Does 'Airs Above The Ground' Feature Any Famous Horse Breeds?

I recently dove into 'Airs Above the Ground' and was thrilled by its horse-centric focus. The novel prominently features the majestic Lipizzaner stallions, known for their incredible dressage skills and historical ties to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. These horses aren't just background props; they're integral to the plot, showcasing their famous 'airs above the ground' leaps like the levade and capriole during crucial scenes. The author vividly describes their snowy white coats and how they seem to dance mid-air, making them feel almost mythical. There's also a brief but memorable appearance of an Andalusian, another breed famed for its elegance and agility. The way these breeds are woven into the story adds layers of authenticity and grandeur, especially during the circus performances.

As someone who's obsessed with equine literature, 'Airs Above the Ground' stood out for its meticulous portrayal of elite horse breeds. The Lipizzaners steal the show with their Baroque-era heritage and breathtaking movements, but what surprised me was the inclusion of lesser-known breeds like the Frederiksborg, a Danish horse with a golden coat and a knack for high-stepping trots. The novel doesn't just name-drop breeds; it explores their temperaments. The Lipizzaners are depicted as intelligent but stubborn, requiring skilled handlers—traits that mirror real-life training challenges at the Spanish Riding School.

The circus setting amplifies the drama around these horses. One scene describes a Lipizzaner performing a courbette (a leap where the horse kicks out its hind legs) to evade danger, blending athleticism with plot tension. The Andalusian appears during a midnight escape sequence, its smooth gallop contrasting with the Lipizzaners' precision. The book even hints at the political symbolism of these breeds, tying their preservation to post-war European identity. For readers craving more, I'd suggest 'The Horse Whisperer' for another deep dive into equine-human bonds, though it focuses on American ranch horses rather than classical breeds.

What makes 'Airs Above the Ground' special is how it turns horse breeds into characters. The Lipizzaners aren't just animals; they're artists with personalities. One stallion, named Pluto, refuses to perform unless his favorite groom is present—a detail that mirrors real Lipizzaners' famed selectivity. The novel also highlights their training rituals, like how young Lipizzaners are born dark and gradually lighten to white, a transformation subtly tied to the protagonist's own journey.

Beyond the stars, there's a fiery Friesian that appears in a carnival scene, its black mane flowing like something out of a Gothic painting. The breed's rarity in classical riding circles makes its inclusion a neat easter egg for horse enthusiasts. The book's climax revolves around a Lipizzaner's ability to 'school'—a term for their highest-level dressage moves—which becomes a metaphor for overcoming chaos. If you enjoyed this, try 'National Velvet' for another story where horses defy expectations, though it's more about racing than dressage.