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The Perfect Horse: The Daring Rescue of Horses Kidnapped During World War II
In this inspiring young readers' adaptation of Elizabeth Letts's New York Times bestseller, one American troop will save the world's most precious horses during the final stretch of World War II.
When a small troop of American soldiers capture a German spy, they uncover an unexpected secret: Hitler has kidnapped the world's finest purebred horses and hidden them in a secret Czechoslovakian breeding farm. But starving Russian troops are drawing closer, and the horses face the danger of being slaughtered for food. With little time to spare, Colonel Hank Reed and his soldiers cross enemy lines to heroically save some of the world's most treasured animals.
In this thrilling young readers' edition of her New York Times bestselling book, Elizabeth Letts details the terrifying truth of Hitler's eugenics program during World War II and shares the story of the courageous American troop dedicated to stopping it.
Highlighting bravery in the face of incredible odds, this tale will shed light on a little-known piece of our past and speak to history fans and animal lovers of every age.
"Spellbinding...a must-read." --Booklist, starred review
A Junior Library Guild Selection
When a small troop of American soldiers capture a German spy, they uncover an unexpected secret: Hitler has kidnapped the world's finest purebred horses and hidden them in a secret Czechoslovakian breeding farm. But starving Russian troops are drawing closer, and the horses face the danger of being slaughtered for food. With little time to spare, Colonel Hank Reed and his soldiers cross enemy lines to heroically save some of the world's most treasured animals.
In this thrilling young readers' edition of her New York Times bestselling book, Elizabeth Letts details the terrifying truth of Hitler's eugenics program during World War II and shares the story of the courageous American troop dedicated to stopping it.
Highlighting bravery in the face of incredible odds, this tale will shed light on a little-known piece of our past and speak to history fans and animal lovers of every age.
"Spellbinding...a must-read." --Booklist, starred review
A Junior Library Guild Selection
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2019
105 people are currently reading
608 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Letts
14 books1,085 followersELIZABETH LETTS is an award winning and bestselling author of both fiction and non-fiction. The Perfect Horse was the winner of the 2017 PEN USA Award for Research Non-fiction and a #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller. The Eighty-Dollar Champion was a #1 New York Times bestseller and winner of the 2012 Daniel P Lenehan Award for Media Excellence from the United States Equestrian Foundation. She is also the author of two novels, Quality of Care and Family Planning, and an award-winning children's book, The Butter Man. She lives in Southern California and Northern Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 19, 2019
I was one of those horse-crazy kids who read everything that Marguerite Henry wrote. White Stallion of Lipizza was a favorite, and I always hoped to see the Lipizzaners in person one day (it finally happened when I was an adult).
What I didn't know as a youngster was that the Lipizzaner horses nearly became extinct during World War II. Thanks to the efforts of U.S. soldiers and Spanish Riding School commander Aloys Podhajsky, the horses were saved.
What I didn't know until I read this book was that several famous Arabian horses from Poland (e.g., Witez II) had been taken by the Nazis as part of an equine eugenics program ... and that they, too, were part of the same daring rescue.
Elizabeth Letts, who wrote the beautiful The Eighty Dollar Champion, has written an informative book about the soldiers and the horses they came to love. It's marketed toward the 8-12 set, but I would argue that you need to look toward the older age group. Some of the scenes deal with harsh wartime realities.
The book is exceedingly well-researched (there is an extensive bibliography) and written with obvious love for the subject matter. Kids who love horses are sure to enjoy this book.
What I didn't know as a youngster was that the Lipizzaner horses nearly became extinct during World War II. Thanks to the efforts of U.S. soldiers and Spanish Riding School commander Aloys Podhajsky, the horses were saved.
What I didn't know until I read this book was that several famous Arabian horses from Poland (e.g., Witez II) had been taken by the Nazis as part of an equine eugenics program ... and that they, too, were part of the same daring rescue.
