Nelson (horse)
Nelson or Old Nelson was George Washington's horse and one of several horses owned by George Washington. He was a chestnut with a white blaze ("white face") and white feet. The horse was acquired by Washington in 1779 and died in 1790 at about the age of 27, quite old for a horse in that era.[1] As Washington was known for being a skilled horse rider, Nelson was a significant icon for a number of years, being one of Washington's favorite horses.[1]
History
Nelson was foaled in 1763 and was given to Washington in 1778 by Thomas Nelson of Virginia, after whom the horse was then named.[2] Washington stated that Nelson was his most favored horse to use during the Revolutionary War, as he was not easily provoked by gunfire.[1] The other horse he rode during the Revolutionary War, and on whom he is more often portrayed, was his gray horse, Blueskin.[3]
Washington ceased to ride Nelson after the war. Nelson and Blueskin were retired and lived at Mount Vernon post-war.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 "Nelson". George Washington's Mount Vernon. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
- ↑ "George Washington's horse". Retrieved May 17, 2012.
- ↑ Feldman, Laura. "Horses of War". American Cowboy. Retrieved 20 December 2014.