Throughout history, horses have played a pivotal role in shaping civilizations. Among them, black horses have held a special place in our collective imagination, often associated with power, mystery, and nobility.
To honor these magnificent animals, we’ve highlighted seven of our favorite black horses from history who have left an indelible mark. From legendary warhorses that carried great leaders into battle to equestrian icons who redefined their disciplines, these remarkable horses epitomize strength, elegance, and loyalty.
1. Sefton and the Royal Household Cavalry Blacks
If not for the tragic 1982 IRA nail bomb explosion in Hyde Park, which killed four members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and seven of their horses, this famous black horse might never have gained recognition. The large black part-bred Irish Draught, known for its striking white blaze, was severely injured in the attack but was fortunately deemed “saveable.”
Despite undergoing extensive surgery, Sefton was able to return to active duty for a few years upon recovery, but was eventually given a royal retirement at the Home of Rest for Horses in Buckinghamshire. A surgical wing at the Royal Veterinary College is named after him, and he is an inductee of the British Horse Society Equestrian Hall of Fame.
2. Burmese
Burmese, a striking black Thoroughbred-Hanoverian cross mare, holds a special place in equestrian and royal history. Bred and trained by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) at their Remount Ranch in Fort Walsh, Saskatchewan, Burmese displayed exceptional poise and talent from an early age. In 1969, she was presented to Queen Elizabeth II as a gift during the Royal Windsor Horse Show, where she quickly captured the Queen’s heart.
Burmese became an integral part of the Queen’s equestrian life, famously serving as Her Majesty’s mount for 18 consecutive Trooping the Colour ceremonies. Known for her elegance and calm demeanor, she carried the Queen with unwavering grace through some of the most significant ceremonial events of the British monarchy. Outside official duties, Burmese was often the Queen’s horse of choice for leisurely rides around Windsor, further solidifying her role as a beloved and trusted companion.
A symbol of the close relationship between the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the British monarchy, Burmese’s legacy endures as one of the most iconic horses in royal history. Her image, often associated with the Queen riding side-saddle in full ceremonial regalia, remains a powerful representation of tradition, loyalty, and grace.
3. Black Jack
Black Jack, a fiery black Morgan/American Quarter Horse cross gelding who couldn’t be ridden, and didn’t want to pull caissons either, became famous as the spirited riderless horse in John F Kennedy’s funeral in 1963. Having found his niche, Black Jack went on to serve as the riderless caparisoned horse in over 1,000 military funerals including those of two more Presidents and General Macarthur.
Black Jack was named after General John “Black Jack” Pershing, and became a symbol of respect and military tradition. He is buried on the parade ground at Fort Myers, Virginia.
4. Kingston Town
Unlike other famous racehorses including Black Caviar who, despite having the name in their name were not actually “black”, Kingston Town was black. The champion Australian racehorse won three Cox Plates plus another handy 11 Group One races for prize money totaling AUD$1,605,790 (a record at the time). He also held the Australasian race record of 13 Group One wins and 21 consecutive wins for over 25 years.
When the mighty black gelding ran his last race in 1982, he’d won 30 of his 41 starts and placed in 7 others. His longstanding consecutive wins record was finally toppled first by Black Caviar with her 25 consecutive wins between 2008 and 2013 and then by Winx (33 undefeated runs between 2015 and 2019).
5. Totilas
Totilas, the legendary black Dutch Warmblood stallion, redefined the sport of dressage and captivated audiences worldwide. Bred by Jan Schuil and Anna Schuil-Visser in the Netherlands, Totilas was recognized as “something special” from an early age. His partnership with Dutch rider Edward Gal began in 2006, and by 2009, the pair had become an unstoppable force. At the FEI European Dressage Championships in Windsor, they made history by breaking the 90% barrier in freestyle dressage with a score of 90.750%, a feat never before achieved.
Later that year, they broke their own record with a 92.300% freestyle score at Olympia. In 2010, Totilas claimed three gold medals at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, cementing his status as the greatest dressage horse of his time.
Later in 2010, Totilas was sold to German breeder Paul Schockemöhle for a reported €10 million, becoming the most expensive dressage horse in history. This controversial sale ended his emotional partnership with Gal, devastating the rider and shocking the dressage world.
Paired with Matthias Alexander Rath, Totilas continued to compete, contributing to Germany’s team silver at the 2011 FEI European Championships. However, a series of injuries and setbacks prevented the stallion from reaching his former glory. He retired in 2015 after developing bone inflammation in his left hind hoof, marking the end of an extraordinary, though shortened, career.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Totilas was celebrated for his intelligence, calm demeanor, and unique bond with Gal. His performances consistently moved audiences to tears, and his relationship with Gal was described as one of mutual trust and love. Following his retirement, Totilas enjoyed a peaceful life as a breeding stallion and passed away in 2020 due to complications from colic surgery.
Though his career was brief, Totilas left an indelible mark on dressage, inspiring riders and fans alike with his elegance, power, and unparalleled talent. As Edward Gal said, “Heaven has a new star today, but my heart is broken. Rest in peace, Totilas. You will always be remembered.”
6. Black Beauty
Who doesn’t love a good horse yarn! “Black Beauty” by Anna Sewell is probably the most famous horse story of all time. Set in England during the late 1800’s, it follows the story of a black foal as he grows up and encounters life as it was for horses at that time. The story though is much more than a mere horse tale.
Anna Sewell was keenly interested in animal welfare and by writing “Black Beauty”, she hoped to improve the treatment of horses by highlighting inhumane practices like the use of bearing reins. Interestingly, bearing reins were abolished within a year or two of the book being published!
We also included Black Beauty in our list of the most famous horses from TV and movies.
7. Bucephalus
Bucephalus, the legendary horse of Alexander the Great, is often regarded as one of the most famous horses in history. Historians generally believe Bucephalus had a black coat with a prominent white star on his forehead, though some paintings and interpretations depict him being bay.
According to legend, Bucephalus was initially deemed untrainable until the young Alexander noticed that the horse was afraid of his own shadow. By turning Bucephalus toward the sun, Alexander was able to calm him, and their unbreakable bond began. Bucephalus carried Alexander into many battles, including the pivotal Battle of Hydaspes in 326 BCE.
Bucephalus’s fame endures not only as a symbol of loyalty and bravery but also as an example of Alexander’s unique insight into the nature of horses. Upon Bucephalus’s death, Alexander founded the city of Bucephala in his memory.
Andrea
My favorite black horse is Cass Ole. As a child, I read ALL of Walter Farley’s books which lead me to an insatiable love of horses, especially blacks. My first being a black Arab stallion from the Bask lineage–boy was he “hot”, a floater to ride and so intelligent. My second that I got as a 2 y.o. stallion is a grandson of Cass Ole. He is now 32 and the absolute most intelligent horse ever and the absolute love of my life. We will ride into eternity together.