Horse Diaries #4: Maestoso Petra

Vienna, Austria, 1938

Maestoso Petra is a world-famous Lipizzaner stallion. He has spent years in the Spanish Riding School, training to perform the complex airs above the ground that only Lipizzaner can accomplish. But when World War II breaks out in Europe, he learns to think less about performing and more about survival. Here is Maestoso Petra’s story . . . in his own words.Jane Kendall is the author of the critically acclaimed young adult historical novels Miranda and the Movies and Miranda Goes to Hollywood. She was an enthusiastic rider growing up, and on one memorable occasion went Christmas caroling on horseback. She lives in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Ruth Sanderson has illustrated books for children of all ages, including Summer Pony and Winter Pony. She lives with her family in Ware, Massachusetts, and her favorite hobby is horseback riding.