The Best Horse Ever: A Look at the Most Successful Equine Athletes
For centuries, horses have been used for a variety of purposes, from carrying knights into battle to providing a mode of transportation for everyday people. But for some, horses have become sports stars, with many of them achieving a level of fame and success that is unrivaled. So, who is the best horse ever?This article will take a look at some of the most successful equine athletes in history, from racehorses to show jumpers and eventers, to determine the answer.
Secretariat: The Most Famous Racehorse of All Time
When it comes to the best horse ever, the name Secretariat is one that is often at the top of the list. The Thoroughbred racehorse, foaled in 1970, is widely considered to be one of the greatest racehorses of all time. He won the Triple Crown in 1973, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished in 25 years, and still holds the record for the fastest time in the Belmont Stakes. He was also the first horse to be named Horse of the Year three times, and his record at the Kentucky Derby remains unbeaten.
Man o’ War: The Legend of the Racing World
Another of the greatest racehorses in history was Man o’ War, who was foaled in 1917 and raced from 1919-1920. Nicknamed “Big Red”, Man o’ War won 20 of 21 starts and is widely considered to be the greatest racehorse of the 20th century. His wins included the Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, and the Kentucky Derby, and he is the only horse to ever win all three races in the same year. He also set records that still stand today, including the fastest two-mile time, and the most money ever won by a racehorse in a single season.
Red Rum: The Most Successful Steeplechase Horse
Red Rum is another iconic racehorse, who was foaled in 1965 and raced from 1967-1977. He is best known for his three Grand National wins, making him the most successful steeplechase horse of all time, and he is considered to be one of the most beloved figures in British racing. In addition to his success on the track, Red Rum also had a successful post-racing career, appearing in numerous television shows, movies, and advertisements.
Seabiscuit: The Little Horse that Could
Seabiscuit is another of the most famous racehorses of all time. Foaled in 1933, Seabiscuit defied the odds and became an unlikely champion, winning 33 of 89 races and earning more than $400,000 in prize money. He was a favorite of the American public, and his story was made into a popular 2003 movie. At the height of his racing career, Seabiscuit was considered the greatest racehorse in the world and was seen as an inspiration to those struggling during the Great Depression.
Hickstead: The Show Jumper Who Won the Nation’s Hearts
Hickstead was a show-jumping horse that captivated the nation with his remarkable career. The Dutch Warmblood gelding, foaled in 1999, was ridden to success by Canadian equestrian Eric Lamaze. Together, the pair competed in numerous international events, and won the 2008 Olympic Individual Gold medal, the 2009 World Cup Final, and the 2010 World Equestrian Games Individual Gold. Hickstead was also the first horse to be inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, making him an icon of the equestrian world.
Flicka: The Eventing Superstar
Flicka was an Irish Sport Horse that had an incomparable career in the world of eventing. Foaled in 1971, Flicka competed in three Olympics, winning Team Silver in 1976, and was part of the British team that won Team Gold in 1984. She was also the first horse to win the Badminton Horse Trials three times, and the first horse to win Burghley Horse Trials four times. She was inducted into the Eventing Hall of Fame in 1995, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest eventers of all time.
Conclusion
When it comes to the best horse ever, there are many contenders for the title. While Secretariat, Man o’ War, Red Rum, Seabiscuit, Hickstead, and Flicka all have impressive resumes, there can only be one true champion. While each of these horses has left an indelible mark on the world of horse racing, show jumping, and eventing, it is Secretariat who stands out as the greatest horse ever. His Triple Crown win in 1973 is still legendary, and his record-breaking times and wins are still remembered today.