Elizabeth Letts, who wrote the beautiful The Eighty Dollar Champion, has written an informative book about the soldiers and the horses they came to love. It's marketed toward the 8-12 set, but I would argue that you need to look toward the older age group. Some of the scenes deal with harsh wartime realities.
The book is exceedingly well-researched (there is an extensive bibliography) and written with obvious love for the subject matter. Kids who love horses are sure to enjoy this book.
February 20, 2022
The Perfect Horse: The Daring Rescue of Horses Kidnapped by Hitler is an intriguing read. I discovered this book while looking for WWII-based non-fiction titles to add to reading circles for my ELA sophomores. In many way, this book served our purpose. The titles in our book circles depict aspects of WWII history that aren't usually studied in US history classes. The kidnapping and rescue of these horses is not covered in history classes. Several of our books also touch on Hitler's 1936 Olympics. The Perfect Horse has that connection, too. As a Kansas teacher, I also found the Ft. Riley, Kansas connection quite interesting.
This book is intriguing because it covers an intriguing part of history. Elizabeth Letts masterfully intertwines the involvement of several key players—both horses and humans—in an attempt communicate the full, complex, and precarious conditions created by war for otherwise innocent parties. The love of a few good men who in some cases wore uniforms of enemy nations saved these horses. Those few good men range from a passionate German veteran to General Patton. The trust these men had to have in each other and in these horses is nearly incomprehensible.
Because there are many men from various countries and many horses of various breeds involved, the story can become confusing. Letts provides tools such as a cast of characters and a map at the start of the book that are somewhat helpful. Also, the tales of the various men are rooted with time and date stamps at the start of each chapter.
Because my teacher goal was to provide books for all reading levels, we purchased the young adult adaptation of this text. The students and I agree that we'd like to compare it to the original text. This young adult version seems quite text bookish sometimes, like reading a bit of a dry history lesson rather than the riveting rescue of the world's finest horses. The story and facts are there, but sometimes the emotion seems lacking. Nevertheless, I and my students agree that it is book worth reading. The author's notes on eugenics at the end of the book offer thought-provoking commentary on the ongoing journey for all of us to learn to love and live together in harmony. Ultimately, the book creates curiosity, and that is one of the best things a teacher or a book can do for a student.
This book is intriguing because it covers an intriguing part of history. Elizabeth Letts masterfully intertwines the involvement of several key players—both horses and humans—in an attempt communicate the full, complex, and precarious conditions created by war for otherwise innocent parties. The love of a few good men who in some cases wore uniforms of enemy nations saved these horses. Those few good men range from a passionate German veteran to General Patton. The trust these men had to have in each other and in these horses is nearly incomprehensible.
Because there are many men from various countries and many horses of various breeds involved, the story can become confusing. Letts provides tools such as a cast of characters and a map at the start of the book that are somewhat helpful. Also, the tales of the various men are rooted with time and date stamps at the start of each chapter.
Because my teacher goal was to provide books for all reading levels, we purchased the young adult adaptation of this text. The students and I agree that we'd like to compare it to the original text. This young adult version seems quite text bookish sometimes, like reading a bit of a dry history lesson rather than the riveting rescue of the world's finest horses. The story and facts are there, but sometimes the emotion seems lacking. Nevertheless, I and my students agree that it is book worth reading. The author's notes on eugenics at the end of the book offer thought-provoking commentary on the ongoing journey for all of us to learn to love and live together in harmony. Ultimately, the book creates curiosity, and that is one of the best things a teacher or a book can do for a student.
November 11, 2020
I stumbled across this while shelf reading and thought it looked interesting. When I was three quarters in, it suddenly occurred to me that this part of history is captured in Disney's Miracle of the White Stallions (somewhat captured; I hear the movie took liberties as usual). I had watched the movie when I was little, so I did not really remember it and all the details. The story is a fascinating one of bravery, perseverance, and a fine example of people working together for the common good. It is a part of history that isn't often told or taught; therefore, I think it would make a good resource for classrooms or a good book for young history buffs. The story covers an assortment of people and places over a course of years; because of that, it sometimes became hard to follow, but I attribute that to my busy mind that has too many things going on at once. :) The author provides a map and cast of characters, which definitely makes it easier for the reader. Photographs of some of the men and horses are also provided.
