Famous Horses in History…Trigger – by Donna Schlachter with Giveaway

Roy and Trigger courtesy MorganHorse.com

Trigger the horse was one half of a famous team that included Roy Rogers. So let’s spend a little time looking at the famous man whose untiring devotion to the horse, and whose acute business sense saw the benefit in marketing this animal to his audience (many of whom were children), made Trigger’s fame possible.

Roy was born in 1911 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the third of four children. Leonard Franklin Slye lived with his family on a hand-built houseboat, which they moved to dry land during the Great Flood of 1913 and continued living in it.

In 1922, when Leonard/Roy was 11 years old, he was given a horse and learned to ride. The family was musical, so Leonard/Roy learned to sing, yodel, and play several instruments. During the Depression, the family moved to California, and although Leonard/Roy worked as a fruit picker and other itinerant jobs, he longed to pursue singing. He eventually co-founded the Sons of the Pioneers, making their first records in 1934 when he was 23. The actor Gene Autry gave them their first break with singing parts in his movies. Sometimes, who you know matters.

Just a few years later, Leonard/Roy got a lengthy contract with Republic Pictures, who wanted to cash in on the popularity and recent passing of Will Rogers, so Leonard/Roy changed his name to Roy Rogers. His first movie, Under Western Stars, released in 1938, required the use of a horse. Several were brought to him, and he chose the third mount, Golden Cloud, not even looking at the rest.

Roy and Trigger (MorganHorse.com)

 

From the beginning, Roy observed that Golden Cloud was no ordinary horse. Smiley Burnett, a co-worker, said, “he is quick off the trigger”, and Roy thought that a good name.

Trigger’s ancestry has always been up for debate, but Roy did some research, and he learned that the sire was at least part Morgan, part Thoroughbred, and his dam was also part Morgan. Despite that, Trigger’s bloodlines included the work ethic of the Morgan and the intelligence and agility of the Thoroughbred.

Trigger doing tricks with Roy (MorganHorse.com)

 

Hollywood Horse Trainer Glenn Randall trained Trigger on more than 150 tricks, including his famous two-legged rear, sitting in a chair, covering himself with a blanket and taking a nap, and because of a hectic travel schedule, was even housebroken.

Although Roy carefully guarded the secret that there was more than one Trigger, the horses were not identical. Trigger had one white stocking, while Trigger Jr. and Little Trigger had four. Their sizes were slightly different, and had Roy stood them side by side, even the little children would have realized their beloved Trigger had look-alikes. Interestingly, because Trigger was never bred, neither of his stand-ins were direct descendants. When asked why he didn’t allow Trigger to breed, Roy said he didn’t want to risk losing the docile spirit of the horse, as that made him trainable and also able to stand quietly while inexperienced riders sat on him.

Here are some interesting facts about Trigger and Roy:

-- Trigger, as Golden Cloud, had first been used in a movie featuring Olivia de Havilland as Maid Marion in The Adventures of Robin Hood

-- Trigger and Roy appeared in 88 movies from 1938 through the mid-1950s

-- Trigger had his own fan club, with members worldwide.

-- Trigger and Roy have their prints in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre 

Handprints and hoof prints at Grauman's Chinese Theater (MorganHorse.com)

-- Little Trigger was the horse that folks called “the smartest horse in the movies”, but Trigger got the fame

-- The Denver Broncos NFL team received permission to use the mold that created the form for Trigger after he died, and Bucky the Bronco was used to create the blue stallion with the blazing orange eyes that is synonymous with the Bronco team. The mold was destroyed after that.

-- In 1999, actor Val Kilmer led a horse named Triggerson on stage at the 71st Academy Awards as a tribute to Roy Rogers and his cowboy peers. Triggerson was reportedly grandsired by Trigger Jr.

Trigger died of natural causes one day shy of his 30th birthday at Roy’s ranch in Apple Valley, California. Unwilling to let his long-time friend and companion go, Roy arranged for a professional taxidermist to preserve the hide on a foam likeness of Trigger. The likeness was put on display in the original Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum in Apple Valley in 1967, then moved to the new museum location in Victorville, California, in 1976, and then resided in Branson, Missouri, since 2003.

Classic two-legged stance (Courtesy of wikipedia)

 

When the museum closed in 2010, its contents were sold at public auction. Trigger’s likeness was initially purchased by a television station, which planned to include it in a western museum, but those plans never materialized. But that hasn’t stopped Trigger. Instead, he’s spent the years since greeting visitors at the station’s corporate headquarters, along with Buttermilk, Dale Evans’ horse, and Bullet, Roy’s companion dog. The trio are occasionally lent to venues like John Wayne: An American Experience, and The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, where they continue to delight audiences of all ages. 

 

As Roy would say, "Happy trails to you!"



