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‘World Famous Lipizzaner Stallion’ Show

CAMILLE FIOTI Times Leader Correspondent

WILKES-BARRE TWP. -- “I love horses,” said 7-year-old Jordan O’Connor, of Matamoras, as she excitedly made her way through the turnstile before the “World Famous Lipizzaner Stallion” show at the Wachovia Arena on Sunday.

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Riders in old European military garb ride three of the Lipizzaner Stallions at the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza.

Fred Adams photos/For The Times Leader

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The Lipizzaner Stallions performed elaborate moves at the arena.

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“We wanted to come see the dancing horses,” her mom, Diana, said while holding her other daughter, Ryan, 3. Jordan, who has been riding for two years, also brought along her 2-year-old cousin, Kate Tamplin, of Pond Eddy, N.Y.

“They’re really beautiful,” said Kate.

For more than 400 years, the Lipizzaner Stallions have been recognized for their grace and beauty. If it weren’t for the heroic efforts of the 42nd squadron of the U.S. Army’s 2nd Cavalry in Austria during World War II, the stallions would be extinct. The story of the rescue of the breed was depicted in Walt Disney’s motion picture “The Miracle of the White Stallions.”

“We’re history buffs,” said Elaine Barnes, of Hawley, who came to see the show with her husband, Randy. “General Patton saved them from the Russians who were going to use them for food,” Randy said.

The couple had a chance to see the show last spring in Austria, while visiting their son, who lives in Poland. “They were beyond spectacular,” Randy said. “It was overwhelming.”

Bob Dellarte, of Larksville, brought his 10-year-old daughter, Nina, to see the equestrian ballet. Nina has been riding horses for two years and trains with Lauren Rinker of the Dallas Equine Center. “She’d live at the stable if she could,” said Bob.

Alternating on the “dance floor,” the stallions cantered and galloped in perfectly synchronized rhythm to classical music. With subtle cues from their riders, the horses performed complicated, but extremely graceful, maneuvers.

With the show that came to the arena celebrating its 40th year, the stallions, which are based in Florida, travel the globe entertaining millions.

The tour, which includes 12 horses, trainers and crew, usually travels in semi trucks. But on trips to Europe and Hawaii, the horses, their riders and grooms take a FedEx jet.

The horses don’t even know they are on a plane, because the cargo compartment is set up with stalls and hay, just like their home on the ground, said merchandise manager Patty Walker, of Frazee, Minn.

The stallions, which are between 12 and 13 years old, are treated very well, said stage truck driver Nebo Moore of Orlando, Fla. “They are bathed, groomed and spoiled.”

Abby Aristeo, of Trucksville, said she and her family enjoyed the show. “I thought it was fantastic,” she said, adding that she had seen the horses perform in Vienna on television.

“The horses were very special,” she said. “It was something awfully different from what we’re used to seeing around here.”