HOK Talks with 
Karl Mikolka
by Lelia Smith

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Karl Mikolka:
"I have devoted the past thirty years to the preservation of Classical Horsemanship in word and deed through training, teaching, judging, coaching and publishing,"

Photos used with permission from the Karl Mikolka archives. To see and learn more about Mr. Mikolka, visit www.karlmikolka.com

Issue 4, 2003

HOK Talks with Karl Mikolka
by Lelia Smith

Continued from page 3

Ignaz Lauscha:

Ignaz Lauscha was a controversial figure and the late Col. Podhajsky was not in approval of his hunchbacklike position on horseback. Because of that, it took Ignaz twice as long to be promoted than any other rider during my time. Chief Rider Lauscha was an expert in work-in-hand and airs above the ground. When Siglavy Bresoviza, our last Courbette horse trained by Chief Rider Polak was retired, Lauscha provided most, if not all Air Horses from Capriole to Levade and Courbette, producing quite a few impressive jumpers. It was on Lauscha's horses that I was introduced to the airs: Conversano Montebella and Siglavy Morella - the Courbette, Neapolitano Brezia - the Levade and Conversano Valdamore - the Capriole.

Mikolka has embraced the ideals of these past teachers and uses them today. After his 14 years at the Spanish Riding School, Mikolka accepted a four year assignment in Brazil to establish a nucleus of Dressage in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Then, in 1972, he realized a boyhood dream and came to America and made it his home. At the invitation of Mr. Tempel Smith in 1980, Mikolka joined Tempel Farm Lipizzans in Chicago, and for six years, he shared Smith's vision of establishing an American Spanish Riding School. However, after the passing of Mr. Smith, Mikolka went on to pursue his own independent endeavors. Today, Mikolka conducts numerous dressage clinics throughout the country. "I have devoted the past thirty years to the preservation of Classical Horsemanship in word and deed through training, teaching, judging, coaching and publishing," he states.

Conversano Belvedera circa 1985 at Tempel Farms in Wadsworth Illinois.

Continued on page 5

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