16+ Loveable Horses From Disney Movies

People often connect Disney with enchanting princesses, dashing heroes, and evil villains, but the Disney horses have not gone unnoticed. These famous horses have played the role of noble steeds and comedic sidekicks in films dating back as far as the 1940s.

So, let’s go through a list of the most notable Disney horses, starting with some of the golden oldies right up to modern animated favorites.

Iconic Horses From Early Disney Classics

Widowmaker from Melody Time

Going all the way back to 1948, is Pecos Bill and Widowmaker. Pecos Bill was an iconic American cowboy and Widowmaker was his loyal companion. After Pecos saves Widowmaker the pair become inseparable and have many fond adventures together.

Gunpowder from The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr Toad

Gunpowder is an old farm horse Ichabod borrows to ride to a Halloween party. When returning through Sleepy Hollow they encounter none other than the Headless Horseman himself. Gunpowder is a suitably scruffy character with a sweet personality.

Frou Frou from Aristocats

Aristocats features a sassy talking carriage horse named Frou Frou. This palomino mare becomes the unassuming hero of the film by helping to rescue kidnapped kittens. This has made her a longstanding favorite character.

Classic Disney princesses And Their horses

Samson from Sleeping Beauty

Samson is the faithful horse of Prince Phillip in the fairytale Sleeping Beauty; a loveable character who could only be described as Prince Phillip’s best friend.

Astor from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

Astor, a stunning white mare with a gentle spirit, belongs to Prince Charming in this classic fairytale. She plays only a minor role in the film but is no less memorable.

Major from Cinderella

Major is Cinderella’s confidant and best friend. Just like Cinderella, Major is not treated kindly by the stepmother or stepsisters. When the fairy godmother grants Cinderella her wish to attend the ball, Major is transformed into the coachman with the mice turned into the horses who will pull the carriage. In the end, Major plays his part in Cinderella’s happily ever after when he’s seen pulling their carriage away to better times.

Timeless Remakes For The Generations

Black Beauty

The popular 1877 novel by Anna Sewell has been transformed into film time and time again. First in 1971, and again in 1994 and 2020. With each remake, there is a different take on the original storyline. However, the premise remains the same. Black Beauty, the stunning jet-black horse is mistreated and misunderstood, but finds people who care for him and nurse him back to health.

Philippe from Beauty and the Beast

Philippe is the loyal (but nervous) anti-hero belonging to Belle’s family. In the 1991 version of Beauty and the Beast, Philippe is a heavy draught horse with a white stripe and a flaxen mane. However, in the 2017 live-action remake, the horse cast as Philippe is a slender grey.

Khan from Mulan

Khan is the Fa family horse, though he is fiercely loyal to Mulan. In the 1998 animated film, Khan is depicted as a Ferghana horse which was known to form a strong bond with their riders. Khan is highly disciplined but is quickly a fan favorite for his expressive personality. In the 2020 live-action remake, Khan is replaced by Black Wind.

Memorable Horses From Modern Disney Movies

Achilles from The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Achilles is the gallant, brave steed owned by Phoebus in the Hunchback of Notre Dame. It’s thought that Achilles is an Andalusian breed which was popular with nobility at the time the story was set.

Bullseye and Buttercup from the Toy Story franchise

Bullseye is Woody’s horse and a toy from Al’s collection and features in Toy Story 2, 3, and 4. Bullseye is a friendly and affectionate horse, at times behaving a little like a puppy.

Buttercup appears in Toy Story 3 and 4 as one of Bonnie Anderson’s toys. She is the cutest white unicorn with love-heart shaped nostrils and dreamy eyelashes. But, don’t be fooled – this unicorn has sass.

Spirit from Spirit Stallion of the Cimarron

In contrast to the other Disney horses listed, in this film, the horse is the main character. The film is set on the American frontier just as settlers are encroaching and attempting to tame everything in their path – horses included.

Horses From Movies With A Feisty Female Lead

Angus from Brave

In the film Brave, Angus is Merida’s horse. Angus is a sturdy, responsible Shire horse, a breed known for their gentle nature and strength. He faithfully joins fiery Merida on her adventures through the Scottish highlands, always ensuring her safety.

Maximus from Tangled

Maximus is one fairytale steed that everyone loves. Maximus is the devoted horse employed by the Corona Guard to capture the outlaw Flynn Rider. However, he has a gradual change of heart as the film goes on and he becomes more and more devoted to Rapunzel. What makes Maximus a crowd favorite is the comic relief he provides with many memorable moments throughout the film.

Sitron and Nokk from Frozen

In the first Frozen movie,Sitronis the sweet, sturdy Fjord horse in the first Frozen film. Sitron is Prince Hans’ horse and his expressive eyes give him significant charm. One of everyone’s favorite scenes is when Sitron stands on the end of the boat when Prince Hans and Anna are introducing themselves, causing them to fall back and forth.

In the Frozen sequel, there is a new horse, Nokk. Nokk is technically a water spirit, and although he appears to have bad intentions at the beginning of the movie, he has a change of heart. Eventually, Nokk and Elsa return the water together to the Arendale Valley and the two form a deep bond.

Non-Animated Horses

Hidalgo

This film portrays the adventures of Frank Hopkins and his part-wild Mustang, Hidalgo. Together they set off across the desert in a 3,000-mile endurance race. The race had previously been restricted to horses of Arabian breed, but Frank wanted to prove Hidalgo had what it would take to not only complete the race but win. While the truth behind the film is questionable, it’s truly heartwarming to watch.

FAQs

Which Disney princesses have horses?

There are several iconic horses belonging to Disney princesses:

• Cinderella has Major – although originally her father’s horse, he gifts the horse to Cinderella before he dies.
• In the movie Tangled, Rapunzel finds Maximus to be the perfect partner, even though he originally belongs to the Captain of the Corona Guard.
• The Scottish princess Merida has Angus to tame her hotheadedness.
• Mulan the Chinese warrior princess has Khan join her in battle.

Which horse breeds are portrayed in Disney movies?

In all the animated and live-action Disney movies there is a wide range of horse breeds portrayed. Typically they are iconic breeds connected to the location where the film is set. For example, Sitron in Frozen is a Fjord horse that is native to Norway.

Angus from Brave is a Clydesdale horse that originates from a Scottish region of the same name.

Do they have horses at Disneyland?

Disneyland is home to 18 iconic draft horses that pull the streetcar down Main Street. The Disney horses are also housed onsite at the Circle D Ranch.

Final Thoughts

We’ve shown the wide range of personalities that Disney horses display and how they have become more than just supporting characters. Next time you rewatch a beloved Disney classic, pay attention to the horses adding depth to the storyline.