Among certain fans, Roy Rogers’ golden Palomino Trigger was more popular than the King of the Cowboys himself. Some are still infatuated by the horse decades after his death in 1965—and no wonder. Trigger is the most famous movie horse of all time. But in truth, “Trigger” was a composite of the original horse, a number of look-alikes and one extraordinary double (rarely acknowledged by Rogers) named Little Trigger.
This book is a detailed look at the animals and men who created and nurtured the legend of “the smartest horse in the movies.” It covers the life story of the original horse and the look-alikes, as well as the story of “Trigger,” the legend. A filmography lists all films in which Trigger appeared, including some without Roy Rogers. Television and personal appearances are also discussed. Covered in their own chapters are horse hero comic books and Trigger collectibles. Also included are a biography of Trigger’s trainer Glenn Randall and a chapter on Roy Rogers as horseman. Generous illustrations include many rare (some previously unpublished) photographs gathered from Trigger collectors nationwide, and even copies of Trigger’s registration form and bill of sale.

Leo Pando, a Roy Rogers and Trigger fan since grade school, has worked as a freelance illustrator/graphic designer and as an assistant manager for an Arabian horse breeding facility. He lives in central Maine.

Leo Pando
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 286
Bibliographic Info: 154 photos, notes, filmography, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2011 [2008]
pISBN: 978-0-7864-6111-0
eISBN: 978-0-7864-8664-9
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments: Trigger Pals      vii

Foreword by Corky Randall      1

Preface      3

Introduction: The Horse Prances      11

1. Remembering Trigger      17

2. Chasing Trigger      26

3. Trigger’s Story      37

4. Little Trigger: The Horse Behind the Horse      62

5. Trigger Jr., the Roy Rogers Remuda, and Other Doubles      87

6. The Golden Stallion      99

7. Trigger on Television      139

8. Glenn Randall, Magician      148

9. The Smartest Horse in the Movies      159

10. Roy Rogers, Horseman      167

11. Trigger Collectibles and Memorabilia      178

12. Trigger’s Peers      194

13. Horse Hero Comic Books      212

14. The Last Ride      224

15. My Pal Trigger      233

16. Trigger Time Line      235

17. A Dictionary of Trigger Trivia      241

18. Trigger Filmography      252

Chapter Notes      255

Bibliography      265

Index      271

“meticulous…you’ll come away knowing more about the most famous horse in westerns than you ever deemed possible”—Western Clippings; “very interesting, revealing and worthwhile…highly recommended”—Wrangler’s Roost; “top notch…highly recommended…photos are outstanding”—The Old Cowboy Picture Show; “impressive…diligently researched”—Leonard Maltin’s Movie Crazy; “if you want to know the real Trigger’s full story, Leo Pando’s book is the source to consult”—Big Reel; “Leo Pando has written a love story that B western fans around the world can resonate with…indepth analysis”—Suite 101.com/Western Collectibles.