Have you ever cruised through Tiburon, California (just north of San Francisco)? If so, you might have spotted a legendary local – Blackie the Horse! This isn’t your average statue – Blackie was a real-life horse who became a beloved symbol of the town.
Kids love climbing on his bronze statue (it’s practically a rite of passage!), and even dogs get a kick out of barking at him. Blackie’s fame is so big, there’s even a heartwarming children’s book called “Blackie the Horse Who Stood Still” by Paige Petersen and Christopher Cerf.
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Children’s Book
Here’s his story: Blackie was a swaybacked horse with a serious case of wanderlust. Born in Kansas, he spent his early years as a cutting horse in rodeos, thrilling crowds with his sharp turns and lightning-fast cuts. But Blackie’s adventurous spirit wasn’t meant for the dust and noise of the arena. He craved wide-open spaces, and that’s exactly what he found when the Army enlisted him at the Presidio.
Blackie the Horse in the Army
Blackie’s time with the Army was full of exciting adventures. Imagine this: Blackie trotting alongside soldiers, patrolling the majestic landscapes of Yosemite National Park every spring. He must have seen some incredible sights – towering waterfalls, granite cliffs reaching for the sky, and meadows bursting with wildflowers. There’s no doubt Blackie cherished those days exploring the natural beauty of California.
Blackie the Horse Statue
But even the most adventurous spirit deserves a rest. After 12 years of service, Blackie retired to a peaceful pasture in Tiburon. Here, he found a haven – a place to graze under the California sun and soak in the views of the sparkling bay. For 28 years, Blackie became a fixture in the town by literally standing in the same place all that time. He was a gentle giant loved by generations of children who would bring him treats and climb on his back (in statue form, of course!).
Read More About Blackie the Horse
- McMahon, Regan (2006-09-27). “Tiburon’s beloved Blackie is galloping again in a new book”. San Francisco Chronicle.
- On Wikipedia
- The Trestle and Blackie’s Pasture
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Alice Gerard
That story looks like so much fun! A horse with wanderlust! That especially appeals to me because I am a human with wanderlust. I have the feeling that the horse and I would have been good friends!
Anne Z
You sound like a good match indeed! Thanks for commenting!
Martha
What a sweet story and how fitting that the town would honor Blackie with a statue!
Anne Z
Blackie’s pasture is a local meeting area: bikes, runners and walkers – all within view of the the statue! Thanks for commenting.