In Memoriam
Siglavy Mantua I
(1979-2008)
Last Saturday (August 16, 2008), the world famous Lipizzaner stallion Siglavy Mantua I died in his old-age home in the Federal Stud of Piber (Austria) at the age of 29. For more than 24 years he was the stabled in the Spanish Ridingschool in Vienna, and became under his rider, 1 st Oberbereiter Klaus Krzisch the icon of this century old riding institution.
For more than 15 years he was the star of the Spanish Ridingschool during all performances. For many years in the "Quadrille" and "All Movements". With his long, silver haired manes he really was an eye-catcher from the beginning.
But Siglavy Mantua I became really famous in the solo-performances with Mr Krzisch, in the classical exercises "Auf blanker Kandare" (only ridden on weymouth with one hand). Not only in Vienna, but really around the world. Perfectionism, classical lightness and elegance were their trademark.
And the most amazing part: he performed on the highest level up till the age of 27!
During his long career in the SRS, he was always ridden by Klaus Krzisch. When the young stallion arrived in Vienna in the winter of 1982-1983, he was immediately assigned to him. It must be said: in his youth, Siglavy Mantua was not quite a beauty. He was tight in the chest and long in the back. And also his neck was not ideal in its position. His movements and strength in the hindquarters were only average. But the consequent training in the classical way, and the skills of Mr Krzisch paid off: the ugly duck really became a swan! His best qualification however was his character. Just like all other sons of Siglavy Plutona, he was very friendly, balanced and willing to work. The dedication to his rider was immense. He was sensitive, but not hyper.
His official farewell as a performing stallion was the US-Tour 2005. But after coming home in Vienna, he appeared to be so fit, that it would be a pity to send him in retirement. So he remained in Vienna till 2007. In the meantime he could be seen during the morning exercises, and sometimes still in performances. He was the old professor to the young assistant rider Mr Schreiner, and took him in his first Quadrilles.
In March 2007 he was really send into retirement. Since then he enjoyed a quiet life in the Federal Stud of Piber. And here his last duty called: to serve the future of the Lipizzaner breed. In 2007 he was used (again) as a breeding stallion. Although his offspring of 2001 appeared not to be really satisfactory in exterior and movements, his mental and physical skills were reason enough to try again. The result can be seen this year: he left some elegant foals!
Also for the breeding season 2008 his efforts were scheduled. Unfortunately his fertility and health appeared to be decreasing already. His half brother Siglavy Palma had to take over his duties in the stud.
Last Saturday his conditions turned bad. Since some time he had some "Kreislauf" problems (how to translate that in English…? - Let’s say "circulation problems": blood-oxygen-digestion). In good cooperation between Dr. Max Dobretsberger (stud manager), Mr. Ernst Bachinger (leader of the SRS) and Mr Kzrisch, the final decision was made…
In the Spanish Ridingschool, in Piber, but also around the world his fame will survive for ever. Hopefully his son Siglavy Malina II (2002) will turn out to be his prominent successor in the Hofburg.
Atjan Hop
Siglavy Mantua I & Dr. Max Dobretsberger - Piber, 2007 (Foto: Langhammer)
Sofia-95 (S.Mantua I x 86 Biserka) - Piber 2002 {Kirsch-Lipizzaner, Germany}
