Better than Most Men

Horses have been loyal sidekicks for thousands of years, carrying humans into battle, helping plow fields, and winning hearts on the racetrack. Whether they were taming emperors or inspiring entire nations during a depression, these famous equines prove that sometimes the most influential figures in history have four legs and a mane. With that in mind, here are 20 legendary steeds you should know about.

Jacques-Louis David on Wikimedia

1. Bucephalus: The Stallion of Alexander the Great

If you’ve ever heard of Alexander the Great, you probably haven’t heard of his colossal black stallion by the same name. When Alexander was still a teenager, legend says he was the only person who could calm the savage horse, once thought to be completely “unmanageable.” After turning him away from the sun so he wouldn’t be frightened by his shadow, they went on to win many battles throughout Asia.

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2. Marengo: Napoleon’s Trusted Warhorse

Napoleon Bonaparte had a huge stable, but Marengo was undoubtedly his favorite mount for the most critical moments of his reign. This small but sturdy Arabian stallion carried the Emperor through famous clashes like Austerlitz and the fateful Battle of Waterloo. Despite being wounded eight times in service, he lived to the ripe old age of 38.

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3. Secretariat: The Triple Crown King

When most people try to name the fastest horse of all time, chances are Secretariat comes to mind. Not only did he win the Belmont Stakes in 1973, but he crushed every opponent by 31 lengths. Even his heart was larger than that of any other horse, three times the size, explaining how he could achieve such incredible speeds.

Calstanhope on Wikimedia

4. Seabiscuit: The Underdog of the Depression

During the dark days of the Great Depression, a small, knobby-kneed horse named Seabiscuit became a symbol of hope for millions of struggling Americans. He was considered lazy and too small by his first trainers. His victory against the Triple Crown winner War Admiral in 1938 remains one of the most celebrated moments in sports history because it proved that the little guy could actually win.

Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation on Wikimedia

5. Incitatus: The Horse Who Almost Became a Consul

Roman Emperor Caligula definitely had some issues, but that didn’t stop him from spoiling his favorite horse. According to some ancient texts, Incitatus slept in a marble stall with an ivory feeding trough and sometimes wore purple blankets fit for an emperor. While many rumors say Caligula wanted to make Incitatus a government consul, they were most likely fabricated to insult Rome’s Senate.

Victor Adam on Wikimedia

6. Comanche: The Survivor of the Little Bighorn

In the aftermath of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, a tough gelding named Comanche was found riddled with arrows but still standing. He was the only survivor from the U.S. 7th Cavalry found on the field, which instantly turned him into a symbol of military resilience. For the rest of his life, he was retired from work and allowed to wander the parade grounds as a "Second Commanding Officer.”

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7. Copenhagen: The Duke of Wellington’s Mount

While Napoleon rode Marengo into his final battle at Waterloo, his opponent, the Duke of Wellington, was astride Copenhagen. The Duke’s horse is rumored to have tried to bite him when they returned from battle after being in the saddle for 17 hours straight. He was eventually buried on the Duke’s estate in England and still has a headstone dedicated to his memory today.

Thomas Lawrence on Wikimedia

8. Sergeant Reckless: The Marine Corps Hero

During the Korean War, a small Mongolian mare named Reckless became a vital member of a Recoilless Rifle Platoon. She famously made 51 solo trips in a single day during a major battle, carrying ammunition up steep hills while under heavy fire and shielding wounded soldiers. Her bravery was so incredible that the Marine Corps officially promoted her to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Andrew Geer or another member of United States Marine Corps on Wikimedia

9. Trigger: The Smartest Horse in the Movies

Fans of Roy Rogers know Trigger as the charming palomino that stole America’s heart. Besides being incredibly gorgeous, he learned over 100 different tricks during his career, including signing his name with an “X” using a pencil. Not only did Trigger have his own fan club, but he remains one of the most intelligent horse actors to ever live.

unknown (Republic Pictures) on Wikimedia

10. Man o' War: The Original Big Red

Before Secretariat was brightening up racing colours with his reddish coat, America fell in love with Man o’ War. He only lost one out of 21 races and would have finished undefeated if people had actually bet on him. Bookies refused to take bets because it was always obvious he was going to win by so many lengths.

