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White Stallion of Lipizza
The magnificent Lipizzan stallions of Vienna come to life as never before in this exciting story by award-winning author, Marguerite Henry.
A young boy named Hans dreams of one day working with the famed stallions of Lipizza. But coming from a family of bakers, Hans is discouraged from ever becoming a rider. That is, until the day he is invited to watch the extraordinary Ballet of Lipizzaners -- from the Imperial Box! -- and his life is changed forever.
Marguerite Henry artfully weaves authentic details about the skillful training of both horse and rider, as she unfolds the story of Hans and his beloved Lipizzan stallion, Borina.
The brilliance of Hans's dazzling public performances and his devotion to the art of classical riding make this story uniquely rich in history and horsemanship -- a story to be treasured by horse lovers of all ages.
A young boy named Hans dreams of one day working with the famed stallions of Lipizza. But coming from a family of bakers, Hans is discouraged from ever becoming a rider. That is, until the day he is invited to watch the extraordinary Ballet of Lipizzaners -- from the Imperial Box! -- and his life is changed forever.
Marguerite Henry artfully weaves authentic details about the skillful training of both horse and rider, as she unfolds the story of Hans and his beloved Lipizzan stallion, Borina.
The brilliance of Hans's dazzling public performances and his devotion to the art of classical riding make this story uniquely rich in history and horsemanship -- a story to be treasured by horse lovers of all ages.
111 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 1994
39 people are currently reading
1711 people want to read
About the author
Marguerite Henry
124 books749 followersMarguerite Henry (April 13, 1902–November 26, 1997) was an American writer. The author of fifty-nine books based on true stories of horses and other animals, her work has captivated entire generations of children and young adults and won several Newbery Awards and Honors. Among the more famous of her works was Misty of Chincoteague, which was the basis for the 1961 movie Misty, and several sequel books.
"It is exciting to me that no matter how much machinery replaces the horse, the work it can do is still measured in horsepower ... even in the new age. And although a riding horse often weighs half a ton and a big drafter a full ton, either can be led about by a piece of string if he has been wisely trained. This to me is a constant source of wonder and challenge." This quote was from an article about Henry published in the Washington Post on November 28, 1997, in response to a query about her drive to write about horses.
Marguerite Henry inspired children all over the world with her love of animals, especially horses. Author of over fifty children's stories, including the Misty of Chincoteague series, Henry's love of animals started during her childhood. Unfortunately, Henry was stricken with a rheumatic fever at the age of six, which kept her bedridden until the age of twelve. Born to Louis and Anna Breithaupt, the youngest of the five children, Henry was a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Because of her illness, Henry wasn't allowed to go to school with other children because of her weak state and the fear of spreading the illness to others. While she was confined indoors, she discovered the joy of reading. Soon afterward, she also discovered a love for writing when her father, a publisher, presented her with a writing desk for Christmas. On the top of stacks of colored paper her father wrote, "Dear Last of the Mohicans: Not a penny for your thoughts, but a tablet. Merry Christmas! Pappa Louis XXXX."
Henry's first published work came at the age of eleven, a short story about a collie and a group of children, which she sold to a magazine for $12. Henry always wrote about animals, such as dogs, cats, birds, foxes, and even mules, but chiefly her stories focused on horses.
In 1923, she married Sidney Crocker Henry. During their sixty-four years of marriage they didn't have children, but instead had many pets that inspired some of Marguerite's stories. They lived in Wayne, Illinois.
In 1947, she published Misty of Chincoteague and it was an instant success. Later, this book—as well as Justin Morgan had a Horse and Brighty of the Grand Canyon—were made into movies.
She finished her last book, Brown Sunshine of Sawdust Valley, just before her death on November 26, 1997 at the age of 95.
"It is exciting to me that no matter how much machinery replaces the horse, the work it can do is still measured in horsepower ... even in the new age. And although a riding horse often weighs half a ton and a big drafter a full ton, either can be led about by a piece of string if he has been wisely trained. This to me is a constant source of wonder and challenge." This quote was from an article about Henry published in the Washington Post on November 28, 1997, in response to a query about her drive to write about horses.
Marguerite Henry inspired children all over the world with her love of animals, especially horses. Author of over fifty children's stories, including the Misty of Chincoteague series, Henry's love of animals started during her childhood. Unfortunately, Henry was stricken with a rheumatic fever at the age of six, which kept her bedridden until the age of twelve. Born to Louis and Anna Breithaupt, the youngest of the five children, Henry was a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Because of her illness, Henry wasn't allowed to go to school with other children because of her weak state and the fear of spreading the illness to others. While she was confined indoors, she discovered the joy of reading. Soon afterward, she also discovered a love for writing when her father, a publisher, presented her with a writing desk for Christmas. On the top of stacks of colored paper her father wrote, "Dear Last of the Mohicans: Not a penny for your thoughts, but a tablet. Merry Christmas! Pappa Louis XXXX."
Henry's first published work came at the age of eleven, a short story about a collie and a group of children, which she sold to a magazine for $12. Henry always wrote about animals, such as dogs, cats, birds, foxes, and even mules, but chiefly her stories focused on horses.
In 1923, she married Sidney Crocker Henry. During their sixty-four years of marriage they didn't have children, but instead had many pets that inspired some of Marguerite's stories. They lived in Wayne, Illinois.
In 1947, she published Misty of Chincoteague and it was an instant success. Later, this book—as well as Justin Morgan had a Horse and Brighty of the Grand Canyon—were made into movies.
