Famous Horses in History -- Bucephalus (355-326 BC) with giveaway by Donna Schlachter

Alexander and Bucephalus, by John Steell (Wikipedia)

I grew up loving horses, and I loved reading about horses, so I thought that might be a good theme for this year—12 Famous Horses in History. Even if you aren’t horse-mad, there will be horses you’ll recognize by name or reputation, and I felt that learning more about history could be wrapped into the stories of these equines.

I don’t know about you, but whenever I hear Bucephalus, I always think of Father Brown’s trusty bicycle, as that was his name for it. In fact, the first time I heard him refer to it by that name, I had to look up the word, as I hadn’t heard of this horse before.

Bucephalus was born around 355 BC in Greece, and ultimately became the horse that Alexander the Great rode into many battles.

As the story by Plutarch goes, when Alexander of Macedonia (as he was known before he became a soldier), made a wager at the age of 12 or 13 with his father, who was a horse dealer. King Philip II was interested in the young Bucephalus, but he proved impossible to subdue. Alexander said he could do it, and if he didn’t, he’d pay the price for the horse.

Alexander taming Bucephalus by B.R. Haydon (Wikipedia)

 

 

After studying the horse, he realized the beast was shy of its own shadow, so he turned the stallion toward the sun so it couldn’t see what scared it. Others who’d tried to tame the animal had shouted and used harsh language, but Alexander spoke soothingly, and the horse responded. After ditching his fluttering cape—another trigger for the beast—Bucephalus responded to him.

In the legend that comprises much of the history of Alexander, King Philip II was so impressed that he told Alexander that Macedonia was too small for a man such as he, and for him to seek out a kingdom equal to and worthy of his gifts.

A second legend, the Alexander Romance, claims that Bucephalus was given to Philip and resided on his estate. Bucephalus was said to possess heroic attributes that exceeded those of Pegasus, and another romance by the Delphic Oracle tells Philip that the man who rides Bucephalus will be king of the world.

Alexander the Great mosaic (Wikipedia)

 

 

Whatever the truth about his origins and his abilities, Bucephalus was so named because of a mark on his haunch in the shape of an ox head. Overlay large and with a massive head, he bore a black coat and a white star on his brow. He had one blue eye, which was an anomaly, and he was “of the best Thessalian (Greek) strain” of horses.

Alexander’s hero was Achilles, and indeed, he claimed to be an ancestor of his. In so doing, he included his skill and ability with horses as a result of his godly origins. Achilles claimed that his horses were immortal because Poseidon gave them to his father Peleus, who in turn passed them along to him.

However, that immortality did not continue with Bucephalus, and he died in June 326 BC following the Battle of Hydaspes, from mortal injuries sustained in the fight. Alexander and his army defeated King Porus, but he lost his favorite mount.

Seleucos I Bucephalos coin (Wikipedia)

 

In memoriam, he founded a city, Bucephala, on the west bank of the Hydaspes River, in modern-day Pakistan. Today the town is called Jalalpur Sharif, and Bucephalus is said to be buried there.

The reputation of the horse grew alongside that of his master, with different legends claiming they were born at the same time, and later stories claimed they died at the same hour, but mostly these tales are viewed as fictional.

Alexander and Bucephalus by Domenico Maria Canuti (Wikipedia)

 

 

No matter the details, there is no doubt Alexander treasured Bucephalus, and most likely, his lineage is present in our modern-day horses.

Leave a comment about your like or dislike of horses, and I will draw randomly for a free ebook of “Hollenberg Hearts”, a Pony Express story. Cleverly disguise your email address so the bots don’t get you, for example: donna AT livebytheword DOT com

About Hollenberg Hearts:
A mail order bride. A crippled stationmaster. No way out for either of them—except with each other. Can they surrender their hearts and find true love?

https://www.amazon.com/Hollenberg-Hearts-Pony-Express-Book-ebook/dp/B098VZ38XY and the rest of the Series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098WRMTM3

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.

www.DonnaSchlachter.com

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Resources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bucephalus  

Horses Through History--And Give Away!!

By Miralee Ferrell

I've been fascinated by horses since I can remember. In fact, I've woven horses into many of my books, so I thought it would be fun to investigate horses in history--how they've been used, when they appeared on the North American continent, then spotlight a few of the famous ones.

First, I've always believed horses were brought to 'the new land' with the Spaniards, then introduced to the Native American tribes. I recently read an article that this 'history' factor is being challenged in Federal court. Animal rights groups who want to protect wild horses on BLM land and allow them to run free, claim they have new proof that horses were native to North America at least 1,000 years ago, then died out, and were reintroduced, making them 'native' and giving them the right to be protected. 

Horses have had a variety of uses through the centuries. Pleasure riding came much later in history, as horses were first and foremost a means to work the land and transport people or goods from one place to another. They've been used to pull plows, carts, buggies, wagons, chariots, warriors, soldiers, homesteaders, moving cannons, and more.  


Horses were first domesticated in the central Eurasian steppes about 6000 years ago according to estimations. Archaeologists found early bridles dating to 4000 BC in Eastern Europe as well as antler cheek-pieces and toggles for mouth pieces north of the Black Sea. Initially, these animals were used for food but at some point their strength was directed towards being led carrying goods, ridden to help hunt game and engage in warfare, and driven to work in the fields.3 By 500 BC, horses and their ability to carry men great distances at a quick speed had begun making their way into legend.



One of the most famous ancient horses was Buecephalus, owned by Alexander the Great. It is said that the giant black horse was brought before Prince Phillip II, but because it was so wild, he lost interest in it. Thirteen-year-old Alexander was captivated by the horse, and stated he'd pay for it himself if he couldn't tame it. No one believed he could do it, but he moved close to the horse, speaking soft, soothing words, then turned Buecephalus away from the sun so he could no longer see his own shadow. The boy believed that is what was frightening the stallion, and the horse immediately calmed. Alexander dropped his fluttering cloak out of the way as well, and went on to successfully tame the horse. 

Current Day Morgan Horse

When I was a kid, I loved the Disney movie, Justin Morgan Had a Horse. As a kid, I always thought that was the name of the horse, but I later learned his name was actually Figure, who became the founding stallion of the awesome Morgan breed during the 1780s--one of the first truly American breed of horses. Morgans have influenced other major American breeds, including the American Quarter Horse, Tennessee Walking Horse and the Standardbred. During the 19th and 20th centuries, they were exported to other countries, including England, where they influenced the breeding of the Hackney horse.

We've owned mostly Arabian horses for the past 40 years. The picture at the top of this post is me with my favorite mare, Khaila, who was the last horse I owned, and who lived to an old age and passed away the summer of 2013. I now ride my son-in-law's Arabian mare, Sagar, when I go trail riding with my daughter, Marnee, who rides her Arabian, Adora. 





Part of my love of horses led to writing a new four-book series (published by David C Cook), Horses and Friends, The first book, A Horse for Kate, released

March 1 this year, and the next, Silver Spurs, releases in two weeks on June 1. There will be two more following, titled Mystery Rider, September 1, and Blue Ribbon Trail Ride, Feb., 2016--books are available everywhere, in stores and online. 

If you'd like to win a copy of A Horse for Kate, leave a comment, and for a second chance to win, go to Miralee's website (click HERE) and subscribe to Miralee's newsletter (please mention in your comment if you're already a subscriber which will get an extra entry too, or if you signed up today). Thank you!!!