Roy Rogers was a legendary TV star who made his mark in history in many different ways. He was not only an actor, but also a singer, host, and owner of a very famous horse. Roy and his golden partner, Trigger, are known as being one of the most iconic TV duos. They were seen on the big screen in 1940-1950. They are remembered for their cowboy adventures and tv shows. They have always been a fan favorite and their performances will forever be in history.

Roy Rogers’ is still a very popular celebrity and you can find out so much information about him. But what about his trusty steed? Let’s take a look at 7 facts about Trigger that you may not have known.

1. Trigger was not his original name

Although we have all known this golden beauty as Trigger, his original name was Golden Cloud. He was brought in with numerous other horses for Roy to try for the role in “Under Western Stars”. It is said that after their first ride, Roy knew he was the perfect horse. He didn’t even look at any other horses after the palomino stallion. Rogers actually ended up purchasing the horse for $2500 because he loved him so much. That equivalates to $30,000 today.

He was smart, beautiful, fast, and the two bonded very quickly. While filming, the comment was made that the horse was so quick, that his name should be Trigger. The name just stuck and the horse rose to fame as Trigger, instead of Golden Cloud.

2. Trigger was a Thoroughbred Cross

Many people thought Trigger was a Quarter Horse, but he was actually a Thoroughbred Cross. He was out of a Thoroughbred sire and an unregistered mare. Trigger was born in 1934 and was said to be 15.3 hands tall.

3. Trigger had a stunt horse

Just like any other actor, Trigger had his own stunt horse. There were some pretty dangerous stunts and personal appearances that the backup horse covered instead of Trigger. Although they looked similar, Trigger only had one sock on his left leg and a full blaze on his face.

4. Trigger was known as the smartest horse in movies

Glenn Randall was Trigger’s trainer and was responsible for teaching the stud most of his tricks. Trigger had a signature move which was his vertical rear. He was said to know over 100 tricks and could even walk 50 feet on his hind legs. He appeared in 88 movies and 100 tv episodes.

5. Trigger was a Stallion, but never used for breeding

Although Trigger was a beautiful stallion, he was never used to breed any mares. Roy decided not to use him for that purpose because he didn’t want to ruin his awesome disposition. He was always so calm, even making several public appearances. He was even known to stop at Children’s Hospitals and shelters.

6. Trigger lived to be 30 years old

Roy Rogers owned Trigger for the rest of his life. He passed away at the age of 30, in 1965. He was at Roger’s ranch in Apple Valley, California. His cause of death is unknown, but is thought to be just from natural causes.

7. Trigger is placed at a museum

After Trigger passed, he was stuffed and mounted at the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum. This is located in Apple Valley, California. His hide was stitched over a foam mold and he was placed in his signature rearing move. The museum was opened in 1967 and received close to 200,000 visitors to see Trigger. The museum closed in 2010 and Trigger’s mount was sold for $266,500 to RFD-TV. A developer did end up purchasing the fiberglass statue of Trigger and returned it to Apple Valley for display.

Roy Rogers and Trigger will forever be known in history and their impact on the industry will never fade. 

(picture credit: https://ohiomemory.org/digital/collection/p267401coll32/id/15871/)