Leave a comment about any fond memories you have of Trigger and Roy Rogers, and I will randomly draw from all comments for a free ebook of Hollenberg Hearts to be sent to one lucky recipient.

 

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?

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

Website: www.DonnaSchlachter.com

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Resources:

Rearing image of trigger: (picture credit): https://ohiomemory.org/digital/collection/p267401coll32/id/15871/)

https://saddleupcolorado.net/blog/-roy-rogers-horse-trigger-breed-facts-where-he-is-no/?srsltid=AfmBOorpRamQCZ0b9o7ULLbs7GjmUBPAbA46x6t732KOmF74aA9J4MS9

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

https://www.morganhorse.com/upload/photos/page_1144_4-tmh_oct2020_historical_morgans_in_western_films_iv_roy_rogers_trigger.pdf

The Wild Horses of the West: Legends on the Hoof

Wild Mustangs in Wyoming

The Wild West conjures up images of dusty trails, sprawling plains, and of course, wild horses galloping freely across the horizon. These iconic animals are more than just symbols of freedom and untamed spirit—they have deep roots in American history and culture.

Origins: From Escapees to Icons

Contrary to popular belief, horses are not native to North America. They originated here millions of years ago but went extinct around 10,000 years ago. It wasn’t until the early 1500s that horses returned to the continent, brought over by Spanish explorers like Hernán Cortés. Some horses escaped or were released, and over time, they formed free-roaming herds across the Great Plains, deserts, and mountainous regions.

These feral descendants of domesticated horses came to be known as mustangs—a term derived from the Spanish word mesteño, meaning "stray" or "ownerless." By the 18th and 19th centuries, mustangs had spread across vast areas of the western U.S., from Texas to Nevada.
Work and Partnership

Wild horses weren’t just admired from afar—they became central to the lives of Native American tribes, cowboys, ranchers, and settlers. Tribes such as the Comanche quickly became expert horsemen, using them for hunting, travel, and warfare. Horses revolutionized life for many Plains tribes, granting them unmatched mobility.

During the heyday of the cowboy in the 1800s, horses were indispensable. They were used for cattle drives, farming, transport, and even mail delivery through the Pony Express. A well-trained horse was as valuable as gold, and bonds between rider and steed were often deep and lifelong.

Care and Challenges

While wild horses thrived in open landscapes, domesticated horses required care. Cowboys and ranchers provided feed, clean water, shoeing, and shelter. Caring for a horse also meant regular grooming, vet care, and ensuring the animal wasn’t overworked.

In the wild, mustangs had to fend for themselves, facing predators, drought, and competition for food. Today, their numbers are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), as overpopulation can threaten both the horses and the delicate ecosystems they roam.

Legends and Folklore

Comanche, with saddle and bridle, held by a soldier.
Public domain image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The West is rich with horse legends. One of the most famous horses in folklore is Comanche, the horse of Captain Myles Keogh of the 7th Cavalry. After the battle in 1876, Comanche was found gravely wounded but alive—one of the few survivors from Custer’s detachment. He was taken in and nursed back to health by the U.S. Army. Comanche was given full military honors and lived out the rest of his days at Fort Riley, Kansas. He received exceptional care and never carried a rider again.

After his death in 1891, Comanche’s remains were preserved through taxidermy. Today, you can see him on display at the University of Kansas Natural History Museum in Lawrence, Kansas. His mounted form is carefully maintained as a historical artifact, housed in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment to ensure his preservation. The exhibit includes information about his life, the Battle of the Little Bighorn, and his unique place in American military and equine history.

Roy Rogers and Trigger in a publicity photo.
Public domain image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Trigger, the golden palomino of cowboy actor Roy Rogers, achieved the status of movie star in his own right. Trigger appeared in films and performed tricks that dazzled his audiences.

Then there’s the ghostly tale of the Phantom Stallion, a recurring motif in Western lore that embodies the mystery and majesty of the Wild West. This legendary horse is said to roam the wide-open ranges alone, a beautiful, powerful creature with a coat as white as snow or as black as night—depending on the version told. Elusive and wild-eyed, the Phantom Stallion is rarely seen for more than a fleeting moment, vanishing like mist before anyone can get close. Ranchers, cowboys, and travelers speak of catching glimpses of him on moonlit ridges or across distant valleys, always just out of reach.

In many versions of the tale, the Phantom isn’t just a wild horse but the living embodiment of freedom itself. To some, spotting the stallion is a sign of good fortune, while others see him as an omen or a reminder that not all things can be tamed. The story has inspired countless books, songs, and even a popular young adult series, The Phantom Stallion by Terri Farley, which blends the myth with modern-day mustang advocacy.

The legend persists because it captures something timeless--the untamed spirit of the Wild West.

