Breeding Evaluation of Lipizzaner Horses and Working Ability Test 2025
Lipica Stud Farm, 27 September 2025
The cradle of the Lipizzaner breed – Lipica – once again became the central stage for the most important professional event for Lipizzaner breeders: the Annual Breeding Evaluation, held on the last Saturday of September. Organized by the **Association of Lipizzaner Breeders of Slovenia in cooperation with the Lipica Stud Farm, 32 young horses were presented before an expert commission whose careful assessment will shape their future.
The evaluation of five key elements in foals and ten in adult horses (twelve for stallions, including the gallop) is far more than a formality – it represents the foundation of selective breeding and the responsibility of preserving a centuries-old heritage. As the third largest breeding association in Slovenia by the number of horses registered in studbooks, breeders once again gathered at this highlight of the year to proudly present their horses.
In his welcoming address, Association President Aleksander Ozmec stated:
“The Karst and Slovenia would be different without the Lipizzaner. This breed is not only part of our past but also plays an important role in today’s tourism, education, and preservation of the natural landscape. Lipizzaner breeders are the cornerstone of the breed’s continued development and preservation. Through their dedication, expertise, and love for horses, they safeguard the health and genetic diversity of the Lipizzaner while maintaining a precious tradition that forms part of our national heritage. Therefore, as we gather today with great anticipation to showcase our breeding and our work, let us be proud.”
The gathering was also addressed by mag. Tatjana Vošinek Pucer, Director of the Lipica Stud Farm, who wished everyone great success.
At the Lipizzaner Breeding Evaluation on 27 September 2025, the presentation included:
* 19 mares with foals,
* 2 stallions,
* 9 mares for studbook admission,
* 5 mares for the driving working ability test, and
* 1 mare and 1 stallion for the ridden working ability test.
The evaluation committee consisted of:
*Klemen Turk* – Technical Director, ALBS, LIF ****;
*Janez Rus* – Lipica Stud Farm, LIF ****;
*Nidal Korabi* – Croatia, LIF ****;
*Nataša Gorišek* – Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, LIF **;
*Jana Jašović Memon* – ALBS, LIF *;
*Milojko Strajnar* – ALBS, LIF *;
*Primož Tanko* – ALBS, LIF *.
According to the new Breeding Program for Lipizzaners (Approved 6 August 2025) and Regulation on the Evaluation of Conformation Traits of Lipizzaner Horses, animals are classified into quality grades:
**Main Stallion Section:**
* Elite Stallion Book
* Stallion Book I
* Stallion Book II
* General Stallion Book
* Basic Stallion Book
**Main Mare Section:**
* Elite Mare Book
* Mare Book I
* Mare Book II
* General Mare Book
* Basic Mare Book
—
Top-Rated Male Foals
- PLUTO FAMOSA XVI, foaled 4 Apr 2025
Dam: 676 FAMOSA XVI
Sire: 397 PLUTO BETALKA XXIV
Breeder: Milojko Strajnar
- PLUTO CANISSA XXXV, foaled 10 Apr 2025
Dam: 658 CANISSA XXXV
Sire: 397 PLUTO BETALKA XXIV
Breeder: Milojko Strajnar
- PLUTO THAIS XIV, foaled 28 Mar 2025
Dam: 925 THAIS XIV
Sire: 548 PLUTO FAMOSA V
Breeder: Urška Kramar
—
Top-Rated Female Foals
- MONTEAURA XLVII, foaled 22 May 2025
Dam: 288 MONTEAURA X
Sire: 433 MAESTOSO BATOSTA XII
Breeder: Janez Peternel
- THAIS XXXVIII, foaled 8 Mar 2025
Dam: 105 THAIS XXIII
Sire: 433 MAESTOSO BATOSTA XII
Breeder: Janez Peternel
- CANISSA IX, foaled 12 May 2025
Dam: 126 CANISSA IV
Sire: 433 MAESTOSO BATOSTA XII
Breeder: Janez Peternel
—
Young Mares for Studbook Admission
Nine mares were evaluated for inclusion in the studbook. The top-rated were:
- 1. LIPICA XX, foaled 15 Mar 2021
Dam: 233 LIPICA IV
Sire: 363 SIGLAVY SAMIRA XXII
Breeder and owner: Janez Peternel
- 2. PRINCESS MONTEAURA, foaled 7 Apr 2021
Dam: 933 MONTEAURA XXXIII
Sire: 363 SIGLAVY SAMIRA XXII
Breeder: Austria
Owner: Angelika Pristov
- CAPRIOLA XXVI, foaled 18 May 2021
Dam: 518 CAPRIOLA XXXVII
Sire: 548 PLUTO FAMOSA V
Breeder and owner: Angelika Pristov
—
Stallion Evaluation
Two stallions were presented for evaluation; unfortunately, neither achieved the score required for inclusion in Stallion Book I:
- PLUTO TROMPETA VII (foaled 21 Apr 2021, breeder: Matjaž Hlebš, owner: Andrej Marc)
- MAESTOSO GAETANA XXXII (foaled 15 May 2021, breeder and owner: Alenka Zaman)
—
Working Ability Tests
Preserving the classic mare lines and stallion families is now complemented by the horses’ performance in dressage and driving. Through these tests, breeders evaluate **character, temperament, gait quality, willingness to work, and physical ability** – ensuring these traits are passed on to future generations.
The test rider for the ridden performance test was Georg Sattler, and the test driver for the driving test was Miha Tavčar.
Ridden Working Ability Test
- ALLEGRA XXXVIII (mare, foaled 19 Feb 2020, breeder and owner: Jana Jašović Memon)
- PLUTO TROMPETA VII (stallion, foaled 21 Apr 2021, breeder: Matjaž Hlebš, owner: Andrej Marc)
The best performance was achieved by ALLEGRA XXXVIII.
Driving Working Ability Test
Five young mares took part, with the top-rated being:
- SLAVINA XVIII, foaled 14 Apr 2022
Breeder & Owner: Rajko Sinjur
- TROMPETA XXXVII, foaled 17 Apr 2021
Breeder: Matjaž Hlebš
Owner: Andrej Marc
- THAIS XXVI, foaled 19 Feb 2020
Breeder: Andrej Hosta
Owner: Andrej Marc
After the successful conclusion of the evaluations, president Aleksander Ozmec addressed the participants once again and, together with sponsors, presented ribbons and practical awards to the highest-scoring horses. In his closing remarks, he emphasized that sponsors, breeders, volunteers, and judges not only contribute through their work and material support but, above all, through their commitment to preserving the Lipizzaner breeding tradition.
Results and photos with descriptions are included in the annex.
Written by: Melita Sinjur
Rezultati 2025 – Moška žrebeta
Rezultati 2025 – Ženska žrebeta
