The Spanish Riding School is a riding institution, which is in the Michaelertrakt of the Hofburg. In 2010, the “Classical horsemanship and the High School of the Spanish Riding School Vienna” became an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the UNESCO and is since 2015 in the “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” of the UNESCO. The name “Riding School” origins from the early beginnings, when young aristocrats were taught in the house about war and artistic riding. Emperor Ferdinand I, who grew up in Spain, brought horses from the Iberian Peninsula, which had a very good reputation at that time, to Austria, this is how the Spanish Riding School achieved its current name. For over 450 years, riders and horses are educated at the Spanish Riding School, in 2008 women started for the first time their education after being successful at the entrance examination. The traditional uniform of the riders was changed in over 200 years only negligibly. Almost exclusively Lipizzan stallions, white horses, are being educated at the Spanish Riding School. The performances take place in the Winter Riding School of the Hofburg (Karl VI. built the “most beautiful riding hall” in the world from 1729 to 1735) which was also used for court balls, mask festivals, riding games and carousels. During the “Morning Exercise”, one can watch the horses and their riders during various exercises which are part of their education. “The Lippizan’s Gala Performances” present the perfection, highlights of the performance are Capriole, Courbette and Levade. “A Tribute to Vienna” presents alternating with the Vienna Boys’ Choir highlights of the ballet of the horses. During the summer break, “Piber meets Vienna” shows coachmen in traditional uniforms and original coaches, mother mares with their foals and future broodmares. Save yourself tickets for fascinating events in the Spanish Riding Schools and book your tickets at viennaticket.at!