NewsGeorge Washington, a passionate horseman, owned a stable of magnificent, well-kept horses. They provided transportation, pulled carriages, worked in the fields and wheat treading barn, and were even used for recreation.
On the Estate, Washington also loved fox hunting and kept a pack of hounds for the purpose. Magnolia, an Arabian horse he owned, raced in Alexandria. George Washington’s favorite horses were Nelson and Blueskin, which accompanied him throughout the Revolutionary War.
Horsemanship
Whether engaged in war or inspecting his fields, George Washington was regularly accompanied by a horse. The excellence and confidence with which Washington rode was derived from a combination of practice and natural ability.
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Equestrian at War
Young George Washington’s most direct road to prominence was via equestrian skill and fighting. Long rides as a surveyor, foxhunts in the forest, and bayonet exercises in the hot summer sun all prepared him well for his ultimate martial exploits on horseback.
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Nelson
One of Washington’s favorite horses was one he named “Nelson,” who is reported to have “carried the General nearly constantly throughout the war [American Revolution].”
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Prescott
Washington had two white chargers, Prescott and Jackson, throughout his presidency. His step-grandson, George Washington Parke Custis, described Prescott as “a fine parade horse, purely white, and sixteen hands high.”
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“the best horseman of his age, and the most graceful figure that could be seen on horseback.”
Dr. Walter Jones to Thomas Jefferson, January 2, 1814
Horses at Mount Vernon Today
Nowadays, draft horses drive carts, plow fields, and harrow them.
Four of our draft horses are Shires, a critically endangered breed established in England. Our smaller horses work in the 16-sided wheat treading barn from July to October, demonstrating how wheat kernels were separated from the stalk.
meet the animals of mount vernon
Related Questions
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What was the name of Washington's favorite horse?
Nelson
One of Washington’s favorite horses was one he named “Nelson,” who is reported to have “carried the General nearly constantly throughout the war [American Revolution].” 3 Described as a “splendid charger,” the animal stood sixteen hands high, and was a light sorrel or chestnut (reddish-brown) in …
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Did George Washington have an Arabian horse?
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What breed of horses were used in the Revolutionary War?
In 1776, the America Horse was referenced in formal government letters for the first time. It has been written that Paul Revere’s mount for his famous ride was a Narraganset Pacer, a breed which was important in the development of the Saddlebred.
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Where is George Washington's horse buried?
The story of Washington’s horse being buried in Bridgeton has been handed down through his family, Nixon said. “They said it was buried in a field.” “We don’t believe that was the horse he rode into combat,” Nixon said.