She finished her last book, Brown Sunshine of Sawdust Valley, just before her death on November 26, 1997 at the age of 95.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
November 18, 2021
This is another Henry title that I don't remember seeing as a youngster.
I liked the book, but somehow I did not enjoy it as much as others by this author. I am not exactly sure why not, though. All the ingredients are there: a boy with a dream and the drive to make it a reality. Horses, beautiful horses everywhere. And a peek inside the famous Spanish Riding School of Vienna. So what was missing for me here?
Maybe it was simply that instead of a magical story, enough to fill any horseperson's head with dreams, this reads more like a history lesson. Of course our Hans wants and needs to learn many things about his beloved white horses, but for me the book felt a bit clumsy in its attempt to both teach and inspire. From my experiences with Henry's books in the past, she is usually a master at this type pf project, but for some reason here I feel she would have done better to choose one approach or the other rather than trying to combine the two.
And that is most likely my 63 year old self speaking. I probably would have drooled over this book if I had read it as a youngster. As it is, I now have three more horse books to add to my little November herd. In this book, the local librarian introduces Hans to Xenophon's wonderful book The Art of Horsemanship, which I own and have read and now want to read again. Hans is at the School during the years of perhaps its most famous director, Colonel Alois Podhajsky. I have his book My Horses, My Teachers which I read many years pre-GR, so guess what else will be coming up soon!
During one chapter Hans visits the Piber Stud Farm, to see for himself that the Lipizzaner foals are indeed born black; and to watch them at play, performing naturally the movements they will later learn to perform on command. I don't have a book about Piber, but I do have one about Lipica (now part of Slovenia) where the Lipizzaner was originally developed. I ordered the book years ago when it was published in honor of the 400th anniversary of the horse breed. I've set that up as my next book. I haven't even looked at it for years, so I'm almost as excited to see the pictures as Hans was to visit the babies at Piber.
So, even though I did not get as much of a thrill from this book as I expected, I did like it and am looking forward to the books it led me to!
For anyone interested, here are wiki links to each farm:
Piber https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piber_F...
Lipica https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipica,... (Scroll down to Lipica Stud Farm)
I liked the book, but somehow I did not enjoy it as much as others by this author. I am not exactly sure why not, though. All the ingredients are there: a boy with a dream and the drive to make it a reality. Horses, beautiful horses everywhere. And a peek inside the famous Spanish Riding School of Vienna. So what was missing for me here?
Maybe it was simply that instead of a magical story, enough to fill any horseperson's head with dreams, this reads more like a history lesson. Of course our Hans wants and needs to learn many things about his beloved white horses, but for me the book felt a bit clumsy in its attempt to both teach and inspire. From my experiences with Henry's books in the past, she is usually a master at this type pf project, but for some reason here I feel she would have done better to choose one approach or the other rather than trying to combine the two.
And that is most likely my 63 year old self speaking. I probably would have drooled over this book if I had read it as a youngster. As it is, I now have three more horse books to add to my little November herd. In this book, the local librarian introduces Hans to Xenophon's wonderful book The Art of Horsemanship, which I own and have read and now want to read again. Hans is at the School during the years of perhaps its most famous director, Colonel Alois Podhajsky. I have his book My Horses, My Teachers which I read many years pre-GR, so guess what else will be coming up soon!
During one chapter Hans visits the Piber Stud Farm, to see for himself that the Lipizzaner foals are indeed born black; and to watch them at play, performing naturally the movements they will later learn to perform on command. I don't have a book about Piber, but I do have one about Lipica (now part of Slovenia) where the Lipizzaner was originally developed. I ordered the book years ago when it was published in honor of the 400th anniversary of the horse breed. I've set that up as my next book. I haven't even looked at it for years, so I'm almost as excited to see the pictures as Hans was to visit the babies at Piber.
So, even though I did not get as much of a thrill from this book as I expected, I did like it and am looking forward to the books it led me to!
For anyone interested, here are wiki links to each farm:
Piber https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piber_F...
Lipica https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipica,... (Scroll down to Lipica Stud Farm)
May 12, 2020
So yes, if I were to approach Marguerite Henry's 1964 novel White Stallion of Lipizza as ONLY AND SIMPLY from the point of consideration of factuality and featured realism (of how historically accurate Henry's physical descriptions of late 19th to mid 20th century Vienna and Austria generally are), I would absolutely be ranking White Stallion of Lipizza quite highly indeed (as the author has clearly very much done her research and homework with regard to time and geography, never over-exaggerates the episodes described, and appreciatively, Marguerite Henry also has taken the time and made the effort to spell the German language words used throughout White Stallion of Lipizza correctly, and even with the appropriately used and rendered umlauts, although she does at times tend to forget that in the German language, nouns are always capitalised, but that is not nearly as much of an issue as bad spellings and strange grammatical gaffes would end up being).
