Miracle of the White Stallions

The film introduces the ancient Lipizzaner breed since 1580 and the Spanish Riding School founded in 1735, highlighting their status as living Austrian treasures. Both institutions face near destruction during World War II, setting the stage for their perilous journey.

Colonel Alois Podhajsky, the director of the Riding School and an accomplished dressage rider, becomes involved with the German military due to the occupation of Vienna. He begins to navigate the complex political situation, prioritizing the safety of the horses amidst wartime chaos.

Podhajsky defies orders by sending 300 Lipizzaners, including breeding mares, to Hostau in Czechoslovakia for safety. He manages to retain 70 stallions in Vienna, attempting to protect at least some of the prized horses from the perils of war.

As the war nears its end, Podhajsky requests to evacuate the horses from Vienna due to the threat of bombing. General Stryker initially denies the request, fearing it would signal that the city is lost, but Podhajsky persists in protecting the horses.

Podhajsky struggles to requisition railcars to evacuate the horses. He uses patriotic sentiment to persuade the dispatcher, and when the train is strafed by Allied planes, the engineer defies orders to attach the horses to the unattached railcars, ensuring their safe transport.

The Castle of St. Martins sheltering refugees becomes chaotic, with theft and attempts to steal horses amid approaching Soviet troops. Podhajsky arrives with orders to demilitarize the Riding School, aiming to preserve it as a civil institution and reduce conflict.

Contravening German orders, Podhajsky is appointed Defense Area Commander but refuses to fight. He orders his staff to burn their uniforms and dismiss the military aspect, focusing instead on protecting the horses and the school from destruction.

The Americans establish their headquarters at the school. Podhajsky appeals for US protection and assistance in safeguarding and retrieving the mares, emphasizing the cultural importance of the horses. Preparations for a special performance are quickly organized.

The Lipizzaner stallions perform a show for General George S. Patton, who is personally interested in dressage. The successful display helps Podhajsky gain Patton’s support and protection for the horses from the advancing Soviet forces.

Under Patton’s orders, Allied prisoners of war are freed along with 1,000 horses, including the Lipizzaners. An operation is launched to persuade German troops to surrender, resulting in a battle that leads to the surrender of SS troops and the liberation of thousands.

On the 220th anniversary of the Spanish Riding School, the Lipizzaner stallions give a special performance attended by those who helped save them. This event symbolizes the survival of the ancient tradition and cultural heritage amidst war's destruction.