This Week in Horse History - March 22nd Through March 28th

March 23, 1962 - Jacqueline Kennedy received a horse named Sardar from Ayub Khan, Pakistan's governor. Governor Khan, a horseman himself, learned of Jackie Kennedy's love of horses when he first
visited the White House. He gave her Sardar, a gelding, who she nicknamed Black Jack. Although President John F Kennedy was allergic to horses, his wife and daughter rode frequently. Jackie even chose Black Jack to be the rider-less horse for JFK's funeral.

Information courtesy of Jackie Kennedy receives horse from governor of Pakistan

Photo courtesy of Unusual or unique fav. pics from Pakistan

March 25, 1975 - The Appaloosa was named as Idaho's State horse. Originally bred in America by the Nez Perce Indians, many of the Appaloosa’s were confiscated by the Army in Montana in 1877. The breed was frequently used in rodeos, and people became interested in them. Claude Thompson, a farmer, established the Appaloosa Horse Club was established in 1938 in attempt to preserve the breed. Today, there are over 600,000 Appaloosa horses registered with the Appaloosa Horse Club.

Information courtesy of Appaloosa Horse

Photo courtesy of NCSSM Library, Instructional Technologies and Communications

March 27, 2009 - Alysheba, the winner of the 1987 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, was euthanized at the age of 25 after falling in his stall. Alysheba had a chronic degenerative spinal condition which led to the fall, leaving him in such pain that a decision was made to euthanize him. Alysheba had spent eight years living in the stables of His Majesty King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. He had arrived at Kentucky Horse Park the previous fall. Alysheba earned $6,679,242 during his racing career and was the world's richest Thoroughbred until Cigar raced. Alysheba was buried in the Hall of Champions, across from John Henry.

Information and photo courtesy of Kentucky Derby Winner Alysheba Euthanized