Famous Horses in History – Marengo: a horse of mystery by Donna Schlachter

Painting by Theodore Gericault c 1812 -- courtesy of Horses & People

Marengo is perhaps the most famous horse associated with Napoleon Bonaparte, yet much of the stallion’s story remains wrapped in legend, contradiction, and mystery. Revered as a war horse, celebrated as a survivor, and eventually displayed as a museum relic, Marengo’s life offers a fascinating glimpse into the world behind the emperor who once dominated Europe.

Born around 1793 in Egypt, Marengo was believed to be an Arabian stallion of exceptional pedigree. Small by modern standards—standing only about 14 hands high—he nevertheless possessed the endurance, intelligence, and courage prized in Arabian bloodlines. Historians believe he was one of several horses brought back to France after Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign. Though details of his exact lineage remain uncertain, many experts agree his breeding contributed to his legendary stamina and calmness under fire. 

 

Portrait by Joseph Chabond c. 1810 -- courtesy Horse Addict

Napoleon reportedly named the horse after the 1800 Battle of Marengo, one of his significant victories against Austria in northern Italy. The horse quickly became associated with the emperor himself and accompanied him through some of Europe’s most famous military campaigns. Marengo carried Napoleon into the Battles of Austerlitz, Jena, Wagram, and, most famously, Waterloo. Despite suffering many injuries during its service, the horse showed remarkable resilience, according to military records.

One enduring mystery is whether Marengo was truly Napoleon’s favorite horse. Napoleon owned dozens of horses throughout his reign, and records from the era are often inconsistent. Some historians argue that Marengo’s fame grew after Waterloo as British collectors and storytellers elevated the horse into a symbol of victory over Napoleon. People think Marengo was highly valued for his consistency and his ability to endure difficult journeys that proved fatal to many other horses.

 

Napoleon Crossing the Alps by Jacques-Louis David - courtesy Wikipedia

 

Another mystery involves Marengo’s temperament. Stories portray him as fearless in battle, yet some reports describe him as difficult, stubborn, or highly spirited. As with many legendary animals, separating fact from myth is almost impossible. Contemporary accounts were often written decades later, colored by political loyalties and romantic storytelling.
 

Marengo’s military career ended dramatically at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. After Napoleon’s defeat, British forces captured the horse. Lieutenant Colonel William Petre apparently bought Marengo and brought him to England, where the old war horse lived out his days. Surprisingly, they did not treat Marengo as a royal treasure but instead allowed him to live a relatively ordinary life, including at stud, although his offspring were not notable. 

Marengo's skeleton on display at the National Army Museum, London -- courtesy Wikipedia

 

The stallion died in 1831 at approximately 38 years old—an extraordinary age for a horse of that era, especially one that endured years of warfare. Yet even death did not end Marengo’s strange journey. Curators preserved his skeleton and eventually displayed it at the National Army Museum in London, where it remains one of the museum’s most famous exhibits. But here's another odd thing: someone made a snuffbox from one of Marengo's hooves. This was a common thing in the 1800s, but it's shocking now. 

"Napoleon on Marengo" -- artist unidentified -- courtesy National Army Museum

 

Today, Marengo stands as more than merely Napoleon’s horse. He has become a symbol of endurance, mythmaking, and the blurred line between history and legend.

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About Donna:

A hybrid author, Donna writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 60 times in books; is a member of several writers' groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter. She is taking all the information she’s learned along the way about the writing and publishing process, and is coaching committed writers eager to tell their story. Learn more at https://www.donnaschlachter.com/the-purpose-full-writer-coaching-programs Check out her coaching group on FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/604220861766651

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Resources:

https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/marengos-makeover

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marengo_(horse)

https://horseaddict.net/2017/11/06/marengo-napoleons-war-horse/ (snippet)

https://horsesandpeople.com.au/the-mystery-of-marengo/

https://ageofrevolution.org/200-object/skeleton-of-the-horse-marengo/