Divaca, Slovenia

July 20- Day 20

We had a huge treat today, mostly for Miranda and I. We found out that the stables for the very famous Lipizzaner horses was right here in Slovenia. We told Miranda on the way that we would be seeing them and she was pumped. I was excited to be able to see them also. We had the lady from the tourist info desk reserve a pension (B&B) in the town od Divaca which is 5 minutes away from Lipca. Lipca is where the Lippizaners live. We arrived a bit late as we took the wrong train and had to wait an hour at the next stop to catch the right one and by 2:20 or so we finally dropped our packs in the room. The owner of our pension offered to drive us to Lipca and return 3 hours later to pick us up (for free!). So we of course said sure and off we went.
We took the $30 tour and our tour guide told us all about the history of the horses which have been here since 1580. The farm is home to 400 horses and all the official bredding papers. The Sud farm in one of the most attractive cultural and historical sites in the republis oc Slovenia. After WW ll, Lipca developed its own classical ridding school and show the horses all over the world. The farm is in a picturesque valley surrounded by century old Linden and oak trees.
We loved to stand and admire the different colors and sizes of all the horses we were shown. We were brought into the best stud barn where we got to pet the oldest of their studs who was 24 years old. He was a beautiful specimin even in his old age. He looked at us with eyes full of wisdom and patience as we took picture after picture trying to get the perfect shot.
As we were about to leave they brought back all the mothers and fouls from pasture. They passed by us and we longed to be able to get closer but were separated by a fence so we had to zoom in for a couple of good shots for the photo album.
We feel grateful to have been able to see such wonderful things in the last few weeks. I am so glad we got to do something that was so good for Miranda’s soul (and mine).