The Lipizzaner stallions, an Austrian breed of horse saved from probable oblivion by General George Patton during World War II, aren't your average horses. They aren't even average for show horses—the stallions specialize in extremely difficult maneuvers that involve jumping and balancing. Many of the maneuvers originated in cavalry battles—who knew ancient battlefields sometimes became horse ballets?

These unusual horses transform the Mullins Center into an equestrian spectacle this week.

Oct. 12, $19.50-26.50, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., Mullins Center, UMass-Amherst, (413) 545-0505.