I would say this Young Readers edition would appeal to approx. 10+.
Personal note: I had the opportunity to attend a Lippizanner horse performance many years ago.
I would say this Young Readers edition would appeal to approx. 10+.
Personal note: I had the opportunity to attend a Lippizanner horse performance many years ago.
July 5, 2024
WWII affected the whole world in one or more ways. How it affected horses seemed so minor.
Horses had been used in wars for centuries. With the rise of mechanized vehicles, they were being phased out, but Germany went through over 6000 horses a month. Gustav Rau was assigned the task of breeding the perfect warhorse. To do this, he acquired by one means or another purebred horses from all over Europe and sequestered them in Hostau, Czechoslovakia. As the war ended, the Russians were enroute to capture this area. This army was known for capturing and eating horses to supplement their rations.
The horse farm reached out to the American army to rescue these horses. These included the famed Lipizzaners from Vienna and purebred Arabians and Thoroughbreds. Luckily the Americans contacted were cavalrymen under General Patton, another cavalryman.
This book is the story of rescuing these priceless horses. It is thorough. There are places where it gets dull. The daring and resourcefulness shown by the men makes interesting reading. Overall it is a good book on the subject. There is a section of pictures and an epilogue telling what happened to the men and some of the horses.
Horses had been used in wars for centuries. With the rise of mechanized vehicles, they were being phased out, but Germany went through over 6000 horses a month. Gustav Rau was assigned the task of breeding the perfect warhorse. To do this, he acquired by one means or another purebred horses from all over Europe and sequestered them in Hostau, Czechoslovakia. As the war ended, the Russians were enroute to capture this area. This army was known for capturing and eating horses to supplement their rations.
The horse farm reached out to the American army to rescue these horses. These included the famed Lipizzaners from Vienna and purebred Arabians and Thoroughbreds. Luckily the Americans contacted were cavalrymen under General Patton, another cavalryman.
This book is the story of rescuing these priceless horses. It is thorough. There are places where it gets dull. The daring and resourcefulness shown by the men makes interesting reading. Overall it is a good book on the subject. There is a section of pictures and an epilogue telling what happened to the men and some of the horses.
February 18, 2022
Absolutely captivating. Complex history threaded masterfully, easy to read, and relevant. Certainly a must read, especially for horse lovers.
Note: not an ideal read aloud due to a ton of main characters and names (will make it hard to follow imo).
Note: not an ideal read aloud due to a ton of main characters and names (will make it hard to follow imo).
October 19, 2020
I read a lot of books, both fiction and nonfiction, about World War II. I've never read anything like this. Also a must-read for animal lovers, especially folks crazy about horses.
June 27, 2025
Great story of a group of horses treasured by their country and fellow horse lovers.
February 24, 2021
Many little girls go through a phase in childhood where they are passionate about horses; they play games imagining they ARE horses, or are riding horses or having adventures involving horses! This is such a common phenomenon that various toys and lines of toys have been made to cater to this obsession, not mention all the books, movies, videos and memes that have exploded through-out the media in recent years!
I was one of those girls and although I never had my own pony, I gook riding lessons and learned in short order that taking care of horses is far removed from my romantic dreams of combing a long mane with the horse's head held lovingly in my lap! No, there's a lot of hard, often tedious, labor-intensive effort that goes into it, which requires the kind of commitment I do not have.
However, what remains for me of that long-ago childhood interest, is a certain joy in reading about the exploits of various horses; famous or not...I am a sucker for a horse tale! Which brings me to this story. I picked it up, intrigued by the title and was reading along before I realized that it was "adapted" for Young Readers, which I assuredly am not! The only real indication that this was meant for a youthful audience came in the form of defining some horse-related words such as "mare," "stallion," and "foal." I found this somewhat ludicrous since the narrative is peppered with words like "rigorous," "impeccable," and "aristocratic," without further explanation! My feeling is that if you expect a reader to understand the word, "plenipotentiary" they might just be able to grasp the meaning of "mare," stallion," etc., from contextual clues, if nothing else!
