls will produce champions themselves.”
Anyone interested in sponsoring the two new foals can contact Judy Vertue.
Details: 083 601 2104, tarragon@mweb.co.za
