Who Is Your Ideal Horse From Fiction?

Sharp, cheeky and talented, but not always willing to do everything his young owner Jill (heroine of the, erm, Jill series by Ruby Ferguson) asks of him — and quite happy to dump her in a ditch if the mood takes him — Rapide is a typical pony. It takes Jill a while to bond with him, but once she understands him, their bond is unbreakable. Some of us adults never truly grow out of ponies like these, as they're feisty, fun — and easy to get on from the ground.

Spirited and fleet of foot, The Pie is the thoroughbred gelding that helps 14-year old Velvet Brown win the Grand National. The equine star of the film (and book) National Velvet, he's incredibly talented — but incredibly naughty too, when the mood takes him. Not for nothing did his first owner call him 'The Pirate' — but win the trust of a noble beast like this one, and he'll do anything for you, as any RoR owner can tell you...

The star of the book/play/film War Horse, and a handsome cobby type, this farm horse is drafted into service during the Second World War — but such is the loyalty he inspires that his young owner, Albert, follows him to France to find him and bring him home. If you have a Joey of your own at home, you'll already know that he might not be the fastest or the most talented, but he's kind, reliable, tries his heart out, and is a true friend.

Beautiful and fearless, Gandalf's grey steed can magically cover miles in minutes, and thinks nothing of striking down orcs to protect his owner in battle. While most of us aren't lucky enough to own supernatural horses, we often feel a magical bond with our own steeds — and this is the horse that will fly you over hedges out hunting or dance like an angel during dressage. He's truly one in a million.