It's not just the cowboy celebrities themselves who are remembered - their trusty steeds often become just as famous. Roy Rogers and his horse Trigger are one such legendary duo. In this article, we will uncover the story of Trigger and find out where he ended up after the reign of the Silver Screen's "King of the Cowboys" came to an end.
Where Is Roy Rogers' Horse Trigger At Now Table of Contents
The Story of Trigger
From Humble Beginnings to Silver Screen Stardom
Trigger, originally named Golden Cloud, was born on a ranch in Southern California in 1932. The handsome palomino made his entrance into the film industry performing alongside a young Olivia de Havilland in the 1938 film "The Adventures of Robin Hood." Roy Rogers, impressed by the horse's beauty and talent, purchased him for $2,500, renaming him Trigger due to his quick and responsive nature. Together, they starred in over 100 films and television episodes, captivating the hearts of viewers worldwide.
The Legendary Duo
Roy Rogers and Trigger became a symbol of the Wild West and epitomized the code of the cowboy. Their strong bond, both on and off screen, was visible to everyone - they were quite simply inseparable. Trigger became famous for his incredible talents, such as being able to sit, lie down, and even "sign" his autograph by drawing an "X" on a piece of paper. Fans adored the smart and lovable horse as much as they did Rogers, and Trigger became one of the most beloved horses in Hollywood history.
Preserving the Memory of Trigger
The End of an Era
Sadly, the inevitable day arrived when Trigger, now aged 33, passed away from old age in 1965. The handler, Glenn Randall Sr., claimed that the horse suffered no pain and passed peacefully. Roy Rogers struggled immensely with the loss of his best friend, but was determined to keep his memory alive.
Preserving a Legend
To honor Trigger and their shared legacy, Rogers decided to have Trigger's skin mounted on a lifesize sculpture, showcasing his iconic rearing pose. This was a controversial decision; however, Rogers felt it was important to give fans an opportunity to remember and celebrate the legendary horse in his majestic glory.
Trigger's Journey
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum
After the preservation process was completed, the mounted Trigger became the central piece of the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum, first established in Apple Valley, California, and later relocated to Branson, Missouri. Fans from all over the world visited the museum to marvel at Trigger's statue and revel in the nostalgia of their favorite cowboy duo.
Christie's Auction House
Unfortunately, as time passed, the museum's visitors began to dwindle, eventually leading to its closure in 2009. Trigger, along with other artifacts from the museum, were put up for auction at Christie's in New York City. The television network RFD-TV placed the winning bid of $266,500, ensuring that Trigger's legacy would be preserved and continue to be a part of Western culture.
RFD-TV and Beyond
Under RFD-TV's ownership, Trigger returned to his original home of Southern California as the centerpiece of the network's office in Los Angeles. To this day, Trigger's statue serves as a lasting tribute to not just Roy Rogers and his trusty steed, but also to the enduring spirit of the Old West that they so vividly captured.
Where Is Roy Rogers' Horse Trigger At Now Example:
Imagine yourself walking into RFD-TV's Los Angeles office and feeling a sense of awe as you come face-to-face with the preserved statue of the legendary Trigger. His skillfully posed rearing figure evokes memories of a bygone era of Western films, and reminds us of the incredible bond that Roy Rogers and Trigger shared both onscreen and off.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the captivating tale of Roy Rogers' most loyal companion, Trigger. We hope you enjoyed learning about their enduring legacy, and invite you to explore other fascinating equine stories and guides here at How to Own a Horse. If you found this article engaging, be sure to share it with fellow horse enthusiasts, and keep the memory of Roy Rogers and Trigger, the true icons of Western culture, alive for generations to come.
