Wow! What a piece this is. The Lladro Spanish Pure Breed – Haute École is spectacular. Sculpted by Ernest Massuet the piece is being released in a limited edition of 500 and depicts a Spanish Lipizzaner  horse “one of the world’s most prestigious horse breeds with utmost faithfulness and anatomical precision.”

In a spectacular demonstration of control over sculpture, this beautiful creature is elegantly executing a courbette, one of the classic Haute École dressage movements. The decoration is another of the highpoints of this exquisite piece: all the horse tack, including the harness, bridle, saddle and blanket are richly ornamented with golden luster, while the bit and stirrups are made in gold-plated brass and the reins and stirrup straps are natural leather. The intense blue and gold that dominate the coloring of the adornments contrast with the whiteness of the skin, rendered with extraordinary detail that further heightens the sense of realism.

Way above what most of us can afford at a mere £10,100 / $11,780 it is a wonderful piece.

What is Haute École dressage?  – Haute École dressage movements are a form of elite classical riding that is rooted in traditional cavalry training. The goal of this type of equestrian activity emphasizes elegance, perfect timing and graceful balance between the horse and rider. This elaborate and skillful style of riding must be thoroughly rehearsed and perfected over time to maintain the highest standard. It is the pursuit of harmony between horse and rider demonstrating extreme precision and accuracy while executing advanced skills such as piaffe, passage, levade, capriole, prolongation on the location, pirouettes and half-passes. Haute École dressage is considered by many as one of the most talented expressions in equestrian sports as well as an art form for both spectator enjoyment and displays of extraordinary talent from equine athletes.

For more information visit https://www.lladro.com/