However, and my appreciation regarding the historicity and lack of anachronisms in White Stallion of Lipizza quite notwithstanding, there is indeed more to a historical novel than simply setting and period accuracy. There is also the author's writing style to be considered. In other words, it is also and equally just as essential, just as important how an author tells his or her story, how he or she relates the plot to readers, and indeed, I am most sorry to have to say that this is where to and for me, White Stallion of Lipizza falls rather majorly and frustratingly flat. For even though there is this wonderful premise presented, with as mentioned above a realistic historical background that truly does say "Austria" to me, and although I should have been (as a fan of horse stories in general and Lipizzaners as a breed of often neglected European warmbloods in particular) very much both interested and engaged in Hans Haupt's struggles to rise above his family business as a baker and become a rider, a performer at the Spanish Riding School, I found there to be simply much too much showing and really hardly any emotionally charged telling in White Stallion of Lipizza (as I never even remotely have felt personally close to the main protagonist and this emotional distancing, it has definitely made my reading experience both distracting and often actually pretty much of a slog, more as though I was perusing a textbook on the history of the Viennese Spanish Riding School than reading the supposedly heartening account of how young Hans is able to pursue and realise his dreams of not only being able to attend a performance of the prestigious Lipizzaners in style but also then being able to become an apprentice, a paid professional rider at the Spanish Riding School).
And while White Stallion of Lipizza is not by any means a terrible story, the fact that with many of the other Marguerite Henry Horse stories I have read in the past (and in particular her King of the Wind and the incomparable Misty of Chincogteague series), I have generally found a very nice and engaging combination of fact and writing style (of me as a reader being easily able to enter into the protagonists' world, to internalise their feelings, to experience their joys and sorrows), the fact that this never really happens for and to me regarding Hans Haupt (and actually this pertains to ALL of the characters, the persons featured and presented by Marguerite Henry in White Stallion of Lipizza), this does indeed make me only consider a two star ranking at best for this novel (albeit a bit guiltily to tell the truth, as it does appear as though White Stallion of Lipizza has generally a pretty high average star ranking, but no, the story has just felt too on the surface for me, and I simply feel too much like a dispassionate observer looking in than someone actually experiencing Hans' life and cheering his dreams).
However, and my appreciation regarding the historicity and lack of anachronisms in White Stallion of Lipizza quite notwithstanding, there is indeed more to a historical novel than simply setting and period accuracy. There is also the author's writing style to be considered. In other words, it is also and equally just as essential, just as important how an author tells his or her story, how he or she relates the plot to readers, and indeed, I am most sorry to have to say that this is where to and for me, White Stallion of Lipizza falls rather majorly and frustratingly flat. For even though there is this wonderful premise presented, with as mentioned above a realistic historical background that truly does say "Austria" to me, and although I should have been (as a fan of horse stories in general and Lipizzaners as a breed of often neglected European warmbloods in particular) very much both interested and engaged in Hans Haupt's struggles to rise above his family business as a baker and become a rider, a performer at the Spanish Riding School, I found there to be simply much too much showing and really hardly any emotionally charged telling in White Stallion of Lipizza (as I never even remotely have felt personally close to the main protagonist and this emotional distancing, it has definitely made my reading experience both distracting and often actually pretty much of a slog, more as though I was perusing a textbook on the history of the Viennese Spanish Riding School than reading the supposedly heartening account of how young Hans is able to pursue and realise his dreams of not only being able to attend a performance of the prestigious Lipizzaners in style but also then being able to become an apprentice, a paid professional rider at the Spanish Riding School).
And while White Stallion of Lipizza is not by any means a terrible story, the fact that with many of the other Marguerite Henry Horse stories I have read in the past (and in particular her King of the Wind and the incomparable Misty of Chincogteague series), I have generally found a very nice and engaging combination of fact and writing style (of me as a reader being easily able to enter into the protagonists' world, to internalise their feelings, to experience their joys and sorrows), the fact that this never really happens for and to me regarding Hans Haupt (and actually this pertains to ALL of the characters, the persons featured and presented by Marguerite Henry in White Stallion of Lipizza), this does indeed make me only consider a two star ranking at best for this novel (albeit a bit guiltily to tell the truth, as it does appear as though White Stallion of Lipizza has generally a pretty high average star ranking, but no, the story has just felt too on the surface for me, and I simply feel too much like a dispassionate observer looking in than someone actually experiencing Hans' life and cheering his dreams).
July 1, 2014
I actually read the original 1964 first printing from my public library, which still hoards it. I was reminded of its existence through a chat list conversation, and though I still remember vividly nearly all of Henry's other wonderful kids' books from my horse-mad childhood, I think I may have missed this one, published when I was in junior high. It is still very fine, and I'm glad to see it has been recently reprinted. I cannot imagine how an e-edition would reproduce the -- to me, integral -- classic illustrations by Wesley Dennis, so this is definitely worth obtaining on paper, with the color plates.
A story of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna during the post-WWII-era directorship of Colonel Alois Podhajsky, told through the eyes of Hans, the young son of a Viennese baker, who aspires to become a master rider there.
It makes me want to hunt out the old Disney movie about the dramatic rescue of the institution and its horses during WWII -- ah, I don't have to hunt very far; Netflix has it. And, I see, better still (thank you Amazon), Podhajsky's own writings, including an autobiography covering, among other things, the war years, titled My Dancing White Horses. Which I suspect was a major source for both Henry and Disney. Next stop, the Hennepin County Library on-line catalog...
Ta, L.
A story of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna during the post-WWII-era directorship of Colonel Alois Podhajsky, told through the eyes of Hans, the young son of a Viennese baker, who aspires to become a master rider there.
It makes me want to hunt out the old Disney movie about the dramatic rescue of the institution and its horses during WWII -- ah, I don't have to hunt very far; Netflix has it. And, I see, better still (thank you Amazon), Podhajsky's own writings, including an autobiography covering, among other things, the war years, titled My Dancing White Horses. Which I suspect was a major source for both Henry and Disney. Next stop, the Hennepin County Library on-line catalog...
