The Queen And Her Ceremonial Horses; The Spanish Riding School: The First 400 Years

These two documentaries highlight the history of two legends: the Queen's horses and the Spanish Riding School. In The Queen and Her Ceremonial Horses, the filmmakers visit the Royal Mews, where the Queen's horses are attended to by the Oates family --a dedicated group of horse lovers who run the stables, which are visited by as many as a 1,000 people each day. In addition to interviews with the Queen (who personally names every horse) and the Crown Equerry, Lt. Col. Sir John Miller, who oversees the intricate operation of using horses for state ceremonies, the horses are seen performing at several major events, including a State Visit, Trooping the Colour, Ascot, the Installation Ceremony of the Knights of the Thistle in Edinburgh, and the State Opening of Parliament. An excellent documentary, sure to be popular with our British-obsessed patrons. The Spanish Riding School is a history of that venerable Viennese institution, that since 1580, has been the training site of the world-famous Lippizan stallions. Hailing from the Yugoslavian village of Lippiza, these glorious white stallions, spend their first three summers in the mountains, before entering training. The stallions are shown practicing their amazing dressage feats, and performing at the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the school in Lippiza. Throughout, interesting historical tidbits about the history of the school are woven into the narrative. During the Nazi reign of terror, for example, the school had to be moved from Vienna--Hitler hated horses. Both programs are highly recommended. (See THE EQUESTRIANS for availability.)