NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of The Eighty-Dollar Champion, the remarkable story of the heroic rescue of priceless horses in the closing days of World War IIWINNER OF THE PEN AWARD FOR RESEARCH NONFICTION In the chaotic last days of the war, a small troop of battle-weary American soldiers captures a German spy and makes an astonishing find—his briefcase is empty but for photos of … find—his briefcase is empty but for photos of beautiful white horses that have been stolen and kept on a secret farm behind enemy lines. Hitler has stockpiled the world’s finest purebreds in order to breed the perfect military machine—an equine master race. But with the starving Russian army closing in, the animals are in imminent danger of being slaughtered for food.
With only hours to spare, one of the U.S. Army’s last great cavalrymen, Colonel Hank Reed, makes a bold decision—with General George Patton’s blessing—to mount a covert rescue operation. Racing against time, Reed’s small but determined force of soldiers, aided by several turncoat Germans, steals across enemy lines in a last-ditch effort to save the horses.
Pulling together this multistranded story, Elizabeth Letts introduces us to an unforgettable cast of characters: Alois Podhajsky, director of the famed Spanish Riding School of Vienna, a former Olympic medalist who is forced to flee the bomb-ravaged Austrian capital with his entire stable in tow; Gustav Rau, Hitler’s imperious chief of horse breeding, a proponent of eugenics who dreams of genetically engineering the perfect warhorse for Germany; and Tom Stewart, a senator’s son who makes a daring moonlight ride on a white stallion to secure the farm’s surrender.
A compelling account for animal lovers and World War II buffs alike, The Perfect Horse tells for the first time the full story of these events. Elizabeth Letts’s exhilarating tale of behind-enemy-lines adventure, courage, and sacrifice brings to life one of the most inspiring chapters in the annals of human valor.
Praise for The Perfect Horse
“Winningly readable . . . Letts captures both the personalities and the stakes of this daring mission with such a sharp ear for drama that the whole second half of the book reads like a WWII thriller dreamed up by Alan Furst or Len Deighton. . . . The right director could make a Hollywood classic out of this fairy tale.”—The Christian Science Monitor
“Letts, a lifelong equestrienne, eloquently brings together the many facets of this unlikely, poignant story underscoring the love and respect of man for horses.”—Kirkus Reviews
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This is the story of the rescue of the Lippizzan Horses from the Nazis and Russians at the end of the war. It is a true story of the real heroes involved and not quite as depicted by the sensationalized news of the era or the Dizney movie. Any one interested in real history or in horses will find it a worthwhile read.
This was such a well researched book on the Austrian horses. Very heroic & sad. You don’t have to be a horse lover to like this book.
I had heard of the rescue of the Lippazaners at the end of WWII. I was not aware of the backstory. This was a wonderful book. Also, it told of the other horses that were rescued.
Very interesting about the efforts to save the Royal horses of the Spanish Riding School.
This book was a recommendation from my book club. It was hard to read because of the subject matter. I enjoyed reading about the historical events. Because of the war background this book could be read by both men and women.
Wonderful story about a rescue of a breed of horses with historical significance.
I found this book to be educational, eye opening,focused, and memorable.
Another of the great WWII stories just now coming to light. A reminder of the heroes of that time, who gave so much for the people in Europe
If you like a good storyline and love horses, you’ll like this book!
Well written and a true story about the horses in Austria and their fight for survival.
Fantastic true story.
Darn! I read so many books I can’t remember the details of this one. I only remember loving it and wanting to share it with my horse friends.
Definitely worth reading.
Very good book. I did not know all of this went on.
I love this author’s books about horses. I knew this true story having seen the 1960’s movie about the Lippizzaner and having seen this wonderful horses in action during a trip to Vienna. If you care about WWII history, about horses and about compassionate people, you will enjoy this book immensely.
Wonderful coverage of Germany and the riding academy going into the war years and after. Great research by the author to let us know what happened to the horses woth Patton’s involvement and many of the horses coming to America. Sadly they would never replace the American Quarter Horse in the eyes of the American Cowboy!
I loved the history about the horses and the heroes involved from different countries who were willing to come together to save these horses, especially a tome.when there was so much hatred and fear. The book reminds me that we are all human beings and that wars and racism can be devastating.
Interesting to learn about these men and horses, but too much detail for me.
Terrific book. I very much appreciated the author including the marvelous horses as true characters in the book alongside the humans. The story is truly amazing and so well told. We have seen the Lippanzaners in Vienna. It will be a highlight of our many travels. They are magnificent and well deserved this fine book about them.
I have read other accounts of the rescue of the Lippizaner horses, but this one is historically accurate and very much makes you care about the US soldiers who took such risks in the midst of a war. The love for these horses shines through the story at every turn. I believe any horse lover or history buff would enjoy this well-written, well-researched book. Hint, hint: this would make a great movie in the right hands.
Gives great background of WW2 and shows that people with different beliefs can work together for the sake of animals.