Ta, L.
March 1, 2020
I remember reading this in third grade and dreaming that one day I was going to own a White Stallion and for whatever reason name it marshmallow. (Because stallions should be named Marshmallow) Growing up at that age ( I am 21 now, do the math yourself xd) I was horse crazy and any of Marguerite Henry's books were a treat and so fun to read. This one is no exception. I loved it. You are captivated with crisp visions and you fall into the story, not coming back out until the last page. I love her writing.
August 2, 2016
Not one of Henry's best. However, a bad Marguerite Henry book is still better than most children writer's best books. There is not much of a plot, although it is partly based on the life of a real rider with the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Yes, Vienna is not in Spain but the style of riding (and some of the original bloodstock for the Lipizzaner) originated in Spain. You may know Lipizzaner best from the Walt Disney film:
It's hard to read about the happy times in Austria portrayed here and know that World War II is just around the corner. Writing about the Spanish Riding School during World War II would have made for a more interesting book. (EDIT: One such book (not for kids) has been published in 2016 called The Perfect Horse which I'm currently reading.) It's also hard reading this knowing of the other problems the breed faced, such as whole studs getting machine-gunned during the Bosnian war in the 1990s.
The story suffers without the magnificent illustrations by Wesley Dennis (who also did the lovely cover). If you are going to get this book, invest in an old hardback that has all of the full-color plates. I used to own such a book but sold (or lost) it years ago. Yes, I'm an idiot.
This is especially recommended for horse-crazy kids who are more interested in horses than plots in books about horses.
It's hard to read about the happy times in Austria portrayed here and know that World War II is just around the corner. Writing about the Spanish Riding School during World War II would have made for a more interesting book. (EDIT: One such book (not for kids) has been published in 2016 called The Perfect Horse which I'm currently reading.) It's also hard reading this knowing of the other problems the breed faced, such as whole studs getting machine-gunned during the Bosnian war in the 1990s.
The story suffers without the magnificent illustrations by Wesley Dennis (who also did the lovely cover). If you are going to get this book, invest in an old hardback that has all of the full-color plates. I used to own such a book but sold (or lost) it years ago. Yes, I'm an idiot.
This is especially recommended for horse-crazy kids who are more interested in horses than plots in books about horses.
March 7, 2025
Majestic!
Marguerite Henry writes a beautiful book about the majestic Lipizzans. This book filled my heart, just as it did when I read it as a child.
Marguerite Henry writes a beautiful book about the majestic Lipizzans. This book filled my heart, just as it did when I read it as a child.
February 20, 2020
4.5 stars
I think this is now my second-favorite Marguerite Henry story (after King of the Wind). I really enjoyed learning more about the Lipizzan horses, and following Hans, the protagonist, on his dream to become a Riding Master. He demonstrates a sincerity and passion in his pursuit of knowledge and experience that is admirable and contagious.
I also enjoyed reading this in a large format rather than a mass market paperback -- the numerous small illustrations really help tell the story, especially when complex horse ballet movements are described.
Update: While the vocabulary was sometimes beyond my second-grader (as a read-aloud) and I think he missed a lot of the details, he still said he really enjoyed the story, and I think he was rooting for Hans too.
I think this is now my second-favorite Marguerite Henry story (after King of the Wind). I really enjoyed learning more about the Lipizzan horses, and following Hans, the protagonist, on his dream to become a Riding Master. He demonstrates a sincerity and passion in his pursuit of knowledge and experience that is admirable and contagious.
I also enjoyed reading this in a large format rather than a mass market paperback -- the numerous small illustrations really help tell the story, especially when complex horse ballet movements are described.
Update: While the vocabulary was sometimes beyond my second-grader (as a read-aloud) and I think he missed a lot of the details, he still said he really enjoyed the story, and I think he was rooting for Hans too.
December 4, 2016
Hans Haupt is the son of a baker, and is fully expected to take over the family business in time. But his passion is for horses, and his dream is to one day be a Riding Master and work with the magnificent Lipizzaners of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Against the odds he gets a chance to pursue his ambition, and this story tells in exquisite detail all that he goes through in training.
No one can tell a horse story like Marguerite Henry, and what keeps this tale from becoming a dry history is the coming-of-age of young Hans and the development of his bond with the veteran stallion Maestoso Borina. We as readers become completely invested in Hans's hopes and dreams, crashing with him in his despairing moments, and thrilling to his successes. I wish I'd read this as a child, as I would have loved it more when I was going through my horsey phase in my pre-teen years!
No one can tell a horse story like Marguerite Henry, and what keeps this tale from becoming a dry history is the coming-of-age of young Hans and the development of his bond with the veteran stallion Maestoso Borina. We as readers become completely invested in Hans's hopes and dreams, crashing with him in his despairing moments, and thrilling to his successes. I wish I'd read this as a child, as I would have loved it more when I was going through my horsey phase in my pre-teen years!
February 12, 2015
The White Stallion of Lipizza is a truly lovely book. I read it second grade and I haven't forgotten it since. It's a simple and charming yet deep story with everything a seven-year-old could possibly desire in a book: gorgeous white horses, bakeries, adventure, family, and dreams with some challenges and loss thrown in to hold everything together. This is a book every kid should get the chance to read.
March 7, 2017
I loved this story so much as a child that I made sure to attend a performance of the Lipizzaners when I was in Vienna. It accomplished what every children's book should, it opened a new interest in my young life. The performance in Vienna is one of the most memorable moments in my life, thank you Marguerite Henry!
