Some 80 horses will show their skills from Friday through Sunday, when the competition will close with the prestigious World Cup Dressage Qualifier.

"Lipica Stud Farm is well-known for its...warm hospitality and professional approach. This is why [it] has been hosting international dressage competitions since 1974," acting general director Boštjan Bizjak said ahead of the event.

Riders from Austria, Bulgaria, Taiwan, France, Great Britain, Estonia, Russia and many other countries are expected to compete. Slovenia will be represented by Polona Kalan and her horse Elton.

Kobilarna Lipica, which operates the farm, recently announced a EUR 5.6m investment into renovation of the farm, which this year celebrates its 435th anniversary.

Home to the world-famous Lipizzaner white horses, the farm will get 85% of the funds needed from the EU, while the state will chip in the rest.

"It is the biggest renovation project in the last 25 years as well as the biggest investment in a European national stud farm," Bizjak pointed out.