Ghost Riders: When US and German Soldiers Fought Together to Save the World's Most Beautiful Horses in the Last Days of World War II

by Mark Felton

It is April 1945 and the world's most prized horses are about to be slaughtered . . .

As the Red Army closes in on the Third Reich, a German colonel sends an American intelligence officer an unusual report about a POW camp soon to be overrun by the Soviets. Locked up, the report says, are over a thousand horses, including the entire herd of white Lipizzaner's from Vienna's Spanish Riding School, as well as Europe's finest Arabian stallions -- stolen to create an equine "master race." The horses are worth millions and, if the starving Red Army reaches the stables first, they will kill the horses for rations. The Americans, under the command of General George Patton, whose love of horses was legendary, decide to help the Germans save the majestic creatures.

So begins "Operation Cowboy," as GIs join forces with surrendered German soldiers and liberated prisoners of war to save the world's finest horses from fanatical SS soldiers and the ruthless Red Army in an extraordinary battle during the last few days of the war in Europe. This is an epic untold story from the waning days of World War II.

Drawing from newly unearthed archival material, family archives held by descendants of the participants, and interviews with many of the participants published throughout the years, Ghost Riders is the definitive account of this truly unprecedented and moving story of kindness and compassion at the close of humanity's darkest hour.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, World War II, Animals, Germany, Military History, Horses

304 pages, Hardcover

First published July 5, 2018

About the author

British military historian and author. For more information visit www.markfelton.co.uk

Reviews

[Carolyn Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audio book was well read and I really enjoyed the story of rescuing horses at the end of World War 2. I had never heard of this happening during the war. It was good to read of the problems and how they were saved ,with co -operation, from sure ruin - if not death. Now Austria finally has their wonderful horses back at home where their riding school continues to raise and train the horses and riders who perform “Airs Above the Ground”.

[Liz V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Stewart's charming Airs Above the Ground touches on the dicey fate of the Lipazzaners as the war's end nears and, if I recall correctly, the film Patton has a scene in which Patton observes a performance of the stallions after rescue of the stud.

The Nazis' insane quest for perfection included a genetically perfect horse, to which end all occupied countries were scoured for prize horses, which were shipped to a stud farm in then Czechoslovokia. As the Soviet Army sweeps West, it's clear that the horses will be killed for rations and the Germans captured or killed. Some Germans, therefore, contact forward scouts of Patton's Army to suggest surrender.

With many a wink and nod, the rescue mission goes forward. There is, however, much more to the story than the quixotic gesture of horse loving calvary of two armies.

At stake are a trove of German intelligence records, which, in fact, the scouts have been tasked with saving, and American and other POWs, whose fate should they fall into the hands of the Soviets is unguessable.

[Flewts · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as my own personal enjoyment is concerned, maybe 3 stars would be more accurate. But the book is well-written and carefully researched, and for the right reader, it would be perfect. It tells the story of the collapse of the German-controlled Sudetenland section of Czechoslovakia as the Russians approached from the East. The famed lipizzaner horses were stabled there, and the concern was that they would be lost if the Russians arrived before the American could rescue them. So this book tells in detail the military strategies that were carried out, and how both the Americans and the Germans cooperated to save the horses.

Lovers of military history will very much enjoy this book, which is well written and flows nicely. Less militarily inclined readers will probably find themselves skimming much of this book, as I did... I admit it!

[Vic Lauterbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a rare uplifting story from the final days of fighting in Europe. Because of a few courageous men who loved horses, an important piece of Austrian culture was saved. Although concern for animals amidst human misery on such a vast scale seems incongruous, compassion in all its forms is what heals the wounds of war. My only quibble with the narrative is some pardonable exaggeration of the military threat to the G.I.s in Hostau. Although Mr. Felton cites Mattson's history of SS-Panzerdivision 2, the (admittedly fragmentary) German primary sources provide no evidence of a coordinated attack. The G.I.s certainly believed the threat was real as the 'fog of war' hid reality from them. That's a very minor flaw, and this otherwise well-researched book tells the dramatic story of a rescue mission while providing glimpses of the conflict in Central Europe that followed VE Day which has been mostly ignored in Western histories. The terrible forces unleashed by the collapse of the Third Reich fueled years of vengeful ethnic cleansing that finished the destruction of Old Europe begun by Fascism and National Socialism. Mr. Felton's narrative does a good job of placing the rescue of the Lipizzaner horses in the context of a Czechoslovakian 'liberation' that was rapidly deteriorating into a conflict between mostly Communist partisans, their Soviet supporters, remnants of Hacha's collaborationist government, and Benes' pre-war coalition government now returning from exile in Britain. The U.S. was woefully unprepared for and ultimately unwilling to stop this complex political-military struggle. The resulting human tragedy completed the ethnic destruction begun by the war and created a new Czechoslovakia that substituted Soviet hegemony for Nazi tyranny but ultimately proved just as fragile as its predecessor.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having just re-read Mary Stewart's book Airs above the ground last month do you really think I could by-pass a book in the new non-fiction section of the library dealing with the actual rescue of the Lipizzaner horses of the Spanish Riding School at the close of World War II? Of course not! And it is well worth reading, an interesting account of enemy soldiers (German and American) working together to preserve a unique heritage from the advancing Soviet army in Czechoslovakia.