December 31, 2008
So far, I have loved every Marguerite Henry book I have ever found. She is one author who wrote intelligently for young adults. When I read her now, I do not wonder what I saw in her books. I still enjoy them!
This book has some of the most beautiful of Wesley Dennis' illustrations.
This book has some of the most beautiful of Wesley Dennis' illustrations.
March 24, 2016
It was very interesting because I didn't know anything about these famous Austrian horses! But, Savannah thought some parts were a little boring. She is not that into horses but if you had a kid who is into horses they'd prob really love this story.
February 4, 2016
Review to come.
September 4, 2023
Another wonderful, informative, enchanting Marguerite Henry book! Hans is the perfect protagonist. He has passion and courage, yet makes mistakes and has flaws like the rest of us. Maestoso Borina is a character only Henry could pull off well and I am always endlessly pleased with her endings to her books which wrap up all the characters and stories in a happy and complete way (even though each time I don't want to say goodbye to the characters 😊).
March 29, 2019
This was book was purely delightful! I've always admired the Lipizzaner horses, but this book gave me even more knowledge of them, their history, and what exactly they do. All told by Marguerite Henry's wonderful story, Hans and the Lipizzan stallions came alive. I don't know how I missed reading this book for so many years, but I'm glad I've finally rectified that mistake.
June 29, 2020
20% good
What I thought about it:Poorly written and boring with lots of things that would annoy a person who does not support animal shows.
Favorite Person/AnimalBorina (One of the Lipizzaner horses)
Least-Favorite Person:Hans (The main character who annoyed on several occasions)
-------------
Author:Marguerite Henry
Pages:112
Ages:10+
What I thought about it:Poorly written and boring with lots of things that would annoy a person who does not support animal shows.
Favorite Person/AnimalBorina (One of the Lipizzaner horses)
Least-Favorite Person:Hans (The main character who annoyed on several occasions)
-------------
Author:Marguerite Henry
Pages:112
Ages:10+
July 21, 2024
Doing some reading to prepare for my trip to Vienna in a few months! Plus, after reading the Marguerite Henry biography, I had to read some of her books I somehow missed as a child. A most enjoyable read!
November 18, 2018
Excellent book about a boy whose determination and hard work help him live his dream.
July 26, 2016
The White Stallions of Lipizza are an absolute spectacle. The perform not simple circus tricks, but ornate movements of pure magic. Hans Haupt makes it his mission to become one with the world of Lipizzaners but, and let's face it, when has society seen a baker's boy rise to great fame other than through his pastries? The Spanish Riding School of Vienna is no place for such an individual. Or is it? "White Stallion of Lipizza" will take you to places that you never could have imagined could possibly exist in this world. Places so exquisite and yet so heavenly that you will not have time to take your breath back. The book will take it away, never to return it to you, its rightful owner. And you will not lament a single second of it. 5 stars : No questions asked. Get it at your local bookstore or online! Enjoy the adventure!
Say hello to Hans and Borina for me please ;),
Angelina Equus
Say hello to Hans and Borina for me please ;),
Angelina Equus
June 13, 2011
I read this book aloud to my daughters.
We loved this book! My elder daughter especially loves horses and riding, so she was particularly interested in the details that Henry provided with regards to training of both the horses and riders.
This inspirational book teaches that dreams can come true through hard work and perseverance. Hans did, at times, feel discouraged but he persisted. We should all work hard to attain our goals, which is a good value for young children to learn.
MY RATING: 4 stars!
We loved this book! My elder daughter especially loves horses and riding, so she was particularly interested in the details that Henry provided with regards to training of both the horses and riders.
This inspirational book teaches that dreams can come true through hard work and perseverance. Hans did, at times, feel discouraged but he persisted. We should all work hard to attain our goals, which is a good value for young children to learn.
MY RATING: 4 stars!
February 24, 2025
Revisited a book from my childhood in prep for a trip to Vienna and going to the SRS with my mom. Marguerite Henry is super for horse enthusiasts young and old.
May 25, 2022
White Stallion of Lipizza by Marguerite Henry
Series: No
Format: Hardcover
Stars: 5
Recommend: Yes
Would Reread: Yes
Reread 1-29-2021
I give honest reviews and all my opinions are my own.
For more of my reviews go to Heavenly High Seas Books
https://heavenlyhighseasbooks.blogspo...
Series: No
Format: Hardcover
Stars: 5
Recommend: Yes
Would Reread: Yes
Reread 1-29-2021
I give honest reviews and all my opinions are my own.
For more of my reviews go to Heavenly High Seas Books
https://heavenlyhighseasbooks.blogspo...
May 31, 2009
As a kid in the 1960s I looked forward to getting new horse books by Maruerite Henry for birthday or other special occasions. I was a horse fanatic. Someday I hope to go to a horse show to see these horses.
September 21, 2025
For a 'horse story' this book influenced my life in profound ways I did not realize until the hindsight of over a half-century of living it made those marks far more visible. This story, along with many others by the same author was part of my grade-school library's collection, where I gobbled them up because like many young girls I loved horses. Something about this one, though...it was more special. It stayed with me, because it involved a dream. The idea of wanting to have something very badly that wasn't available, that was beyond reach, that was not meant for the likes of me.
