RAVENSWOOD LIPIZZANER STUD: via Mt Compass in the Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia

From the main highway to Victor Harbor it looks like one of many grazing properties on the Fleurieu Peninsula. But head down one of the laneways at Ravenswood Stud and you're likely to encounter some very pricey and exotic livestock.

Horse trainer Sonny Gasser and the property's owner Geoff Adcock have very expensive equestrian tastes which extend from Arabian and Andulusian Stallions to Dutch Fresians which, although a little more thickset, are still light on their hooves.

Each Sunday afternoon the Fresians accept the plaudits from crowds who gather in a giant shed for one of Sonny's Equestrian Spectaculars. But most come to see the Lipizzaners - performing routines originally made famous at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. It was there that moves like the Levade and the Courbett were perfected back in the 16th Century.

At the Ravenswood Stud at Mount Compass both Sonny Gasser and Geoff Adcock are pursuing a dream - to recreate - on Adelaide's doorstep - just a little piece of Vienna's Spanish Riding School. Sonny explains:

"It was established by the nobility or the Emperor of Austria mainly I think for the benefit of the royal family and their guests and the nobility for entertainment purposes."

But many of the routines performed by the Lipizzaners were first used in battle. Like the Capriole - designed to dismount other riders and cause as much havoc as possible for opposing infantry. The story of the Lipizzaner stretches back centuries. It's a horse bred for its grace and power.

"The Lipizzaner breed comes from Yugoslavia... Lipizza. But they have been bred together with Andalusians, Arabians and the roman horses from the roman chariots. All the way back there."

While grace and power are essential parts of the show there's also room for a touch of comedy. Like Hercules - the goose-stepping Clydesdale. And while Hercules may take centre stage for a while, the 19-hand stallion eventually makes way for Prancer - a Falabella Miniature with a big ego.

The Ravenswood Lipizzaner Stud is located just off the main road to Victor Harbour about six kilometres south of Mount Compass. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards.sa.com.au