The first 70 or so pages of the book are used to give the background of the Lipizzaner Horses and other specialty breeds that were considered "imperial" in Austria and in other Eastern European countries at the onset of WWII. It is a slow-paced introduction to the exciting rescue missions that ensued. It is also confusing due to so many different kinds and types of horses, as well as various people involved in their care and performances, but above all, it is nearly impossible to keep track of all the stables, farms and barns they are moved around to in an effort to keep the horses safe. The timeline is nearly impossible to follow with any clarity.
That said, the book really picks up interest and speed at the place in the book when the war is nearly ended, but the fate of these prize equines hangs very much in the balance. Many thoughts, actions, and pivotal events are covered over the last two-thirds of the book. I'm going to let the author sum up what I consider to be the real message of this story: "...in the middle of a terrible war, a few men reached past their natural enmity, their different uniforms, and their warring countries to try to do something that was simply good."
If you are in need of an uplifting, true story, you have found it!
I was one of those girls and although I never had my own pony, I gook riding lessons and learned in short order that taking care of horses is far removed from my romantic dreams of combing a long mane with the horse's head held lovingly in my lap! No, there's a lot of hard, often tedious, labor-intensive effort that goes into it, which requires the kind of commitment I do not have.
However, what remains for me of that long-ago childhood interest, is a certain joy in reading about the exploits of various horses; famous or not...I am a sucker for a horse tale! Which brings me to this story. I picked it up, intrigued by the title and was reading along before I realized that it was "adapted" for Young Readers, which I assuredly am not! The only real indication that this was meant for a youthful audience came in the form of defining some horse-related words such as "mare," "stallion," and "foal." I found this somewhat ludicrous since the narrative is peppered with words like "rigorous," "impeccable," and "aristocratic," without further explanation! My feeling is that if you expect a reader to understand the word, "plenipotentiary" they might just be able to grasp the meaning of "mare," stallion," etc., from contextual clues, if nothing else!
The first 70 or so pages of the book are used to give the background of the Lipizzaner Horses and other specialty breeds that were considered "imperial" in Austria and in other Eastern European countries at the onset of WWII. It is a slow-paced introduction to the exciting rescue missions that ensued. It is also confusing due to so many different kinds and types of horses, as well as various people involved in their care and performances, but above all, it is nearly impossible to keep track of all the stables, farms and barns they are moved around to in an effort to keep the horses safe. The timeline is nearly impossible to follow with any clarity.
That said, the book really picks up interest and speed at the place in the book when the war is nearly ended, but the fate of these prize equines hangs very much in the balance. Many thoughts, actions, and pivotal events are covered over the last two-thirds of the book. I'm going to let the author sum up what I consider to be the real message of this story: "...in the middle of a terrible war, a few men reached past their natural enmity, their different uniforms, and their warring countries to try to do something that was simply good."
If you are in need of an uplifting, true story, you have found it!
May 28, 2019
Letts presents young readers with a fascinating account of the rescue of some of world's most beautiful horses during the trying days of World War II. Anyone who has seen the Disney movie (Miracle of the White Stallions) will be somewhat familiar with the story, but I loved discovering the details and reading about the men who risked a great deal to save the horses. What was especially interesting to me was the way these men from different sides in the war cooperated to help the horses in the midst of horrific destruction. Beauty from ashes in a manner of speaking. This young reader's adaption focuses on the main people and events leading up to the horses being taken from their original homes and sent elsewhere as well as the efforts to send them home. What I found kind of sad though was what happened to some of the horses after they came to the United States. While a few found good homes, many were not accepted into the official breeding registries and little valued which led to their neglect. I was happy to find brief descriptions at the end explaining what happened to some of the horses and men involved. The photographs included added a lot to my appreciation of the men and horses at the heart of this story. A great tale for horse lovers or those who like to see good things happen in the midst of war.
