Equine industry statistics show that there are currently over 9 million horses in the United States of America. Clearly, we have a bit of a love affair with our four-legged friends.
As is the case with humans, there are certain horses that stand out from the crowd. Whether because of their prowess as racers or showjumpers, or for some reason entirely unrelated to their physical and sporting capabilities, certain horses become world-famous.
If you’re someone who loves horses, you’ll probably know all about the animals we’re going to discuss in this article. Even if you’re not that closely acquainted with the world of equestrianism, you’ve probably seen or heard of one or two of the famous horses named on this list.
Read on as we look at five of the most famous horses in history.
1. Black Beauty
The first horse on our list may be fictional, but he’s still one of the best-known horses of all time. He was brought into existence by English novelist Anna Sewell in 1877, and has become synonymous with the equestrian world and celebrated as a champion of animal rights.
Black Beauty has been adapted for the screen a number of times, most recently in 2020.
2. Seabiscuit
Like Black Beauty, Seabiscuit has graced the silver screen; Tobey Maguire starred in the film Seabiscuit, released in 2003. Unlike Black Beauty, however, Seabiscuit also existed in real life.
As a racehorse, Seabiscuit was undersized and unimpressive-looking, leading many punters to dismiss him as a serious racing prospect. Despite his physical limitations, however, the thoroughbred had a hugely successful career on the track.
3. Mister Ed the Talking Horse
Mister Ed was the star of a television show that first aired in 1961 and continued until 1966. As one might guess, the premise of the show centered around Mister Ed’s un-horse-like ability to speak, albeit to just one person.
If you want to learn more about Mister Ed, check out these facts from Doyouremember.com.
4. Desert Orchid
Desert Orchid is regarded as one of the finest jump racehorses in history. He developed a reputation for winning races from the front of the pack, an unusual strategy in longer races. He was also recognizable by his grey coat.
His most significant race wins included the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Irish National.
5. Frankel
Frankel is the only animal on this list who is still alive today. He is the most successful horse ever over flat one-mile races, winning all fourteen of his events by considerable distances.
Famous Horses, Real & Fictional
All the famous horses on this list have made their mark in one way or another (even if they didn’t really exist). Whether or not you’re an animal lover, you should still be able to appreciate the indelible mark these remarkable creatures have left on the world.
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