Archduke Charles II imported some Andalusian horses in 1580 from the Spanish arm of the family to create a mixed breed capable of working in combat. They were bred with other horses at a stud farm in Slovenia at Lipica (Lipizza), and so began the origins of the Lipizzan breed. Foals are typically born black and mature into a white horse. Quick thinking by General George Patton in WWII during the liberation saved the breed from extinction. The horses perform an equine ballet that represents complex manoeuvres in battle with leaps, turns and dressage elements. The gala performances are held in the indoor arena, which can hold up to 10,000 people. Tickets are always in high demand and need to be ordered well in advance. The morning training sessions are the easiest way to see the horses strut their stuff, 10am-12pm Tues-Sat. Tickets can only be bought on the day at the door (€11.50). Performance tickets range in price from €35-105 for seats or €24-28 for standing and can be booked via the internet. Entry to the museum is €5 or there is a combined training and museum for €14.50. Season runs March-June and Sept-December.