The Lipizzaner is not just a symbol. It is a personality.

When we think of Lipizzaners, we first see elegance, tradition, and a symbol of Slovenia. Less often do we think about the fact that each of these horses also has its own character, temperament, and personality—just like people. This is precisely what Prof. Dr. Manja Zupan Šemrov from the Department of Animal Science at the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana is researching.

 

 

In this project, carried out in collaboration with Lipica, science meets tradition, genetics meets behavior, and measurements meet what breeders often perceive intuitively.

But what can science tell us about horses as personalities?

How can we "measure" a horse's character? A horse's personality is not something abstract or elusive.

In the study, scientists examine it using a combination of behavioral tests, anatomical measurements, and heart rate monitoring.

Why is heart rate important?

And what can it reveal about a horse's timidity, stress, or responsiveness?

The answers are not always obvious – and that is precisely where the value of the research lies. Dr. Zupan Šemrov explains why today's Lipizzaner assessment systems do not capture the whole picture and why combining genetics, behavior, and biomechanics is crucial for the future of breeding.

Working with horses that are part of the world's cultural heritage brings with it a special responsibility and a special feeling. How does the researcher feel when she enters the stables in Lipica? What does this work mean to her – not only professionally, but also personally? These are moments that cannot be fully captured in writing. They have to be seen. Why is this research important for the future of Lipizzaner horses?

For answers, explanations, and insight into the research, watch the video filmed in Krumperk, where science literally steps among the Lipizzaner horses.