July 15, 2019
This is the "adapted for young people" book by the same name, but it certainly provided me with enough details on the topic. If you like horses and/or stories set during the Holocaust, this is a must read. The author's research is excellent and commendable.
January 30, 2020
3.5 Interesting story about an episode of WWII with which I was completely ignorant. Since this is a young readers edition, the author includes a lot of information and explanation about things like eugenics throughout and in the back matter.
May 17, 2019
6th grade and up
July 14, 2019
Interesting story from WWII that I wasn’t familiar with.
February 7, 2021
Lots of history, of course, and a beautiful story of the Arabian and Lippizaner horses with the men who dedicated themselves to their safety.
February 12, 2024
Seemed like it would be a good book but I got distracted by another book and didn't finish it
May 23, 2023
I really enjoyed The Perfect Horse by Elizabeth Letts. The non-fiction title is a informational, unique, eye catching book that provides the reader with so much information. The book takes you through a dense journey of multiple horse owners with determined hearts attempting to save everything they have worked for from going right down the drain. During the book they will experience life threatening scenes, decisions on what's more important, your very own horses or your family.
The book takes place during World War II, throughout several different countries and perspectives from all different troops and horse owners. The book dives deep into the real story behind World War II, and the decline of horses in combat. Owners and riders will have to do everything they can to keep their horses safe and away from danger. Weather it is sitting in a rusty old train car listening to sad screams and bombings or if it is relying on a complete strangers word. The owners will have so very big decisions to make.
If you are a horse lover or a history buff, you will really enjoy this book. The book capitalizes the bravery and passion of plenty of different troops. Giving multiple examples of how smart and talented animals are. Get ready to indulge in this action packed, informational book! What are waiting for, start reading!
The book takes place during World War II, throughout several different countries and perspectives from all different troops and horse owners. The book dives deep into the real story behind World War II, and the decline of horses in combat. Owners and riders will have to do everything they can to keep their horses safe and away from danger. Weather it is sitting in a rusty old train car listening to sad screams and bombings or if it is relying on a complete strangers word. The owners will have so very big decisions to make.
If you are a horse lover or a history buff, you will really enjoy this book. The book capitalizes the bravery and passion of plenty of different troops. Giving multiple examples of how smart and talented animals are. Get ready to indulge in this action packed, informational book! What are waiting for, start reading!
August 11, 2021
With bombs raining down overhead, Podhajsky moved across the traincar to comfort his stallion Africa knowing good and well this is when they might die. Written by Elizabeth Letts, The Perfect Horse tells the story of how during WWII Hitler abducted horses from all over Europe to try to breed the perfect horse, and for the well being of the horses, many had to risk their lives. Elizabeth Letts uses the literary element of imagery to help to emmerse the reader in the story. The author´s description of the bombing of Dresden uses imagery to have the reader feel the fear and tension in the men and the horses. Flashbacks are used occasionally to help the reader get inside of the characters´s head and help them understand the characters. To help better understand Rudofsky and his thought process, Elizabeth Letts takes us back in a flashback to a memory of him and his nephew. The great use of diction by Elizabeth Letts helps to put the readerin the characters´s shoes and helps to better understand the seriousness of the situations. She described very vividly how if Lessing and Rudofsky were caught conspiring with the Americans what could happen to them would be terrible. This book is great for anyone who enjoys a good nonfiction read.
March 15, 2025
Since my interest is in Holocaust accounts of WW2, and I love horses & history, I thought I might like this book, and I certainly did! I had no idea of the role horses played in WW2 or of the intense efforts to save the coddled stallions & mares from confiscation, not to mention the Lippazaners. The descriptions of the bond between rider & horse were very interesting also. I had no idea of the training involved or how the rider communicated with the horse. I don't want to give away the ending, but I will say it all ends on a positive note. I wasn't familiar with the author, but I was very impressed with her research and to me, the story read like a suspenseful fiction novel. I read at night, and I looked forward to my time with this book!
