White stallions to mark 50th year of performances

The dancing white Tempel Lipizzan stallions will celebrate 50 years in America as they begin their summer performance season Wednesday.

The performances take place at Tempel Farms, the only place in the United States where the rare Lipizzan horses are bred, trained and perform on the same property. Now, visitors come from around the world can come to see the Lipizzan horse ballets. Here are some interesting facts and figures:

The Tempel Lipizzans began in 1958 when the late Tempel and Esther Smith imported 20 Lipizzans from the Austrian stud farm in Piber and started the largest privately owned herd of Lipizzans in the world. The Tempel Lipizzans originally performed at private functions and charitable events.

Over the past 50 years, nearly 900 Lipizzan horses have been born at Tempel Farms. About 80 of the rare horses now reside on the property.

Performances will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays and 1 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 31.

Tempel Farms, 17000 Wadsworth Road, Old Mill Creek, recently was selected as the site for equestrian events in Chicago's 2016 Olympics bid.

Among highlights of the performance are Pegasus-like leaps and lifts known as Airs Above the Ground. These moves originally were used as medieval battle maneuvers.

Tickets, which are available at the gate, cost $18 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and $10 for children ages 4 to 14. Veterans and active military personal with identification receive half price admission.

For information, call (847) 623-7272 or visit the Web site www.tempelfarms.com.