[Charlotte Tressler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The work of nonfiction reads like a novel, keeping me turning pages into the night even though I already know the mission to save the Lipizzaners was ultimately successful. Great details on the characters involved in the rescue. It's well worth reading.

[Gretchen Lida · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review in the Link! http://www.washingtonindependentrevie...

[Christopher Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great true war story

I enjoy Marks youtube channel so I gave this a go. I love true war stories and horses so this was great. I found the book to be exciting and informative. Anybody with an interest in the second world War should read this.

[Susan Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A detailed look at the rescue of the horses the German's had moved to Hostau for Rau's breeding experiment, including the Lippizaner mares and stallions from Austria, along with some from Italy and Yugoslavia as well as the top horses from other breeds that Rau selected for his experiment to breed a super war horse.
A German intelligence officer who loved the horses went to Colonel Reed's headquarters to tell him of the presence of the horses at Hostau. He wanted the Americans to rescue them, because if the Soviets got hold of them they would probably be slaughtered for food. The Soviets had been doing that to other stud farms and any horses they managed to capture. If they didn't slaughter them, they used them up in harness to drag equipment. They had no feeling for the horses. The Soviets were also killing Allied prisoners of war. Colonel Podhajskey was frantic about the mares as well as the few stallions that had been left with him in Vienna. He finally got those out of Vienna, but had no knowledge of the status of the mares in Hostau. It was the end days of the war, with the Soviets and Americans closing in. German desertions had been greatly increasing and there were masses of refugees fleeing the Soviets for the American lines. And all these people were hungry and a lot had their eyes on the horses.
Sperling managed to convince the Americans that the horses were doomed unless they rescued them. Reed contacted Patton, who said to rescue them immediately. So Operation Cowboy began.
There is a lot of detail about the event, which makes it quite interesting. An amazing episode, because only one platoon held Hostau until the horses could be evacuated. The evacuation was complicated by the fact that many of the mares were due to foal and many had just foaled. There were over five hundred horses rescued and evacuated, including the Lippizaners.

[Monty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating tale of the rescue of nearly 560 thoroughbred horses from the cooking fires of the Red Army in the spring of 1945. A small cavalry detachment of George S. Patton's 3rd Army have crossed the Czech border to learn that a riding academy containing almost 250 Lippizzaner stallions, 64 Arabians, 144 Kabardiners, 75 Don horses and 59 Polish Panje horses were held in stables about to be overrun by Russian troops who are not very choosy about where there protein comes from. There are also Allied POWs at stake, which makes the rescue more attractive to the high command. Patton did not need much persuading, being the famed horse enthusiast that he was. This is an exciting tale of intelligence, sympathy, and courage with an episode where American and German troops fight side-by-side to fend off some fanatical Waffen-SS and some misguided Soviet resistance fighters. The result--the rescue of a world-renowned riding academy with most of the horses intact. Oh, and by the way, many of the mares were ready to foal at the time of the rescue. This is a caper tale that reads like a novel, with twists and turns and even an exciting cavalry ride at the finish.

[gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing this wonderfully written account of a momentous feat carried out at the end of WW2 brought a tear to my eye. Men from different sides coming together to help save and preserve the lipazzaner stallions and mares from the Spanish riding school is certainly a story worth being told. The author has done some amount of research to bring this together and I certainly could not put it down. Loved the fact that he managed to locate and use photos at the end allowing the reader to put faces to some of the brave men who help in operation cowboy.

[Phil Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Miracle of the White Stallions as a kid, so a good history of Operation Cowboy immediately attracted my attention. The book is an easy read and informative. I enjoyed the way Mark wove the known conversations into the telling. It added humanity to many of the characters.

There were a couple of places where I could nitpick with trivial details, but they in no way detract from the take being woven.

I
A good read on an interesting subject.

