What Happened To Christopher Reeve'S Horse Buck

There's no denying that Christopher Reeve's tragic horse riding accident in 1995 shocked the world. Most people know the story. While riding in an equestrian event, Christopher fell off his horse, Buck, and broke his neck, paralyzing him from the neck down. But whatever happened to Christopher Reeve's horse, Buck? This article will explore the story of Buck, what led to the accident, and where the horse ended up after it changed the course of Christopher Reeve's life forever.

The Horse: Eastern Express, aka "Buck"

Christopher Reeve's horse was a chestnut American Saddlebred/Thoroughbred by the name of Eastern Express, who was often fondly called "Buck." Born in 1981, he was an experienced jumper and had been in several successful equestrian events before the accident took place.

Christopher Reeve's Love for Horses and Riding

Famously known for his role as Superman, Christopher Reeve developed a love for horseback riding when he met his wife, Dana. They bonded over their shared passion for horses, and Christopher continued to excel in riding. But that fateful day in May of 1995 changed everything.

Virginia Gold Cup, 1995: Reeve's Accident

On the day of the accident, Christopher Reeve was participating in the Virginia Gold Cup, a weekend-long event that included competitive horse racing and jumping contests. Reeve had already completed two jumping courses successfully. The third course, however, was a different story.

As Buck approached the third fence, the horse suddenly stopped, causing Christopher to be flung forward violently. He landed headfirst, crushing two vertebrae in his neck and damaging his spinal cord, resulting in paralysis.

The Theory Behind Buck's Refusal to Jump

Many theories have surfaced regarding why Buck refused to jump that day. Some suggested that the horse was startled by the shadow of the fence or distractive obstacles nearby, while others believe that a last-minute hesitation or miscommunication between Christopher and Buck caused the refusal.

Regardless of the reason, both Reeve and Buck had a life-altering moment on that day.

What Happened to Buck After the Accident?

In the aftermath of the accident, Buck was not held responsible for Christopher's injuries. The horse was returned to its owners and continued to compete in equestrian events for several years. Eventually, the horse was retired and lived out the remainder of his life at a farm in the United States.

Christopher Reeve, in spite of his paralysis, stated that he would never blame Buck for the accident. He focused his energy on advocating for spinal cord injury research and became a source of inspiration for those dealing with similar tragedies.

What Happened To Christopher Reeve'S Horse Buck Example:

Even after the accident, Christopher Reeve's involvement in the world of horses didn't come to an end. One example of his continued presence in the equestrian community came in 1999 when he narrated a documentary called "Harrison & Reeves," which chronicled the lives of two young up-and-coming horse trainers.

The story of Christopher Reeve and his horse Buck is a potent reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the unpredictable nature of life. Though an accident changed both lives forever, Reeve's resilience and advocacy have left a lasting impact in many lives, while Buck was able to keep on doing what he loved for years. If you found this story interesting, we encourage you to share it with others and explore more guides on How to Own a Horse to further deepen your understanding and connection to these majestic creatures.