Montag, 20. Juli 2009

Gen.Patton and the Lipizzaners




The 2nd Armored Cavalry Group

Of the many famous photographs of Patton taken before his death, there was one of him in Salzburg, Austria, on a white horse. It showed Patton in uniform and helmet proudly astride a magnificent Lipizzaner stallion named Favory Africa. The Lipizzaner had been chosen by Adolf Hitler as a present for Japan's Emperor Hirohito, a gift that Patton had made sure was never delivered.
Both pictures of Patton on horseback appear to be the same horse, Favory Africa.



In appreciation of Gen. Patton's personal involvement on behalf of the Spanish Riding School, the Austrians presented him with a white stallion named Pluto XX and several mares, which he sent back to the United States.

12 Kommentare:

  1. General Patton was impressed by how physically fit the riders were and mentioned it in his diary. After Patton took the Lipizzans under his protection, several of the riders left to go to the front lines and fight. There is no record of their names or if they ever made it back.

    Romy

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  2. Emperor Hirohito was always pictured on a white horse in all the Japanese war propaganda. That is why Hitler planned to give him one of the stallions. I have been researching for an article on Hirohitos horses—in particular the Arabian that an American serviceman brought to the US to tour the country. As often, in history, the tale has some surprising twists. I am so glad that my story didn't involve any of the Lippizans.

    If anyone knows any information about Hirohito’s horses, I would greatly appreciate it.

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  3. This is N. Africa. My records don't show a horse F. Africa. I will keep checking.

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  4. It was Favory Africa that Gen. Patton rode for a few minutes (My Dancing White Horses by Alois Podhajsky, pg. 125) -- also verified by the Patton Museum of Calvary & Armour in Ft. Knox, KY and ."American Lipizzan." The black and white photos were taken by U.S. Army staff members but the colored photos may have come from the Disney movie, Miracle of the White Stallions.

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  5. I talked to Chief Rider Wahl, years ago, and he said that he has been at the front lines and fought, so did Chief Rider Irbinger.

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  6. Andreas,
    It is good to know they survived and came back to continue the passing on of knowledge. I am glad they are remembered as having fought for their country and their heritage. Thank you for telling me.

    Kisses
    Romy

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  7. Romy, can you email me privately. marcia@ntin.net

    THANKS

    Marcia

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  8. Marcia,
    Let me know if I was able to help you get that done. If you need more help, just pm me again.

    Kisses
    Romy

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  9. More information about Pluto XX. This is a quote: "Well, that is certainly interesting because the "main" Lipizzaner stallion
    of the importation of these Patton-captured horses was the above named Pluto
    XX - and, of course, he came to the old Kellogg Ranch with all the
    Lipizzaners and Arabians of that capture. I knew and certainly remember
    Pluto XX . However, it was always understood that the Lipizzaners at the
    Kellogg Ranch were among those captured at Hostau. Well, perhaps that fine
    point may not have been exactly right - but we know that a lot of
    Lipizzaners were in that capture. Maybe that fine point is wrong in the
    Glueckstein article instead. This would require some checking - if it is
    even possible all these 64 years later."


    I belong to the Lipizzaner List. The list owner is a Rider of the
    Spanish Riding School. We have been discussing the Lipizzaners and Patton
    for many days.


    Now that you know what happened to Pluto, we know why Patton did not pick
    him up as Patton was back in Germany and then died shortly after the horses
    were arrived in Virginia. This is a Lipizzaner related list.


    Or perhaps you can write me personally explaining your knowledge with the
    Pomona Remount.


    Yes, Marcia, you may use the quote (in brown, above) from me.


    I hope I am not responding too later to do you any good.


    Carol Mulder

    The information from Carol Mulder can be considered genuine and accurate. Carol lived at the Kellogg Ranch from 1929-1960. We have all learned so much from her first hand knowledge.

    Marcia Miner

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  10. In his autobiography, Podhajsky writes that 2 Lpiizzaner stallions and 12 mares were kept at Schwarzenberg (after evacuation from Hostau) and that they along with the Arab stud from Hostau were sent in 1946 to Fort Riley, turned over to Agriculture and sold to private individuals. Presumably, that's the Lpizzaner and Arabs of the Kellogg Ranch...

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