[Bassaidai88 · Rating 4 out of 5]

For people who like WWII stories, this is a good one! The research and story line have so much detail that it brings you into the stables such that you can almost smell the horses. What would have made this book just that much better are maps of the areas under discussion as I've seen incorporated into other WWII books. That way it would have been easier to understand the logistics of things. The author is interesting enough that I'm motivated read their other works.

[Kristine Mika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book very much, but it was uneven and, I think, depth which robbed the story of its drama, tension and eventual release with the saving of the Lipizzaner through the collaboration of the Germans and the Americans at the end of WWII. I really enjoyed the last two chapters and the epilogue of what happened to the rescuers. That was a nice touch. A map might have helped. I am glad I learned of this piece of history both from a person who loves horses and who loves history.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An overview of the operation to “rescue” the lippizaner stallions from the possible depredations of the red army during World War Two. It is well researched and thorough, but, oddly, felt lacking in the area of horse focus. I wanted more on the horses, their history, their daily lives and experiences, as it related to the rescue. Still, an interesting read

[Anne Patkau · Rating 4 out of 5]

No ghosts. Two Ghost nicknames float around for GIs. One is for tank with quieter engine that can surprise enemy. But officer reported "inadequate" for weak armor and guns, could not protect men. Other "ghosts" are scouts that sneak ahead.

Ever wonder what happens after the last page? Follow up for General is tragic. Everyone says the horses are most important. One reason I could not distinguish between two *ovoskys. One ends fine, other not-so. General's life ends short and hard. Major Ouch.

Chapters end in cliffhangers like. enemy gun his belly. Considering first chapters are all: He called for meetings, looked at maps, dropped stubby fingers here there, ordered these groups here, those there, Repeat. Definite improvement.

52: 5 10 11 12 20 24 25 26 33 37 40 based on real, photos in center, two continents, bilingual, chapters have titles, rural area
#20 p 39 "white gold of Vienna" "ch 4 Title White Gold" p 49

[M.J. Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as part of my research for my next book which focuses on one of the horses that were kidnapped by the Nazis and rescued by the Americans. I found so much information and couldn't have written "The Stallion and His Peculiar Boy" without it! It is well-written and reads more like a novel than a non-fiction book. I loved it.

[ANNA · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love horses, you need to read this! This incredible story is more involved than I had imagined. The number of people, the risks they took, the bravery and courage. It is astonishing. Bravo to all who helped make this rescue possible. This audiobook is narrated by Alex Hyde-White and he does a wonderful job.

[Curmudgeon66]

Interesting book, many more details than I expected. Well written providing good background on the situation which caused this unusual alliance to occur near the end of WWII.

Only problem with "reading" an audio book, is that I could not figure out spelling of place names, which made it hard to find some of the places on google-maps.

[Bill Eubanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extraordinary adventure in the closing days and chaos of WWII. Remarkable in its storytelling of soldiers at war with each other making the decision to work together for the rescue of a part of Austrian culture. Humanity at its best at a time of brutality and mayhem - a glimpse into dignity and honor.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The actual saving of the horses was pretty interesting, but I am not that big on all the guns & the different military units or all the places they went. I am sure that to most people all of that would've been good - I mainly liked it when they actually got to the rescue.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story about moving the Lipizzaner’s at the end of WWII from Czechoslovakia to Germany before the Red Army reaches the horses. I wish the author had of included a map of all the places he talked about. Sometimes the story seemed to drag.

[Cathy Sites · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I learned several things about WWII in this book, including more about Patton and the many service men involved in this operation, I simply didn't enjoy the military-grade style of writing that made it more of a set of operating procedures and less of a book.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In depth look at what it took to save the famous Lippizaner horses. I'm fascinated by the subject, so I enjoyed it, but it can get a bit too long for some. The author did a lot of research and has every back and forth between the Germans and Americans in the negotiations for saving the horses.

[Irena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dávám knize tři hvězdy...
Ne, že by byla špatná, to není, ale mě prostě zas tak moc nebavila...
Ale je dobrý si přečíst taky něco jiného z období 2 světové války, než ty beletrie o všelijakých hrdinech a hrdinkách...

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies in war but collaborated selflessly to save the renowned Lippizaner horses with centuries of unadulterated DNA. Such an inspiring and heart-warming endeavour amidst all that destruction and death.

[David Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent account of how the US Army saved the irreplaceable cultural heritage of the Lipizzaner horses in the closing days of the war.

[Phyllis Wiley]

A little more military history that I thought and not enough about the horses themselves

[Letitia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent book on the history of the Lippizanner horses and the coordination that was required to save them during World War II.

[Debbie Bauler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great insight into the problems and personalities dealing with the rescue of the horses during World War II. It is a must read after reading The Perfect Horse.