The 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, is remembered for his strong leadership and his bold conservative policies. However, what is less well known is that Reagan was also an avid horse enthusiast. This article will explore the question of whether Ronald Reagan owned horses, looking at the evidence of Reagan’s involvement with horses both during and after his presidency.
Reagan’s Early Love of Horses
Reagan had a lifelong love of horses that began in his childhood. He grew up on a small farm in Illinois and as a young boy would often take care of the family’s horses. Reagan later recalled that as a child he would often ride the horses bareback and with no saddle, a practice which he continued into adulthood.
Reagan’s Hollywood Career
Reagan’s love of horses was a recurring theme throughout his time in Hollywood. He appeared in a number of westerns and even had a horse named after him in a movie. Reagan was also an avid horseman and would often take his horses to the Hollywood hills for trail rides and picnics.
Reagan’s Presidency
During his presidency, Reagan continued to ride horses. He was often seen riding at the presidential retreat at Camp David and was known to take long rides in the countryside of Maryland. Reagan also kept horses at his ranch in California and was known to take his horses to the nearby mountain ranges for trail rides.
Reagan’s Retirement
In retirement, Reagan continued to pursue his love of horses. He kept a stable of horses at his ranch in California and was often seen riding in the area. He also traveled with his horses, taking them on trips to his home in Bel Air, California, as well as to his ranch in the Santa Ynez Mountains.
Reagan’s Horses
Ronald Reagan owned a number of horses during his lifetime. He had a black horse named “Frosty”, a white horse named “Dandy”, and a bay horse named “Buttercup”. He also owned a pinto horse named “Charlie” and a chestnut mare named “Lady”. Reagan had a particular fondness for “Buttercup”, which he often rode during his presidency.
Reagan’s Horse Racing
Reagan was also an avid horse racing fan. He was a frequent visitor to the racetrack and would often place large bets on the horses. He was even known to place bets on horses he owned himself.
Reagan’s Legacy
Reagan’s love of horses is remembered in a number of ways. His ranch in California is now a national historic site, and the grounds contain a number of horse trails. There is also a bronze statue of Reagan riding his horse “Buttercup” at the Reagan Presidential Library.
Reagan’s Last Horse
Reagan’s last horse was a white mare named “Ebony”. He had owned her since the early 1980s and she was a constant companion during his retirement. Reagan often rode “Ebony” until he was too frail to ride any longer.
Conclusion
Ronald Reagan was a lifelong horse enthusiast. He began riding horses as a child and continued to ride them until the end of his life. Reagan owned a number of horses throughout his life, including his beloved “Buttercup” and “Ebony”. His love of horses is remembered in a number of ways, including a bronze statue of him riding “Buttercup” at his presidential library.