Buttermilk was not the most famous horse in the Roy Rogers universe, that honor typically went to the flashy palomino, Trigger. Yet this unassuming buckskin Quarter Horse was a star in his own right, becoming the devoted mount of singer, actress, and “Queen of the West,” Dale Evans.
Much like Trigger, Buttermilk found his place in countless mid-century Western movies and in The Roy Rogers Show, gaining the admiration of fans everywhere.
His journey from near-slaughter to beloved movie horse is a tale of resilience, highlighting how good care and companionship can transform a rough-around-the-edges colt into a cherished member of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
What follows is a deeper look at Buttermilk’s remarkable life story.
1. Buttermilk Had A Rough Start in Life
Buttermilk, originally known as “Soda” (depending on the source), was born on April 13, 1941, and according to some accounts, faced a grim fate early on. According to one popular account, he was en route to a slaughterhouse when a kindhearted cattle farmer recognized the frightened young colt’s potential and decided to buy him.
At the time, Buttermilk had been abused by a horse trader, resulting in a defensive and difficult temperament.
Yet under the farmer’s care, the once-problematic horse flourished. He grew friendlier with consistent handling and gained skill in activities like cutting and roping.
This solid foundation, and the ranch work that followed, helped shape his impressive athleticism, qualities that would later wow audiences on film.
2. From ‘Soda’ to Buttermilk: Dale Evans’ Search for a Co-Star
Dale Evans, the “Queen of the West,” needed a new horse to stand out alongside Roy Rogers’ famous mount, Trigger. Two previous horses proved unsuitable, one was too flashy in color, while the other looked too much like Trigger. A Hollywood horse trainer, some sources cite as Glenn Randall, then presented Evans with a shaggy-coated gelding named “Soda.”
Once Soda’s winter fur shed, a striking buckskin Quarter Horse emerged. Dale Evans instantly took to him, finding him both beautiful and spirited. Eager to rebrand her new partner with a more fitting name, Evans found inspiration in a cloud pattern during a sunset in Lone Pine, California, those milky skies reminded her of “Ole Buttermilk Sky,” a classic Hoagy Carmichael tune. Thus “Soda” became “Buttermilk Sky,” eventually shortened to just “Buttermilk.”
3. Dale Evans and Buttermilk: A Bond Forged On and Off Camera
Buttermilk wasn’t just a prop or background horse; he and Dale Evans quickly developed a close partnership. Though he was sometimes quick to respond, occasionally more than Dale expected, her experience as a seasoned rider helped her adjust. Fans were drawn to their chemistry, both in the movies and in their personal appearances.
Off-screen, Dale Evans would often talk about Buttermilk’s sweet, if slightly mischievous, personality. Even when the cameras stopped rolling, the two were known to share a gentle rapport, as Evans insisted on treating her mount like a true companion rather than a mere co-star.
4. A Star of Roy Rogers’ Westerns and TV Shows
Buttermilk made his official debut in Roy Rogers’ Westerns, starring alongside Trigger, Bullet (the German Shepherd), and of course Roy and Dale themselves. He went on to appear in nearly every Roy Rogers film and in all but six episodes of The Roy Rogers Show, an NBC series that ran from 1951 to 1957.
In the show’s contemporary yet Old West-inspired settings, Dale Evans and Roy Rogers played heroic figures rescuing townsfolk from rustlers, con artists, and bank robbers.
While Trigger was generally front and center, Buttermilk’s presence was impossible to miss. It didn’t take long for the buckskin to develop his own substantial fan following.
5. Fastest Hooves on Set: Outrunning Trigger
Though Trigger was famously known as “The Smartest Horse in the Movies,” Buttermilk could outrun him if given the chance. In fact, the production team often asked Dale Evans to hold Buttermilk back during galloping scenes so Trigger could maintain the spotlight. Buttermilk was described as having lightning-fast reflexes; at the first shout of “Action!” he’d bolt forward, sometimes leaving Trigger behind in a dusty cloud.
This speed was rooted in his Quarter Horse heritage, a breed prized for explosive acceleration over short distances. Roy Rogers once joked that they had to reshoot multiple galloping sequences because Buttermilk insisted on winning every “race.”
6. A Fan Favorite with a Merchandising Boom
During the 1950s, Western-themed entertainment was at its peak, and Buttermilk enjoyed considerable fame as Dale Evans’ trusty mount. Children and adults alike clamored for Buttermilk-related collectibles, from figurines and lamps to metal and plastic replicas. The horse’s image was featured on promotional posters, lunchboxes, and various memorabilia, solidifying his status as a Western icon.
While Trigger was undoubtedly the star of Roy Rogers’ brand, Buttermilk held his own in the market. His handsome buckskin coat and spirited on-screen performances made him a must-have collectible in the eyes of countless fans.
7. Longevity in the Limelight
Born in 1941, Buttermilk lived a long and fruitful life, passing away on October 7, 1972, at the age of 31. In horse years, that’s roughly equivalent to 88 human years, a testament to the care he received and the healthy, active lifestyle that came with a career in film and television.
By the time of his death, he had well-established his place in Hollywood lore as a loyal partner to Dale Evans. Although never quite achieving the same level of solo stardom as Trigger, Buttermilk’s steady presence in Roy Rogers’ Westerns contributed significantly to their enduring popularity.
8. Preserved for Posterity
Following Buttermilk’s death, Roy Rogers arranged to have his hide stretched over a plaster likeness, which was then put on display at the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum, originally located in Victorville, California, and later moved to Branson, Missouri.
Alongside Trigger, Trigger Jr., and Bullet the dog, Buttermilk stood as part of a preserved menagerie that delighted museum visitors for decades.
Unfortunately, the museum faced financial difficulties and ultimately closed. In 2010, a massive auction sold off many of the items, including Buttermilk’s mount, for $25,000. Trigger fetched an even more impressive $266,500.
While Trigger is now in the hands of RFD-TV (with hopes of re-establishing a museum), the current owner of Buttermilk’s display remains unknown, making him more elusive for modern fans to visit.
A Legacy That Endures
Though his museum exhibit has changed hands, Buttermilk’s legacy as Dale Evans’ steadfast buckskin remains intact in the collective memory of Western film buffs. Despite his modest beginnings, rescued from likely slaughter and passing through several owners, he rose to become one of the most recognizable horses in mid-century entertainment.
In many ways, Buttermilk’s story is a testament to the transformative power of proper care and affection. He went from an abused, difficult colt to a film star admired by millions, a star that brightened America’s screens and hearts at the height of Western cinema.
Even long after his last gallop, fans continue to appreciate his role in Western heritage, marveling at the synergy he shared with Dale Evans and the broader Roy Rogers ensemble.
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