I could not know at that time that I was a very intelligent but also autistic child; they did not know what that looked like back than or understand that girls even could have autism. So I stumbled through life with an assortment of successes and difficulties, always on the margins of fitting in. Horses were a small part of my life but I remembered this book, always. And I dreamed of going to Vienna one day to see these horses even though I lived on the west coast USA and did not come from a family of particular means. I wondered about the beautiful dressage riding described in this book, and tried to save money for some lessons. It is difficult and something to start early in life...like Hans I realized it is for the wealthy people. Still though, I felt so curious. I had some music lessons, and I did go to college...so I learned to speak German and began following in Hans Haupt's footsteps. Making my way eventually to Vienna, seeing the Hofburg for the first time (but no horses because it was summer). I would return. I am nearly sixty now. I am writing this while in Vienna, and this morning I saw a performance at the Spanish Riding School from a seat in what would have been the imperial box.
Many days ago I visited the Piber Stud Farm, to see where the horses are born just like the character made his way to Styria so long ago.
I was astonished to read another reviewer state that they found the character of Hans Haupt flat and unrelatable...to me the idea of a boy with a single-minded dream that he never sets aside in pursuit of some kind of artistic perfection (which most other people cannot really understand and in fact think he is a bit bonkers on account of) is the most relatable thing in the world. Why else do I keep wanting to see these horses? I am not naive; the School is facing difficult financial problems and everything is not roses. The long tradition of their art is threatened and it is a candle I hope never goes out...but this book is worth so much. It still tells the story of something real, something that yet exists in the world. Moreover, Hans' dream is no longer one that is only for boys. Women now have a chance at reaching this same star, if they are willing to walk across so much stones and broken glass themselves. To me this book has always been about what can happen when people and horses work together to achieve the most, together. Something so beautiful results that it is a treasure beyond price. Doesn't the world need a lot more of that? Everyone should read it, and go to Vienna some day to the white riding hall where what Hans did in these pages still carries on.
Once in Vienna, though, a person discovers so much more than the Lipizzaners. The world is like this.
I could not know at that time that I was a very intelligent but also autistic child; they did not know what that looked like back than or understand that girls even could have autism. So I stumbled through life with an assortment of successes and difficulties, always on the margins of fitting in. Horses were a small part of my life but I remembered this book, always. And I dreamed of going to Vienna one day to see these horses even though I lived on the west coast USA and did not come from a family of particular means. I wondered about the beautiful dressage riding described in this book, and tried to save money for some lessons. It is difficult and something to start early in life...like Hans I realized it is for the wealthy people. Still though, I felt so curious. I had some music lessons, and I did go to college...so I learned to speak German and began following in Hans Haupt's footsteps. Making my way eventually to Vienna, seeing the Hofburg for the first time (but no horses because it was summer). I would return. I am nearly sixty now. I am writing this while in Vienna, and this morning I saw a performance at the Spanish Riding School from a seat in what would have been the imperial box.
Many days ago I visited the Piber Stud Farm, to see where the horses are born just like the character made his way to Styria so long ago.
I was astonished to read another reviewer state that they found the character of Hans Haupt flat and unrelatable...to me the idea of a boy with a single-minded dream that he never sets aside in pursuit of some kind of artistic perfection (which most other people cannot really understand and in fact think he is a bit bonkers on account of) is the most relatable thing in the world. Why else do I keep wanting to see these horses? I am not naive; the School is facing difficult financial problems and everything is not roses. The long tradition of their art is threatened and it is a candle I hope never goes out...but this book is worth so much. It still tells the story of something real, something that yet exists in the world. Moreover, Hans' dream is no longer one that is only for boys. Women now have a chance at reaching this same star, if they are willing to walk across so much stones and broken glass themselves. To me this book has always been about what can happen when people and horses work together to achieve the most, together. Something so beautiful results that it is a treasure beyond price. Doesn't the world need a lot more of that? Everyone should read it, and go to Vienna some day to the white riding hall where what Hans did in these pages still carries on.
Once in Vienna, though, a person discovers so much more than the Lipizzaners. The world is like this.
October 25, 2023
PopSugar 2015 reading challenge #33
Hans is a baker boy living in Vienna, right near where the gorgeous Lipizzaner horses practice all of their amazing 'tricks' before performing before vast audiences. Hans gets it in his head that he wants to work as a trainer/rider at the Spanish Riding School but... everyone else has doubts.
Initially, Hans is working with his horse Rosy, who is a cart horse. She helps deliver bread. Hans starts trying to train her to do basic, yet interesting things to better herself as a cart horse. This gets the attention of others. Eventually, Hans does make it to the Riding School and he does get to work with the famous white stallion. Maestoso Borina (out of the Piber Stud Farm, 24 years old, well-trained, etc.).
It is an interesting juxtaposition of horses. Rosy is a beast of burden, used for work, even though others note that she's about to be replaced with an automobile. She's old, and people are just waiting for her to die before replacing her. Sure, she has an 'ok' life but she lives nowhere near the luxury that touches the Lipizzaner group. Maestoso Borina has constant care, clean water, etc., and while he 'works' he's used more for entertaining others. Sure, he does train a lot, and a lot goes into getting him to be 'perfect' (which one may argue is sometimes arduous, despite the fact the trainers in this book make a big statement about not whipping horses... we know lots of trainers do in order to get the horses to do these things). That being said, the two horses live very different lives.
