Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Tempel Lipizzan Performances represents a storied chapter in American equestrian culture. Founded in 1958 by Tempel and Esther Smith at Tempel Farms in Old Mill Creek, IL, this troupe carried the tradition of the Lipizzan breed from Europe to the United States. Public performances began in the early 1980s, with first shows around 1982–1983, captivating audiences with precision, grace, and centuries-old horsemanship. Over the years, Tempel Lipizzans appeared at high-profile venues and events, including Presidential inaugurals and exhibitions at the White House and U.S. Capitol, helping to bring classical equestrian artistry to a broad audience. In 1997, the Austrian government awarded the Officers Cross (Grand Decoration of Honor for Services to Austria) to the Tempel family for their work preserving Austrian culture in the U.S. The program also participated in Arlington National Cemetery ceremonies in 1985 for the Unknown Soldier casket ceremony, underscoring the troupe’s role in national events. Public performances concluded in 2023, with a limited run of final shows and a transition plan for the horses. The Lipizzan Heritage Institute formed after the closure to continue education and preservation of Lipizzan heritage, resuming activities in 2024–2025. Social media presence includes an official Tempel Lipizzans Facebook page linked from Tempel Farms. For fans and historians, Tempel Lipizzan Performances remains a pivotal chapter in the story of Lipizzan artistry in America.