9 Fascinating Things About Trigger, Roy Rogers’ Famous Horse

For many of us who grew up in a certain era, the name “Trigger” evokes a rush of nostalgia. I know it does for me. I spent countless hours as a kid glued to the TV, watching Roy Rogers and his golden Palomino ride across the screen, righting wrongs and embodying the spirit of the Wild West.

Trigger wasn’t just a horse; he was a star, a symbol of loyalty, bravery, and the magic of Hollywood. But beyond the silver screen, there was a real horse with a remarkable story.

To remember his legacy, this guide delves into the fascinating life of Trigger, exploring the facts behind the legend and revealing the story of Roy Rogers’ most famous co-star.

1. He Began Life as “Golden Cloud”

Originally named Golden Cloud, Trigger was born on July 4th, 1934 (some sources also cite 1932) at Hudkins Stables in San Diego, California. His parentage is believed to be a Thoroughbred sire and an unregistered palomino colored mare, sometimes described as a Quarter Horse cross, classifying him as an American Saddlebred.

While his exact lineage remains a point of discussion, his early traits were undeniable: a gentle nature, keen intelligence, and a dazzling golden coat that hinted at the fame to come. Trained by Glenn Randall, the 15.3 hands tall stallion quickly adapted to the presence of people and cameras, his palomino coat gleaming under the lights of early Technicolor film tests.

2. Roy Rogers Discovered Him for Under Western Stars

From that moment, Golden Cloud’s film career began. Notably, Under Western Stars features Trigger’s first on-screen trick at the film’s end: Roy and Trigger perform their now-famous rearing pose, hinting at many more stunts to come.

In 1938, Roy Rogers was searching for a horse to star alongside him in his first leading role, Under Western Stars. He tested multiple candidates, but Golden Cloud stood out thanks to a relaxed temperament and fluid, speedy gait amid bright lights and on-set clamor. Roy noted that from his first ride, no other horse could compare.

3. A Name Inspired by Speed and Quickness

Although “Golden Cloud” was appealing, Roy wanted a moniker that emphasized the horse’s lightning-quick moves. Actor Smiley Burnette (Roy’s sidekick) famously quipped, “Roy, as quick as that horse of yours is, you ought to call him Trigger.” Roy agreed, adopting the new name on set.

He then purchased Trigger from Clyde Hudkins for $2,500, about $30,000 in today’s money. It was a hefty sum, but Roy called it the best money he ever spent. The rechristened Trigger rose to stardom almost immediately, charming moviegoers with his golden coat and spirited performances. In some films and personal appearances, Trigger’s celebrity rivaled Roy’s own, proving the Palomino could command an audience like any human star.

4. He Excelled at Complex Tricks and Stunts

Trigger became known as “the smartest horse in the movies” thanks to his ability to master a wide range of tricks. Under the guidance of Glenn Randall, a top Hollywood trainer who also trained Shadowfax from The Lord of the Rings and the white horses from Ben-Hur, Trigger learned to:

• Rear, bow, and kneel on cue
• Count by striking his hoof
• Smile, throw kisses, nicker, and whinny at the right moments
• Bucking or “throwing” Roy when asked (as seen in Days of Jesse James)
• Shoot a gun by stepping on a hidden mechanism
• Walk on his hind legs for up to 50 feet

He also performed at liberty, without a rider or lead rope, in scenes that demanded high-speed chases or leaps across rugged terrain. For instance, in Frontier Pony Express, Trigger had to navigate rough trails, jump off a cliff, swim a river, and safely deliver the mail after Roy was shot.

Roy famously refused to have Trigger perform intentional “fall” stunts for safety reasons. However, one scripted “trip” does occur in In Old Caliente to slow down Trigger, who otherwise ran too fast for the villain to catch him.

Backup horses like Little Trigger (a Morgan) and Allen’s Golden Zephyr, aka Trigger Jr. (a Tennessee Walking Horse) occasionally doubled for Trigger during dangerous scenes or busy schedules, but fans could spot the original by his signature wide blaze and single white sock on his left foreleg.

5. He Was Gentle but Could Be Jealous

Off-screen, Trigger exuded a sweet temperament, following Roy around movie sets without spooking at loud gunfire, bright lights, or hectic production schedules. Crew members often remarked on how he seemed to “talk” to Roy with well-timed nickers and yes/no responses.

