"Ask anyone to name the world's most famous horse ..."

[Rackonteur]

I just saw this quote on a Breyer ad.

It continues “… and their answer will most likely be Secretariat.”

I am going to start asking people I know, friends and neighbors, horsey and nonhorsey people alike, including people who think they are horsey but may not be. I am really interested in what answers I get.
I would love to know what answers you get.
So, will you play? Ask anyone to name the world’s most famous horse, and post the answers they give you.
I think it could be interesting!

I’m off to ask people now!

[anon40672407]

In Ireland, it might be Arkle.

BTW hubby said Secretariat, then changed his answer to Man O’War.

[Garythesquirrel]

The first name that popped into my head was Mister Ed.

[candyappy]

@Garythesquirrel

The first name that popped into my head was Mister Ed.

Mine Too

[LilDunFilly]

My first thought was Secretariat (because everyone says he’s the most famous). However, my first thought for a famous horse would have actually been Spirit; if I ask the little kids at horse camp, they also say Spirit. One said Flicka though.

[jvanrens]

You would likely have to pick a discipline in this house. I’d likely pick Big Ben, Milton, or Rugged Lark (I tend to run to discipline specific). My DH or daughter would pick Somebeachsomewhere or Bulldog Hanover.

[rockonxox]

Non horsey people almost always answer Secretariat or The Black Stallion or “how should I know” in my experience. I do have a group of friends from back in my college days who would jokingly call me Seabiscuit (because I was the horsey girl and that movie came out around that time)… so for them they’d probably answer Seabiscuit.

[Willesdon]

Black Beauty.

[cayuse]

You beat me to it! Black Beauty.

[OnAMission]

I asked my mom (not a horse person other than she likes them and bought me a few) and she said Black Beauty.

[Brown_Derby]

For my grandma it was always Silky Sullivan hands down.

[B_and_B]

(In the US) It used to be Man O’War. I still think it ought to be, even if Secretariat was the great grandfather of my much loved Thoroughbred.
But…Spirit may well be a better answer. Or just a blank stare. Which makes me very sad. I’ll take Mister Ed over either, but I bet he wouldn’t be recognized.

[Rackonteur]

I’m glad to see the Man o’ War replies, as he is the first one I thought of. (But then I was grown and had already watched 11 years’ worth of Triple Crown races by the time Secretariat came along and I missed all his Triple Crown races except for his Belmont stretch run.)
I am surprised at myself and feel guilty that I did not even think of Black Beauty. I did think of The Black Stallion.
I have asked 3 friends so far, 1 a horsewoman, the other 2 not, and 1 of each said Secretariat (one qualified her answer by saying “if we’re talking racehorses”). The third friend said Man o’ War.
Waiting to see who my English friends will name.

[RhythmNCruise]

Secretariat was the first that came to my mind. In order to be “the world’s most famous horse” it would have to be a horse that is known by a LOT of people. I would think he’s the ONLY horse some people could even name.

It’s not a specific horse, but I wouldn’t doubt “The Budweiser Clydesdales” being an answer from someone who isn’t horsey. They’re pretty famous.

[mommy_peanut]

Just asked hubby. He said Mr Ed LOL

[outerbanks77]

DH said Seabiscuit.

[Sleipnir]

Around here it would be Totilas.

[Janet]

The first one that came to my mind was Man O’ War.

[Fiesta01]

My first thought was Man o’ War, but on second thought, changed to Secretariat since, being more recent, might sooner come to mind to non-horse folk.

[clanter]

Figure, also known as Justin Morgan’s horse