Horses have been an important part of our society for thousands of years, and some have embedded themselves in the public psyche. Whether through sporting prowess, courage or by virtue of who rode them, some horses have reputations that far outlast their time on earth. Here we take a look at five such horses.
Red Rum – In the 1970’s, Red Rum rose to fame as a thoroughbred racehorse who broke racing records and was renowned for his consistently exceptional performances. He is the only horse to have won the Grand National on three separate occasions, in 1973, 1974 and 1977, taking second place in 1975 and 1976. His jumping ability was also held as second to none, having not fallen in more than a hundred races.
Milton – Another horse famed for his competitive prowess, but in a different field in the eighties and nineties, Milton was a phenomenally successful showjumping horse. Ridden by John Whitaker, Milton went on to win more than a million pound in prize money, and took gold and silver in numerous championships. Always a crowd pleaser, he was renowned for his willingness to jump and for hardly ever touching a rail.
Bucephalus – Rewind several thousand years and horses were more often famous for their role in battles than in competition. Bucephalus was Alexander the Great’s horse, and lived in the 4th century BC. Bucephalus was said to have a particularly large head, and his name actually means ‘ox-head’. Alexander famously tamed the horse who was believed untameable, and would go on to ride Bucephalus triumphantly in many battles. Legend has it that the horse died at the age of thirty, in the Battle of the Hydaspes.
Black Bess – Dick Turpin was famous for being a highwayman and stealing horses, but he also of course rode a horse. Black Bess, as legend has it, was Turpin’s trusty steed and supposedly bore him on a 200-mile ride from London to York. However how much truth is in this tale is unknown, and Black Bess’ very existence has become muddled with history, myth and the romanticising of the Dick Turpin legend.
Secretariat – The subject of a popular film of the same name released in 2010 and starring John Malkovich – was one of the most famous American racehorses and is considered to be one of the finest thoroughbreds to ever compete there. In 1973, Secretariat won the ‘US Triple Crown’, by winning the Kentucky Derby, the Belmont Stakes and the Preakness Stakes. Not only did he win, he also set records in each of the three events.
There are of course many further famous horses from the width and breadth of history, and which ones are the most famous is clearly subjective. Do you have any different ideas about which are the most famous horses in history?
Your own horse meanwhile may not be famous, but he’s worth insuring and protecting. Get in touch with Park Insurance to find out more about equine insurance and horsebox insurance.
Are these history’s most famous horses?