User Handicapper on en.wikipedia on Wikimedia

11. Phar Lap: Australia’s National Icon

Phar Lap was a giant of a horse who dominated the Australian racing scene during the 1930s, winning the prestigious Melbourne Cup among many other titles. His sudden and mysterious passing in the United States sparked national outrage back home, leading many to believe he had been poisoned by jealous rivals.

Nomadtales on Wikimedia

12. Black Jack: The Riderless Legend

For many years, Black Jack was seen trotting to and fro at American military funerals as a caparisoned horse. Presidents John F. Kennedy, Herbert Hoover, and Lyndon B. Johnson all had Black Jack lead their processions with boots draped backward in the stirrups to symbolize that their rider would never return. He passed away in 1999 after appearing in over 1,000 ceremonies.

SP/4 David S. Schwartz, U. S. Army on Wikimedia

13. Traveler: The Steed of Robert E. Lee

General Robert E. Lee’s favorite horse, Traveler, was known for his incredible endurance and iron-grey coat throughout the American Civil War. He stayed by Lee’s side through the thick of the conflict and even followed the General into his post-war life. The bond between them was so strong that the horse actually walked in Lee’s funeral procession, outliving his master by only a few months.

Michael Miley on Wikimedia

14. Eclipse: The Undefeated Champion

Say what you want about modern horses, but back in 1760, there was only one true shining star on the British turf: Eclipse. Betting on him became so popular after he won eight straight races that bookies actually banned betting on him altogether. Today, most Thoroughbred horses can trace their roots back to this one shining stallion.

George Stubbs on Wikimedia

15. Red Rum: The King of the Grand National

Steeplechase racing is incredibly grueling, but Red Rum made it look like a walk in the park by winning the Grand National three times in the 1970s. He’s the only horse to ever achieve that feat. His comeback in 1977 at age twelve is still considered one of the greatest moments in British sporting history.

Trish Steel on Wikimedia

16. Silver: The Lone Ranger’s Companion

"Hi-yo, Silver! Away!" is one of the most iconic catchphrases in entertainment history, and it wouldn't exist without the Lone Ranger's magnificent white stallion. While several horses played the role over the years, the most famous was a white Tennessee Walker who perfectly embodied the hero's noble image. He helped define the look of the American Western and inspired countless children to dream of having their own loyal horse.

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17. Palomo: The Liberator’s Horse

Simón Bolívar, known as “The Liberator,” traveled on his white horse named Palomo for many years. The horse was given to Bolívar by one of his peasant followers before he continued on his journey toward South American independence. After passing from sheer exhaustion later in life, historians dubbed him the Horse of Independence because of his devotion to Bolívar.

Arturo Michelena on Wikimedia

18. Arkle: Ireland’s Greatest Leap

Arkle was one of the fastest jump horses of all time throughout Ireland and the United Kingdom. His impressive jumping skills were so dominant that officials actually changed the rules of the game to give other horses a chance at winning. Many tourists make pilgrimages to the Irish National Stud just to see Arkle’s skeleton.

Alan James on Wikimedia

19. Buttermilk: The Cowgirl’s Favorite

While Roy Rogers had Trigger, his wife, Dale Evans, wasn’t left behind, with her own bucking bronco of a horse named Buttermilk. Although he was chaotic as a youngster, Buttermilk calmed down considerably as he and Dale got older and starred in several movies together. She even wrote a book about her beloved horse and the fans who wrote her after reading about him.

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20. Shergar: The Mystery of the Century

Shergar was kidnapped by armed men on Valentine’s Day in 1983 after winning the Epsom Derby by 10 lengths and retiring to stud. After making £2 million in his lifetime, his ransom was priced at £2 million, but it was never paid, and he was never seen again. Rumors continue to surface about his whereabouts.

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