Oct 20, 2023
Throughout history, there have been several famous horses that have left an indelible mark on the world. These horses have not only been notable for their appearance and abilities, but also for their contributions to historical and cultural events.
Horses are one of the most important animals for humans, they have been around for centuries and their impact on humanity is more than evident. We can see them in novels, historical stories, legends and movies. And of course, many are known by all due to their help in conquering kingdoms and forging empires.
Bucephalus was the famous horse of Alexander the Great (356-323 BC), one of the most important military leaders and conquerors in ancient history. The story of Bucephalus is legendary and has been passed down through the centuries.
His name means ox-headed, because he had a very broad forehead, a round face and a white star marked his face. Bucephalus became Alexander's battle horse and accompanied him in many of his famous conquests, including the battle of Issos and the conquest of the Persian Empire. The relationship between Alexander and Bucephalus has become a symbol of the deep connection between a rider and his horse in equestrian history.
Incitatus was a horse belonging to the Roman emperor Caligula, who ruled from 37 AD until his assassination in 41 AD. The story of Incitatus is mainly known for the extravagant stories and anecdotes surrounding Caligula and his actions during his reign, some of which are the subject of debate and legend.
Caligula had exceptional affection for Incitatus and treated the horse with luxuries and honors befitting an aristocrat. Incitatus was said to have a marble stable, a necklace of precious stones and even a team of servants at his disposal. This horse, also known as an emperor, earned a place in history as his owner ended up making him a senator.
Babieca was the horse of the medieval Spanish hero El Cid Campeador, a warrior and military leader who played a crucial role in the history of medieval Spain during the 11th century. The story of Babieca and El Cid is a very important part of Spanish literature and culture.
According to legends, Babieca was a strong, brave and loyal horse that led the Cid to victory in many battles. Babieca became a symbol of loyalty and bravery in Spanish tradition, and his story has been immortalized in various literary works, plays and films based on the life of El Cid Campeador.
Marengo was the famous war horse of Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military leader and emperor who played a significant role in European history during the 19th century. The Marengo horse was named after the Battle of Marengo, a major victory for Napoleon in Italy in 1800.
He owned other horses, but Marengo was always his favorite. Marengo was a gray Arabian horse that accompanied Napoleon on several military campaigns, including the Napoleonic wars in Italy and Egypt.
After Napoleon's fall in 1815, Marengo was captured by the British and taken to England. After his death in 1831, his skeleton was preserved and is currently on display at the National Army Museum in London. Marengo's story continues to be remembered as part of the historical legacy of Napoleon and his time.
Secretariat was one of the most famous and successful racehorses in the history of turf racing. Born in 1970, Secretariat was a Thoroughbred horse that excelled primarily in long distance racing. He is arguably the most famous thoroughbred of all time.
Secretariat won the U.S. Triple Crown in 1973, meaning he won the three most important races in the United States: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
His victory in the Belmont Stakes is especially notable, as it set a record that still stands to this day. Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes by approximately 62 lengths, a victory so dominant that it left spectators and fans stunned. In addition, in an ESPN vote on the 100 greatest American athletes of the 20th century, he was chosen 35th, the first non-human on the list.
Rocinante is the name of the horse of the character Don Quixote in the famous novel "Don Quixote de la Mancha", written by the Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes. Don Quixote is a dreamy knight who embarks on epic adventures with his faithful horse Rocinante. The relationship between Don Quixote and Rocinante is a central element of the story and has endured in popular culture, being referenced and honored in various artistic forms.
The word "rocinante" comes from the Spanish word "rocín", which refers to a common or poor quality horse. Rocinante is a lean and old horse, but for Don Quixote, it is the noble steed worthy of a knight-errant. Don Quixote and Rocinante become symbols of the struggle for justice and chivalry, despite the disadvantages and the reality of the world around them.
The Trojan Horse is a famous episode of Greek myth found in the Iliad, an epic work attributed to the Greek poet Homer. The story of the Trojan Horse is a crucial episode during the Trojan War, a legendary war between the Greeks and the Trojans.
According to legend, after a long unsuccessful siege of the city of Troy, the Greeks devised a plan to trick the Trojans and enter the fortified city, a plan that began with the construction and subsequent offering of a giant wooden horse. What the Trojans did not know was that, inside the horse, the best Greek warriors, including Odysseus (also known as Odysseus), were hidden waiting for the right moment to attack.
The story of the Trojan Horse has endured over the centuries and has become a symbol of deception and betrayal in popular culture. The expression "Trojan horse" is used today to refer to something that seems harmless but hides malicious or deceitful intentions.
Pegasus is one of the most famous horses in Greek mythology. He appears in numerous legends and is known for his ability to fly. Pegasus is described as a winged horse, usually white in color, and his birth is linked to the blood of the gorgon Medusa.
He is one of the most iconic mythological beings and has been the subject of numerous artistic depictions and references throughout history. The figure of Pegasus has influenced culture, art and literature throughout history and is considered a symbol of imagination and freedom due to his ability to fly.
Apart from these horses famous for history or mythology, there are also some that have crossed the screen and have earned a place in the human heart and mind. Horses like Tornado, Spirit, Shadowfax or Bullseye, could be included in this section of famous horses that have gone down in history. These are just a few examples and there are many other memorable horses that have appeared in movies over the years.
Spirit is a brave and free horse who resists being tamed by colonizers. Throughout the film, Spirit experiences various adventures and challenges as he tries to maintain his freedom.
"Spirit: The Untamed Steed" became a popular film among young audiences and also spawned a television series and a sequel film titled "Spirit: The Untamed" released in 2021. The film has been praised for its emotional portrayal of the connection between horses and humans, as well as its message about freedom and loyalty.
Bullseye is the name of the wooden toy horse in Pixar's "Toy Story" franchise films. In the film, he is shown as a cowboy horse in a rare antique toy box that Woody and Buzz Lightyear find while trying to rescue Woody after he is kidnapped by a collector.
Although Bullseye has a supporting role in the films, his presence and cowboy horse appearance fit well with the Wild West theme and adventures in the "Toy Story" films and has gone down in history for phrases such as...Ride like the wind, Bullseye!
In the film and television adaptations of "Zorro," an iconic character created by Johnston McCulley, Zorro has a loyal sidekick named Tornado. Tornado is a black horse that Zorro rides on his adventures.
In these stories, Tornado is not just a horse, but an intelligent and brave companion who helps Zorro in his exploits and escapades. He is known for his speed and agility, making him a perfect companion for Zorro as he fights injustice and protects the innocent.
Shadowfax is a fictional character from J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary work, "The Lord of the Rings." He is a wise white horse belonging to the wizard Gandalf the Grey. Shadowfax is known as the Lord of Horses and is noted for his speed, intelligence and loyalty.
He is a magnificent white Pura Raza Española horse ridden by the wizard Gandalf in the fictional Lord of the Rings. "Shadowfax" means "Shadow mane," an appropriate name for a white horse that runs swift as the wind. Shadowfax has become a symbol of nobility and bravery in Middle-earth, and his story is beloved by "Lord of the Rings" fans.
In short, horses have played a pivotal role in human history and have been loyal companions in countless adventures throughout the centuries. From mythological legends to real-life exploits, horses have captivated our hearts and left their mark on culture, art and literature around the world.
Whether in fiction or reality, horses have left an indelible mark on our world, reminding us of the deep connection between humans and these majestic animals.