Trigger also displayed a comic streak of jealousy. If Roy paid attention to another horse, Trigger sometimes nudged between them or vied for extra pats. Rather than being disconcerting, these moments endeared him further to fans, who saw him as a devoted friend demanding Roy’s focus.

6. He Appeared in Nearly All of Roy Rogers’ Films and TV Shows

From Under Western Stars onward, Trigger rode alongside Roy in 88 motion pictures and over 101 television episodes. Classic Westerns like Billy the Kid Returns, Frontier Pony Express, and Man from Music Mountain showcased Trigger’s gallant heroics and impressive tricks.

In The Carson City Kid, his close bond with Roy reveals the cowboy’s secret identity, and in Song of Texas, Trigger demonstrates his abilities in cramped hospital settings.

During parades, rodeos, and charity events, fans flocked to catch a glimpse of the Palomino wonder. Trigger received thousands of fan letters weekly, a level of fame on par with major Hollywood stars. He even headlined his own comic books and graced various merchandise, from lunchboxes to toys. His name became synonymous with wholesome, spirited Western entertainment.

7. He Was Never Bred, Despite Being a Stallion

Although Trigger remained a stallion for life, Roy Rogers chose not to breed him, fearing it might alter his easygoing disposition or distract from his hectic film schedule. Trigger’s steady personality made him a favorite at children’s hospitals and shelters, where he stood calmly for children to pet and admire.

Roy often parked Trigger’s trailer near arenas so fans without tickets could see the famous horse up close. This inclusive approach further cemented Trigger’s reputation as a beloved star who was accessible to everyone, embodying the uplifting spirit of Western movie magic.

8. Retirement and Passing at Age 30

Trigger officially “retired” in 1957, but he continued making special appearances for years. Roy kept him at their ranch in Apple Valley, California, where the horse was well cared for as he aged. Most sources place Trigger’s death on July 3, 1965, at 30 years old, though some contend he may have been 33, a testament to the debate over his actual birth year.

His passing marked the end of an era. Fans who had grown up watching Roy and Trigger took solace in the knowledge that Trigger lived a long, illustrious life under Roy’s devoted care, an unusual fate for a Hollywood horse in that era.

9. Roy Rogers Had Him Preserved for Posterity

Unable to truly say goodbye, Roy commissioned taxidermist Everett Wilkens of Bischoff’s Taxidermy to preserve Trigger in a signature rearing pose. When the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum opened in Apple Valley in 1967, Trigger served as its main attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. The museum, at its peak, hosted thousands of fans weekly, many coming specifically to see Trigger and relive memories of his films.

Later relocated to Branson, Missouri, the museum closed in 2009, and Trigger’s preserved figure was sold at auction to RFD-TV for $266,500. A 24-foot fiberglass statue of Trigger had once topped the museum, visible from the highway.

In 2018, developer Bob Tinsley brought this towering statue back to Apple Valley, placing it near the Spirit River Center on Highway 18, so fans could again spot Trigger’s rearing silhouette in the desert sky.

Conclusion: A Legendary Star of Western Cinema

From his early days as Golden Cloud to his iconic status alongside Roy Rogers, Trigger dazzled audiences with an impressive array of tricks, from rearing and bowing to walking on his hind legs and even “shooting” a gun. Even after his passing, Trigger’s legend lives on through museum displays, and memorabilia, an everlasting symbol of Hollywood’s golden era of Westerns.

If you’d like to watch Trigger perform, check out these films:

• Under Western Stars
• Billy the Kid Returns
• Frontier Pony Express
• In Old Caliente
• Days of Jesse James
• The Carson City Kid
• Song of Texas
• Man from Music Mountain (Texas Legionnaires)
• Hands Across the Border
• San Fernando Valley
• Lights of Old Santa Fe
• Don’t Fence Me In
• Rainbow Over Texas
• My Pal Trigger
• Roll On, Texas Moon
• Heldorado
• Under California Stars
• Eyes of Texas
• Susanna Pass
• The Golden Stallion
• Bells of Coronado
• Twilight in the Sierras
• Trigger, Jr.
• Spoilers of the Plains
• South of Caliente
• Son of Paleface

Note: I think the best films to watch to see Trigger at his best are The Golden Stallion, My Pal Trigger, and Under California Stars.

Also, check out list of the 15 most famous horses from movies, TV, and books.