Then, Rosy dies. Since Hans is away at the riding school, he hears about it second hand in a letter in which the news is delivered as follows, "PS. Rosy died today. Mon pere will not buy automobil" (p. 170). Literally, barely discussed, briefly passed over, and so quickly replaced that it makes you wonder if anyone mourned the mare at all. Hans kind of does, I guess, but he's so far removed now that even he doesn't seem to have a true "moment of reflection" before just rushing off to do more Lipizzaner stuff.
Let's be honest, there are two very different horses living in two very different worlds in this book. And that's what I was focused on the most.
Is it a decent, respectable classic? Sure, of course it is, and it has some merits. There is a decent amount of research added to the story. There are a lot of great details about what Lipizzaner's do, of course, and that's all nice. But, of course, you do have to wonder about how horses are perceived -- some are entertainers, others are just cart ponies (and while they should hold the same value for the humans that have them, they just don't).
RIP Rosy.
Now, I'll add, pretty sure Rosy just died from old age. But still, the old gal deserved a little more fanfare in her passing.
Hans is a baker boy living in Vienna, right near where the gorgeous Lipizzaner horses practice all of their amazing 'tricks' before performing before vast audiences. Hans gets it in his head that he wants to work as a trainer/rider at the Spanish Riding School but... everyone else has doubts.
Initially, Hans is working with his horse Rosy, who is a cart horse. She helps deliver bread. Hans starts trying to train her to do basic, yet interesting things to better herself as a cart horse. This gets the attention of others. Eventually, Hans does make it to the Riding School and he does get to work with the famous white stallion. Maestoso Borina (out of the Piber Stud Farm, 24 years old, well-trained, etc.).
It is an interesting juxtaposition of horses. Rosy is a beast of burden, used for work, even though others note that she's about to be replaced with an automobile. She's old, and people are just waiting for her to die before replacing her. Sure, she has an 'ok' life but she lives nowhere near the luxury that touches the Lipizzaner group. Maestoso Borina has constant care, clean water, etc., and while he 'works' he's used more for entertaining others. Sure, he does train a lot, and a lot goes into getting him to be 'perfect' (which one may argue is sometimes arduous, despite the fact the trainers in this book make a big statement about not whipping horses... we know lots of trainers do in order to get the horses to do these things). That being said, the two horses live very different lives.
Then, Rosy dies. Since Hans is away at the riding school, he hears about it second hand in a letter in which the news is delivered as follows, "PS. Rosy died today. Mon pere will not buy automobil" (p. 170). Literally, barely discussed, briefly passed over, and so quickly replaced that it makes you wonder if anyone mourned the mare at all. Hans kind of does, I guess, but he's so far removed now that even he doesn't seem to have a true "moment of reflection" before just rushing off to do more Lipizzaner stuff.
Let's be honest, there are two very different horses living in two very different worlds in this book. And that's what I was focused on the most.
Is it a decent, respectable classic? Sure, of course it is, and it has some merits. There is a decent amount of research added to the story. There are a lot of great details about what Lipizzaner's do, of course, and that's all nice. But, of course, you do have to wonder about how horses are perceived -- some are entertainers, others are just cart ponies (and while they should hold the same value for the humans that have them, they just don't).
RIP Rosy.
Now, I'll add, pretty sure Rosy just died from old age. But still, the old gal deserved a little more fanfare in her passing.
July 9, 2025
3.5 stars
I had thought this might make a good read aloud with my young grandson, but he isn't ready for such an involved story, more print than pictures.
I enjoyed young Hans of Vienna's dream/quest to ride a Lipizzaner horse. I think it is a picture of the laser focus that some kids have: knowing what they want, sacrificing other pleasures, and working hard over a long period of time to achieve their goal.
My favorite character was Fräulein Morgen, a librarian at the National Library. She nurtured Han's dreams, taught him how to research a subject, and encouraged him as a person. We love librarians!
Quotes worth copying:
The man was patience itself. "Ach, Hans," he pleaded, "riding a Lipizzaner is like music. Music has a rhythm, a beat. You must adapt your rhythm to that of Borina's. You must enjoy it, like flying on a magic carpet. What must he think, Hans, when your arms and legs flap like a bird? Now then, try again, try to be with Borina through your seat bones."
"Ach, Hans ... all good growth is slow growth. Like a tree."
He bounds from the earth with the very exuberance of his spirits. — Xenophon
Every day Hans took Borina for longer or shorter walks in the outdoor arena. The Viennese word for these walks is spazieren. It implies a leisureliness, a contentment, impossible of translation. But Hans and Borina needed no interpreter. They strolled side by side, neither one uttering a sound for minutes at a time, and then perhaps only a sigh of attunement.
I had thought this might make a good read aloud with my young grandson, but he isn't ready for such an involved story, more print than pictures.
I enjoyed young Hans of Vienna's dream/quest to ride a Lipizzaner horse. I think it is a picture of the laser focus that some kids have: knowing what they want, sacrificing other pleasures, and working hard over a long period of time to achieve their goal.
My favorite character was Fräulein Morgen, a librarian at the National Library. She nurtured Han's dreams, taught him how to research a subject, and encouraged him as a person. We love librarians!
Quotes worth copying:
The man was patience itself. "Ach, Hans," he pleaded, "riding a Lipizzaner is like music. Music has a rhythm, a beat. You must adapt your rhythm to that of Borina's. You must enjoy it, like flying on a magic carpet. What must he think, Hans, when your arms and legs flap like a bird? Now then, try again, try to be with Borina through your seat bones."
"Ach, Hans ... all good growth is slow growth. Like a tree."
