Spanish Riding School question

I also wanted to add that I was reading Rick's guidebook on Vienna and he says it's often possible to get standing room tickets but I am wondering whether this might be very difficult over Christmas when Vienna will be packed with tourists. Has anyone tried to get standing room tickets over the Christmas holidays?

Has anyone tried to get standing room tickets over the Christmas holidays?

You can buy standing room tickets online as any other kind of ticket (already now for Christmas).
https://www.oeticket.com/en/artist/spanische-hofreitschule/vorfuehrungen-spanische-hofreitschule-2024-3528355/?affiliate=H52

Last year I saw both the schooling session and the performance. I did not go on a tour but booked center row lower tier seats for both (equivalent to dressage letter “C”.) If you are not horse people and don’t understand dressage schooling/training, you will probably find the schooling session boring, especially the low level youngsters. In that case you will probably find the tour more interesting.

If you are not a horse person, give the exercises a miss. It was sooooo boring. I mean I just watched three horses go around in a circle for about an hour.

Thank you all for your feedback. We will definitely skip the morning exercises.

Wtm1, I clicked on the link you provided (thank you) and I'm not sure which tickets are the standing room tickets but I assume they are the Stehplatz KAT 10 tickets, as they sell for 35 euros (the cheapest option available).

That said, they do state the following:
"Seating or standing room depending on availability
In the price category indicated, seats are generally offered (but not guaranteed). Standing room tickets may also be sent for the same price. Unfortunately, we cannot fulfill a specific request regarding standing or seating in this context. It is not possible to exchange the tickets delivered at a later date."

Would you suggest that we purchase the 35 euro tickets through their website despite the disclaimer? Their explanation is a little confusing to me as I would think either the standing room tickets are available or not.

Also, has anyone ever bought standing room tickets? Is the view decent or are you vying with other people to try to get a good view of the stallions?

That’s the difference Emily. You see a horse go around in a circle. I watch if the horse is on the bit, stays on the bit though long and low, bends through the body, changed the bend when the direction changes, responsive to the rider’s aids and more. This is just basic dressage and the stepping stones to the higher levels.

Everyone has her own interests. Watching dressage, except at the highest levels, can feel like watching grass grow. I feel that way about golf.

Would you suggest that we purchase the 35 euro tickets through their website despite the disclaimer?

Certainly. If you have purchased a ticket you are entitled to watch the show.

Thank you for your response.

On a separate but related note, has anyone done the guided tour? If so, how was it?

It sounds like you have already made your decision not to go to the training exercises, but I will second Emily's thoughts on it. I am not a horse person (despite growing up in central Kentucky). I was miserably bored at the training session.

I'm a horseperson wanna-be, so when I was in Vienna I attended a performance, the training, and a tour. To answer your question, the tour will be interesting but be aware that photography was not allowed during a good portion of the tour. I have snaps of the tack room and a courtyard with stallions poking their heads over their stall doors. The guide will explain about the training of both horses and riders. I was in heaven.

Thank you all for your input. We've purchased the standing room tickets so we will see how that goes.