April 9, 2023
The perfect horse: the daring rescue of horses kidnapped during World War II is an adaptation for young readers of the New York Times best seller. Explanatory terms are found in parentheses following the use of the word. Gives a brief history of the Lipizzaner horses in Austria, the Spanish, riding school, and Hitler’s plan to use the famous horses for the honor of the third Reich. Tell C brave adventures of a number of people on both sides of the war, trying to rescue and preserve the Lippizan stallions, mares and foals.
The material is presented in a rather dry, but accurate format.
The material is presented in a rather dry, but accurate format.
December 4, 2023
I normally love anything horse related, which is why I picked this book up at the library sale. Sadly, I was disappointed as I started reading what felt like a textbook. I kept reading, hoping it would get better. It had a lot of potential - if it had stayed with one person throughout the story or switched up every chapter. Doing so every few paragraphs or so made it hard to follow.
This would normally have been a book filed under ‘did not finish’ but as it has to do with history, I felt compelled to slog through it.
This would normally have been a book filed under ‘did not finish’ but as it has to do with history, I felt compelled to slog through it.
December 12, 2025
I learned a bit about WW2 history in Central Europe, like more horse were used by the Germans in WW2 than in WW1. I totally failed to be inspired by the story of rescuing horses at the end of the war. By then war horses were an anachronism, and the book had too many competing story lines about different countries and different breeds of horses. It really seemed like a vanity project to rescue the horses and bring them to America. I think the book would have been better if it just focused on the Lipizzaners of the Spanish Riding School in Austria.
February 2, 2020
This very complex factual account of yet another horror of Nazi power duri;g WWII is made accessible for strong MG readers and teens, despite the complex and threads, names, sequences, and references throughout. The hook for continued persistence to follow a story that includes heartbreaking and tragic elements is the magnificence of the horses themselves. The human heroes stand out as real people facing impossible decisions and making brave decisions.
February 14, 2021
Although this was a really interesting story, the way it was told made it quite difficult to follow and reduced the impact in my opinion. Perhaps it was because it has been adapted for children (I read it after my son encouraged me to) but I think it was more to do with the structure, the sheer number of characters and horses and the way the story jumped about. A shame as I think the actual history was really interesting.
August 10, 2025
I highly recommend this book even though it looks like it might be a little boring at the beginning of the book. It also shows a daring story of how to rise up in the midst of war and do what is best. Also I love horses so this is the book for me and is probably the book for you as well if you like daring rescues and/or are a lover of horses.
November 22, 2019
Delightful book. Well written, easy to read, just the right length. Filled with great research and historical facts. Warm hearted story about animal lovers doing heroic things to save the animals. Enjoyed it a lot.
December 20, 2019
Interesting story of WW2! Never knew this event or conflict happened. I think I would have been more interested in the storyline if I liked horses more. However if you are an animal lover in general, good book to read!
December 5, 2020
For me, too many people, horses, history without context. Picked up halfway through, but skimmed a lot. Students will have to be very horsey or very much fans of history to read this. Unbroken or War that Saved
My Life are ones students would enjoy more.
My Life are ones students would enjoy more.
January 19, 2022
I loved this book. The chapters always left off on an exciting part in the book. Also the thing that caught my eye when I was reading through the blurb was the fact that the horses could have been eaten. And I hate the idea of hours being on the menu.
March 22, 2023
First introduction to the author and appreciate her writing style. I was hooked from the very beginning... it's a thrilling historical story about saving the beautiful Lippinzaner horses during WWII behind enemy lines. Absolutely a great read for all...
July 1, 2024
Read this young adult version of the rescue of horses kidnapped during World War II.
Found it to be a bit confusing with all the characters and places. I did appreciate the list of characters and the map located at the beginning of the book.
Found it to be a bit confusing with all the characters and places. I did appreciate the list of characters and the map located at the beginning of the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews