It is heartbreaking news: The family of Tempel Smith this month announced the closing of the ground-breaking Tempel Lipizzans program, which introduced so many in this country to dressage and this beautiful breed.
When Tempel and Esther Smith attended a performance of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna during the late 1950s, they were so impressed that they decided to import 20 horses, mostly pregnant mares, and start a school of riding in Illinois, modeled after the Spanish Riding School.
Tempel and Esther Smith. (Photo courtesy Tempel Lippians)
At that time, classical riding, or dressage, was virtually unheard of. But it gained popularity with the Smiths’ efforts, as Tempel started to put on performances around the country that enabled thousands of people to appreciate these special horses, whose breeding program had its foundation in the Spanish Riding School’s Piber stud farm.
Located in Old Mill Creek, Ill., Tempel Lipizzans has been a full-time dressage training facility, with experienced trainers who adhere to the standards of training established hundreds of years ago in the classical schools of Europe.
Esther Buonanno, Tempel’s program director, explained the difficult decision to close down.
“For a variety of reasons, our ownership family is moving in different directions. For 65 years and three generations, promoting and preserving the Lipizzan breed and classical horsemanship has been a passion for our family, those who have worked closely with the horses and community members near and far.”
George Williams, now president of the U.S. Dressage Federation, is one of those who worked closely with the horses. He got his start at Tempel and spent two decades there.
“I am still a little numb after hearing the news that Tempel Lipizzans will be closing down,” he said.
“I can’t imagine how heartbreaking it must have been for the descendants of the founders, Tempel and Esther Smith, to make this difficult decision. I respect their decision, as I know it was not made lightly. ”
He pointed out, “Tempel’s contribution to dressage in this country has been felt in many different ways, perhaps most notably for introducing dressage to the general public through the summer performances at the farm and at venues as varied as the Belmont (Park) Racetrack, the Ravinia Festival in Illinois, Madison Square Garden and even the White House.
The Tempel Lippizan troupe gained fame for its choreographed presentations. (Photo courtesy of Tempel Lippizans)
“The promotional activities behind all of it included appearances on Good Morning America and news stories on other mainstream media outlets. In addition, Tempel hosted numerous educational dressage events, including the AHSA/USEF Judges Forums for 10 years and clinics with major names, such as Willi Schultheis, Reiner Klimke and Conrad Schumacher,” George continued.
“Several major trainers worked for them as well, making the farm a center for dressage in the Midwest. For a number of years, they put on Regional Championships and for over a decade, the North American Young Riders Championships.”
Esther explained that over the next one or two years, Tempel “will carefully place each horse and, as always, provide quality care for our horses. We will cease our public programming, including performances and tours, educational programs like lessons and rider training and boarding operations for horses outside of TLC ownership.”
On a personal note, she said “this decision did not come lightly for me. These changes will make space for me to grow in new directions and to have more time with my family.”
George noted that in the past, “Lipizzans have been classified as a rare breed. There is no doubt Tempel has been instrumental in the protection of the breed helping to ensure that Lipizzans will be around for future generations to enjoy.”
He appreciates the regal status of these special animals, commenting that they “truly are majestic. From my 20 years of experience with them at Tempel, they are usually full of personality and unlike many breeds, they still retain the same traits as their baroque ancestors.
“In so many ways, they are a living museum. That can create challenges, such as we are now seeing. However, I was delighted to read Esther’s statement; `The Lipizzan horse remains close to my heart and I’m certain I’ll find meaningful ways to support the breed in the future’.”
George acknowledged the role that Tempel and its horses played in his life, which included great success at the Grand Prix level, and his role as the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s dressage high performance and pathway development advisor.
“I can say that the Lipizzans and Tempel farm will always be with me,” he observed.
“They were a huge part of my life and played a major role in my career. I will always remember walking into the East Good Luck stable and seeing their noble history beautifully reflected in their faces. Lipizzans are definitely not a breed you forget.
“We have to commend the Tempel Smith family for their 65-year commitment to the Lipizzans and all they have done for the wonderful horses and dressage.”
Esther said she would provide updates on the organization’s progress and gems from its remarkable history. She asked those interested in purchasing a horse or wanting to confirm they are still in Tempel’s sales contacts to send their contact information.
Here is a link to the website: https://www.tempelfarms.com
