John Wayne's Horses in Rio Bravo and Their Legacy

In the iconic 1959 film Rio Bravo, John Wayne had a brief interaction with a horse that has since become a point of interest for fans of Western cinema. The name of John Wayne’s horse in Rio Bravo is not explicitly mentioned in the movie, but it was simply referred to as a nondescript bay or brown horse. This article will explore the history of John Wayne's horses, with a focus on those featured in Rio Bravo and their subsequent fates.

John Wayne and His Horses

John Wayne, one of the most famous actors in Hollywood history, was known for his use of real horses in his films. He rode multiple horses throughout his career, and these horses often played significant roles in his films. The horses that Wayne owned or rode in his movies were carefully selected to suit the demanding nature of their performances.

Dollar in True Grit

One of the notable horses that belongs to this collection is Dollar. In the 1969 film True Grit, Dollar is the horse that John Wayne’s character Rooster Cogburn rides. After filming ended, Dollar was given to John Wayne as a gift from the film’s producer, Howard Hawks. Wayne reportedly kept Dollar for several years. The horse became quite popular and often appeared in public events, becoming a symbol of Wayne's legacy. Eventually, Dollar passed away, but he remains a memorable part of Wayne's film history.

The True Grit Horses

The film True Grit starred not only John Wayne but also several horses. Besides Dollar, the film used other horses that were likely rented from stable owners, such as Fat Jones Stable. After the film, these horses had varied fates. Dollar continued to be a part of Wayne's personal stable, while other horses may have been sold or retired to ranches.

John Wayne's Horse Selection

John Wayne was known for riding horses that were well-suited for the challenging scenes in his films. Some of the horses he rode or owned included:

Duke: This was the white horse that played a significant role in many of Wayne’s Westerns. Duke, also known as SHEIK, was ridden in several movies such as Haunted Gold, The Telegraph Trail, Something in Sonora, The Man from Monterey, The Big Stampede, Ride Him Cowboy, Pals of the Saddle, and Overland Stage Raiders among others. Starlight: This palomino was ridden in The Night Riders and Three Texas Steers. Banner: This was a hired horse that looked similar to Duke and was ridden in Angel and the Badge, Hondo, She Wore A Yellow Ribbon, and Three Godfathers. Sammy: This horse, which may be the same as Banner, appeared in A Lady Takes A Chance. Steel: This was ridden in The Conqueror and Tall in the Saddle. Alamo: This was the bay horse that Wayne owned, used in The Alamo and McLintock!. Beau: This horse was owned by John Wayne and ridden in films such as True Grit. It is known to have appeared in The War Wagon, The Comancheros, and The Sons of Katie Elder. Cochise: This horse was owned by Howard Hawks and used in El Dorado. Dollar: Mentioned above, this horse was ridden in True Grit and several other films including The_train_robber, Rooster Cogburn, and Rooster Cogburn.

The Legacy and Fate of John Wayne's Horses

Many of the horses that John Wayne rode or owned were carefully taken care of and often found a second or third home after their careers in films ended. Some were given to personal friends or found a peaceful retirement in a ranch. Drinks, dinners, and books celebrating these horses have been published, highlighting their impact on cinema history and John Wayne's legacy.

Interested fans can explore documentaries and biographies that delve into the real-life stories behind these famous movie horses, learning about their lineage, care, and the unique bond between actor and animal in the world of Hollywood.