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Days in Horse Country – Alexander’s Horse
Alexander The Great, the ancient Greek king of Macedonia lived from 356 to 323 BC. He was a great warrior and leader, but he was also a famous horseman. His black stallion, Bucephalus, is credited by some to have inspired Alexander to his role as conqueror.
Alexander met Bucephalus when the horse was three years old and Alexander was just a boy. The unruly colt did not allow anyone on his back until Alexander tamed him. This triumph sparked, or rather confirmed, Alexander’s passion for dominance.
Bucephalus carried Alexander all the way from Macedonia to modern-day Afghanistan; a journey that took three years. Believed to be the offspring of a Barb stallion, Bucephalus was Alexander’s mount until the Battle of Hydaspes in 326 BC in what is now Pakistan. He is buried in Jalalpur Sharif, a small town just outside of Jhelum, Pakistan.
Michael