He bounds from the earth with the very exuberance of his spirits. — Xenophon
Every day Hans took Borina for longer or shorter walks in the outdoor arena. The Viennese word for these walks is spazieren. It implies a leisureliness, a contentment, impossible of translation. But Hans and Borina needed no interpreter. They strolled side by side, neither one uttering a sound for minutes at a time, and then perhaps only a sigh of attunement.
May 27, 2020
Hans is the son of a baker who loves horses and wants to be a rider for the Ballet of Lipizzaners. Being the son of a baker, his dream seems far out and unreachable. Every Sunday Hans hitches his own horse to the bakery wagon for deliveries and makes sure he is early to see the horses cross the road from their stables to the arena for their show. There is one who his horse seems to notice and Hans grows an affection for.
Since Hans is still in school he must wait until he finishes to attempt going after a spot in the riding school, but he spends his evening time after studies learning all he can about the Lipizzaners and their tricks. He is given the opportunity to go see a performance and his love for the art grows even more. While his parents do not discourage his dream completely, they are very realistic with Hans and what will likely be.
Follow Hans as he follows his dream and watch the growth of an ambitious young boy as he deals with life, loss and searching for his heart desire.
The children and I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I was completely surprised that I loved it as much as I did and even found myself tearing up as I read the end. There are so many points for discussion: doing what is right and necessary over what you want, dealing with loss and heartbreak, learning how to overcome disappointment, patience and maturity.
I absolutely recommend this book. I give it 5 stars as it is well written, very realistic and engaging. This is an excellent family read.
Since Hans is still in school he must wait until he finishes to attempt going after a spot in the riding school, but he spends his evening time after studies learning all he can about the Lipizzaners and their tricks. He is given the opportunity to go see a performance and his love for the art grows even more. While his parents do not discourage his dream completely, they are very realistic with Hans and what will likely be.
Follow Hans as he follows his dream and watch the growth of an ambitious young boy as he deals with life, loss and searching for his heart desire.
The children and I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I was completely surprised that I loved it as much as I did and even found myself tearing up as I read the end. There are so many points for discussion: doing what is right and necessary over what you want, dealing with loss and heartbreak, learning how to overcome disappointment, patience and maturity.
I absolutely recommend this book. I give it 5 stars as it is well written, very realistic and engaging. This is an excellent family read.
February 13, 2020
This was an interesting tale, well-written, lyrical, but probably most attractive to horse lovers. To someone like me who doesn't care about horses, the endless talk of horse maneuvers and technical jargon was annoying. However, I liked the story of the kid who works hard, is responsible, is friendly and eager, and has to learn from his mistakes. It started to become notable how everyone is unfailingly nice to him, so that felt a little unrealistic, but sometimes an optimistic, pleasant story is a nice change of pace. The story also is a little vague: the climax is when the horse finally does the maneuver he's been trying to train him on, for some reason (because the kid is "in tune with it" or something, it's all really vague) and then the story just stops after that. It was nice, but I think it would've meant a lot more to someone who cared about horses and was impressed by whether they can jump or not. Can't say it really struck me with the impact I think it was supposed to have. But anyways, it was a pleasant enough story.
April 23, 2022
As a child of the suburbs with no access to horses, Marguerite Henry’s books nourished me. I read and reread every book of hers in our library, looking for any insight into a world I knew I wanted to be a part of, but had no access to.
As a adult, and one who has now been riding for more than forty years, I found myself in Vienna, able to watch the training ride of the Lippizan stallions. A dressage rider myself, it was incredibly moving to watch the schooling. I found myself reaching for Henry’s work as a way to turn back the clock.
I haven’t read these childhood books in decades, but this one certainly held up. I complexly understand young Han’s obsession and desire to be a part of a world he could see, but which seemed to everyone but himself as out of reach.
Obviously well research, this book is well worth a reread if you are adult heading to see these marvelous horses and their special riders.
As a adult, and one who has now been riding for more than forty years, I found myself in Vienna, able to watch the training ride of the Lippizan stallions. A dressage rider myself, it was incredibly moving to watch the schooling. I found myself reaching for Henry’s work as a way to turn back the clock.
I haven’t read these childhood books in decades, but this one certainly held up. I complexly understand young Han’s obsession and desire to be a part of a world he could see, but which seemed to everyone but himself as out of reach.
Obviously well research, this book is well worth a reread if you are adult heading to see these marvelous horses and their special riders.
July 24, 2021
My 6yo: I really, really liked it! My favorite part was the end because it was nice, although it was a little sad that Borina died (in the epilogue).
The Mama: This is a story of a young boy who had a passion for the Lipizzaners and stopped at nothing to see his dream fulfilled. He worked and studied and and overcame myriads of challenges. In the end, we rejoice together in his and his horse's victory.
On a general note ... This is a chapter book rather than a picture book. The size makes it appear more like a "picture book," but it's not. Chapters take 5-10 minutes to read aloud and there's 25 of them. It's also a rather slow moving story, so that requires a bit greater attention span as well.
#passportaroundtheworld #europe
The Mama: This is a story of a young boy who had a passion for the Lipizzaners and stopped at nothing to see his dream fulfilled. He worked and studied and and overcame myriads of challenges. In the end, we rejoice together in his and his horse's victory.
On a general note ... This is a chapter book rather than a picture book. The size makes it appear more like a "picture book," but it's not. Chapters take 5-10 minutes to read aloud and there's 25 of them. It's also a rather slow moving story, so that requires a bit greater attention span as well.
#passportaroundtheworld #europe
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