Finding out about The Lippizzaners of Vučijak.

Back in the mid “noughties” when working with British troops here in the north of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I came across a story regarding a Lippizzaner stud near the town of Prnjavor.

A British cavalry unit had stumbled upon it during routine patrols.

The stud back then was rather run down, and well, dilapidated. The cavalry decided to offer what help it could. After all, horses mean so much to them.

Help has come in the unlikely form of soldiers from the multi-national forces in Bosnia, who have provided the stud with an army vet. The farm at Vucjak, near Prnjavor, was one of only three breeding centres for the famous white horses, best known for their performances at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria.

The Lippizzaner stud farm "Vučijak" dates back to 1946. In the first years, it was owned by the SFRY and served the needs of the Jugoslav People’s Army (JNA). Since 1990, the ownership structure has changed four times, and in 2010 the Republika Srpska (RS) Government became its owner.

Since 2015, conditions have been created for its competitiveness on the market and the ability to independently provide part of its income and provide services in education, tourism and catering. and recreational-medical activities.

The stud currently houses 110 purebred Lipizzaners, cared for by 13 workers.

The stable was formed mostly from breeding material originating from the stud farms "Lipi" and "Đakovo" from Croatia, while a smaller part originates from the stud farm "Lipica" from Slovenia. It was named after the Vučijak hill.

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We had a really enjoyable visit. The staff are very hospitable and we could walk around at our leisure looking at these magnificent horses.

If you are in the Prnjavor area at all its worth a visit.

If you would like to find out more then check the video below or drop us an email.

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