400 years Spanish Riding School - Austria / II. Republic of Austria 1972

The so-called "high school" of equitation already existed in antiquity. Representations on the Acropolis show that the Athenians were passionate riders and horse lovers. But even the Romans did not think much of the cavalry, only with the invention of handguns, the horsemanship became popular again. The trouble-free shooting had to be ensured, and so the horses were trained again in all gaits and turns. The real rediscovery of the High School is due to an Italian, Frederico Griso: He founded in 1532 the first equestrian academy. This example was soon followed by many European countries, including Austria. 1572, the Spanish Riding School (near the present castle garden) under "Spanish riding stable" on record. The name owes it to the fact that only stallions of Spanish origin were trained in the high school. In addition to horse training at that time the main focus was on the education of noble youth to future diplomats and generals. Around 1720, Charles VI. the order to build a new quarter for the Spanish Riding School. The plan was created by Fischer von Erlach d. Ä ,. his son has completed the construction. Thus, since 1726 to the present day the riding school is housed in a part of the Hofburg.