Summary

In late April 1945, it is clear that Germany will soon lose the war. Alois Podhajsky fears what will happen to his horses and riders. He knows their fate depends on which invading force arrives first in Upper Austria: the Americans or the Russians. In Hostau, a German colonel named Walter Hölters arrives to tell Hubert Rudofsky that the Russian army is fast approaching. The Russian army is infamous for slaughtering horses to feed their troops. Walter Hölters suggests that Hubert make contact with the Americans in hopes of delivering the Hostau horses to safety with them. However, turning to the Americans could be seen as an act of treason by other German officials. Keen to save the horses, but fearing for their survival outside the safety of Hostau, Hubert decides to stay put.

By this time...