20 Of Hollywood’s Most Famous Horses And Their Heartwarming Stories
The American movie industry has a lot to thank horses for. After all, where would screen heroes like John Wayne or Clint Eastwood be without a trusty steed to get them from A to B? And many of cinema’s most recognizable equine heroes have fascinating stories of their own. We’re saddling up to introduce you to a stable of stars and the heartwarming stories that ride with them.
Secretariat/Trolley Boy
Secretariat holds the record for the fastest time of any horse to race in the U.S. Triple Crown. Earning his stripes in 1973, his legacy was assured. It was only a matter of time before someone made a Hollywood movie about him, though it didn’t happen until 2010. Diane Lane and John Malkovich starred, but who would portray the iconic title character? Enter Trolley Boy.
Big hooves to fill
Why Trolley Boy? Did he give the best audition? Well, maybe so. However, what counted heavily in his favor was a blood connection to Secretariat himself. You see, Trolley Boy was the great great grandson of the game-changing thoroughbred. Plus, he wasn’t the only illustrious horse the production employed. Longshot Max, who shared the family bloodline, also played Secretariat, and he got a close up.
Rowdy Yates’ horse/Midnight
Ever wondered about the horse Clint Eastwood rode in Rawhide? Meet Midnight, who accompanied Eastwood before he rode off into Western history. Clint — who, ironically, was allergic to horses — may have been starting out in the business, but Midnight appears to have been an old hand/hoof. But can you believe he almost died a most undignified death? Thankfully a quick-thinking individual had their eyes open.
Rowdy’s pal is rescued
Former stunt woman Martha Crawford Cantarini discovered that this proud fellow had seen better days and was facing the boot. Shockingly, he was going to be passed on to people paid to kill off horses who’d outlived their usefulness on-screen. Cantarini forked out so Midnight could live in relative peace with her for the remaining years of his life.
