Help preserve a unique SA heritage

The South African Lipizzaners have earned the honour of being the only performing Lipizzaners outside Vienna recognised by and affiliated to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.

However, during their time in South Africa, they have, and still do experience difficult times. The team is without a major sponsor. A brand new management team was appointed at the beginning of 2008. The new directors are four well known, successful business and equestrian personalities. "We are absolutely focussed on ensuring this unique South African heritage continues to survive and flourish" said Maureen Dalglish, one of the new Directors who currently runs her own real estate business.

Adriaan van Wyk, one of South Africa's top dressage instructors and a B.Com graduate, has added his flair for fund-raising and business acumen in joining the team as a Director. He was the driving force behind the highly successful Lipizzaner Ball held in October 2007, which was organised privately.

Continuing to perpetuate the Lipizzaner breed has been the job of Director, Lilian Moller, who is also Team Leader and as a qualified vet, Manager of the Breeding Programme. 'We have to continue to breed every year' said Lilian 'otherwise this breed will disappear. We are determined that this will not happen. However, the breeding programme does unfortunately cost a lot of money'.

At the centre today there are 30 stallions ranging in age from three to twenty three. All six of the bloodlines are represented – Favory, Maestoso, Conversano, Siglavy, Pluto and Neapolitano.

Judy Vertue, another new Director, a successful business woman and previously Chairman of Dressage, and who brought in the biggest sponsorship in the history of dressage, puts her finger on the pulse. 'To run a successful business, there are two key ingredients, firstly business acumen and secondly marketing. There has to be constant awareness of who we are and what we do'.

The 'Lippies' will be performing at Gold Reef City during four weekends around Easter; the team will be performing at the Royal Show in Pietermaritzburg, and enquiries are being pursued for performances at the Agricultural Show in East London and later in the year in Port Elizabeth. A new Schools Fund Raising programme has been launched and a marketing plan is being developed to market not only the regular Sunday performances but also Special Events where the Lipizzaners can add their unique touch. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are being pursued.

"Few people know how versatile the Lipizzaners are" said Lilian. "They have been up in a lift at the Sandton Convention Centre to perform at a banquet, they have pulled Cinderella's carriage on stage at the Civic Theatre, they have performed with the Drakensberg Boys Choir, and have added that special touch to Product Launches, Banquets, Birthdays and Weddings."

The four new Directors are supported by professionals in the financial, auditing and legal fields.

Sunday Performances
Come and join us every Sunday at the Lipizzaner Centre, Dahlia Road, Kyalami. Buy a ticket at the door or book via Computicket. The performance starts at 10h30 and lasts 60 minutes. Refreshments and memorabilia are available at the shop. Visit www.lipizzaners.co.za for schedule updates.

Donations
Contact Maureen Dalglish 083 228 1753 E-mail: dalglishm@mweb.co.za for donation information or to become a Friend of the Lipizzaners.