Final Thoughts

Listen carefully, and you will hear the echo of hoofbeats as the wild horses of the West run forward through time. They remain living legacies of America's past.

Over to You

Do you know of any other legendary horses of the Wild West? If you've seen wild horses, what did you experience?

About Janalyn Voigt

Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales "written" in her head. Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. Romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy appear in all her novels in proportions dictated by their genre. 

Learn more about Janalyn Voigt and the books she writes.

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The Forever Sky: Can a young widow with no faith in love reconcile with the man who broke her heart?

The Promise Tree: A preacher’s daughter knows she shouldn't encourage a troublemaker, no matter she promised him.

The Whispering Wind: Phoebe can have her pick of suitors but never the man she wants.

Learn More

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King of the Cowboys

In the 1960s, I watched many cowboy shows with my dad. It was then that my love for westerns, cowboys, and horses was birthed. One of my dad’s favorites and mine was Roy Rogers.

Rogers started out as Leonard Franklin Slye, born November 5, 1911 in Cincinnati, Ohio. His family relocated to California in the late 1920s, where Slye held jobs as a fruit picker and factory worker. His first venture into the music world was playing at square dances and local theaters with his cousin, Stanley. Slye soon met Bob Nolan and Tim Spencer, and they began playing music together. They called their group the O-Bar-O Cowboys. The band went through various name changes, performing as the Pioneer Trio and the Sons of the Pioneers. They even appeared together in several motion pictures.

The Carson City Kid

Roy Rogers & Trigger

Slye went through more than one name change himselft. During his early stint in the Sons of the Pioneers, he went by Dick Weston, which is how the credits read for his first film, Slightly Static (1935). In 1937, Republic Studios offered him a seven-year contract, and Leonard Slye became Roy Rogers for eternity. His big break came the next year when he replaced Gene Autry, who was involved in a contract dispute, to star in Under Western Stars (1938). The movie was a huge hit, and Rogers went on to star in an average of seven singing B-Westerns every year until the early 1950s, all of which featured his trusty palomino, Trigger, and his dog, Bullet. 

Gene Autry and Roy Rogers were often rivals for starring roles, but Rogers later out scored Autry in box office sales. During the era of western musicals, Roy Rogers became known as the "King of the Cowboys" after appearing in a film of the same name.

Advocating patriotism and heroism, Rogers gained an enormous following of mostly young fans. With his endorsement of a multitude of products—from children's toys to cereal brands—Roy Rogers and Trigger, and later Dale Evans, evolved into pop cultural icons. 

    

Roy Rogers appeared in his first film with actress Dale Evans in 1944. The Cowboy and the Señorita sparked an irresistible on-screen chemistry between the two, quickly gaining Evans the nickname, "Queen of the Cowgirls.” From 1944 to 1951, they appeared in nearly 30 films together, including The Yellow Rose of Texas (1944), Utah (1945) and Apache Rose (1947). From 1951-1957, Rogers starred in his own popular television series, The Roy Rogers Show, which also featured Dale Evans, who wrote the show's theme song, Happy Trails. Following a revamping, the show re-aired as The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Show in 1962.

 

Rogers had two previous marriages before he wed Dale Evans on New Year's Eve in 1947. Several years later, they had a daughter, Robin, who was born with a heart defect and Down syndrome. Sadly, little Robin died in 1952. Evans later wrote about her in her book, Angel Unaware, which is written in Robin's point of view as she recounts her life as she looks down from heaven. As she speaks to God about the mission of love she just completed on earth, the reader sees how she brought her parents closer to God and encouraged them to help other children in need.

In the 1950s, Rogers and Evans adopted four more children, Dodie, Sandy, Marion Swift and Debbie Lee. The Rogers family was struck with tragedy in 1964, when Debbie died in a church bus accident, and again, in 1965, when Sandy choked to death while serving in the Army. A little more than six months after celebrating the 50th anniversary of his marriage to Dale Evans, Roy Rogers died in Victorville, California, on July 6, 1998, of congestive heart failure.

After their marriage, both Rogers and Evans became out-spoken advocates of their Christian faith. Beginning in 1949 they were part of the Hollywood Christian Group founded by their friend and Bel Air Church's Organizing Pastor, Louis Evans, Jr. Billy Graham and Jane Russell were also part of the Hollywood Christian Group.

Throughout his life, Roy Rogers was known as much for his kindness as for his movie roles. For instance, he appreciated his fans so much that he attempted to respond personally to every piece of mail he received, despite the fact that his film studio refused to pay for postage, and the cost came out of his own pocket. He will forever be known as an honorable man and the King of the Cowboys. 

Do you remember watching Roy Rogers on television or in the movies?

When Sarah Worley rejects Luke McNeil’s marriage proposal to pursue property in the Oklahoma Territory land lottery in 1901, the ranch hand pulls up stakes and goes after her. But he’s the last person she wants to see. The land lottery gives Sarah the chance to realize her dream of independence and a home of her own. But with it comes challenges she never considered. When her dream becomes a nightmare, she must decide whether to stay on her land or give up and return to the life she left. Luke hopes that by winning a claim, he can give Sarah the home she’s always wanted. How can he prove his love and show the stubborn woman that he’s the right man for her?

Bestselling author Vickie McDonough grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie is an award-winning author of more than 40 published books and novellas. Over a million copies of her books have been sold worldwide. Her novels include the fun and feisty Texas Boardinghouse Brides series, and End of the Trail, which was the OWFI 2013 Best Fiction Novel winner. Whispers on the Prairie was a Romantic Times Recommended Inspirational Book for July 2013. Song of the Prairie won the 2015 Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Her latest series, Land Rush Dreams, focuses on the Oklahoma land runs. Vickie has recently stepped into independent publishing with Frontier Hearts and The Bull Rider's Bride.

Vickie has been married over forty years to Robert. They have four grown sons, one of whom is married, and a precocious ten-year-old granddaughter. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, antiquing, watching movies, and traveling. To learn more about Vickie’s books or to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: www.vickiemcdonough.com

Roy Rogers and Dale Evans: Depicting Western History in Films

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Okay, okay, this can’t be historical because I, Nancy J Farrier, remember Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, his

horse, Trigger and his dog, Bullet. But, they represented the historical western in movies and books. A couple of weeks ago, when I was bike riding with my son-in-law, he pointed out the home where Roy Rogers and Dale Evans lived. I wondered about their story and thought you might be interested too.

Born November 5^th, 1911, Leonard Franklin Slye, grew up in Ohio, and moved with his family to California in the late 1920’s. Rogers began his music career with his cousin, Stanley, when the pair played at square dances and local theaters. Rogers met Bob Nolan and Tim Spencer, who would later be part of the Sons of the Pioneers, but they began as the O-Bar-O Cowboys. They appeared in several motion pictures before Rogers caught his big break.

In his early film career, Rogers was known as Dick Weston, the name he used as he sang with the Sons of the Pioneers. He became Roy Rogers after being offered a seven-year film contract. In 1938, Rogers replace the well-known Gene Autry because of a contract dispute. The film, Under the Western Sky, became a major hit and Roger’s career took off. He did an average of seven “singing Westerns” every year until the early 1950’s. The rivalry between Autry and Roger’s boosted both of their careers.

Dale Evans, born October 31, 1912, in Texas, began singing on the radio before she starred in movies with Rogers. In 1944, the duo appeared in the movie, The Yellow Rose of Texas, and their chemistry appealed to audiences across the country. Evans became known as The Queen of the West, and sheHappy Trails to You.
wrote the well-known theme song,

On New Year’s Eve in 1947, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans married. Their fans were delighted with the charismatic couple. From 1944 to 1951 the couple appeared in almost 30 movies together. In the 1950’s, Rogers starred in The Roy Rogers Show, a popular television series, which costarred Dale Evans. The song, Happy Trails, became the theme song. In the early 1960’s, the show enjoyed a comeback as The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Show.

Roy Rogers was known for his kindness and his caring for other people. He loved his fans so much that he attempted to answer every fan letter personally, even though the cost came out of his pocket since the studio refused to pay for stamps. He loved his audience.

Dale Evans also became an accomplished song writer and author, recording 30 children’s records. In 1953, she wrote the book, Angel Unaware, the story of their daughter Robin, who was born with Down’s Syndrome and died before her second birthday. Evans loved to share her faith in her songs and books. She and Rogers attended the Church of the Valley in Apple Valley, California.

Despite the hardships they faced—the death of three children, one an infant and two grown—Roy Rogers and Dale Evans lived their faith. They loved each other and they loved their audience. They delighted people of all ages with their acting, their music and their warm personalities.

I remember watching Roy Rogers and Dale Evans on television. Do you? Did your parents watch them? Of course, my favorite was Trigger, Roy’s horse, followed by a close second with Bullet, his dog. I’d love to hear your memories of this couple who portrayed our countries western history in many films.

This is the month to give thanks. I am so thankful to be part of this blog, and to have you readers. Please leave a comment to enter a drawing. I am giving away one of my books and a lovely Thanksgiving plaque to hang on the wall.

Nancy J Farrier is an award winning author who lives in Southern California in the Mojave Desert. She loves the Southwest and interesting historical past. Nancy and her husband have five children. When Nancy isn’t writing, she loves to read, do needlecraft, play with her cats, and spend time with her family. Nancy is represented by Karen Ball of The Steve Laube Literary Agency. You can read more about Nancy and her books on her website: www.nancyjfarrier.com.