*King John (desert bred x desert bred)
AHR #739
May 23, 1922, Grey Arabian
Historical stallion
Bred by El Hag Mahmoud Matlak, Cairo, Egypt
Read more about *King John in this related article:
The W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Ranch - Part 14: 1931, *Malouma 738 and *King John 739 Are Purchased
Biography
*King John AHR #739, a white Arabian stallion of remarkable lineage and historical significance, was foaled in the desert on May 23, 1922. His journey from the sands of the Arabian desert to the heart of American culture is a testament to his extraordinary legacy.
Imported to the United States by Herman W. Frank in 1929, *King John quickly became more than just a horse; he symbolized the Arabian breed's elegance, spirit, and versatility.
Early Life and Background
Born in the vast expanses of the Arabian desert, *King John's early life was undoubtedly shaped by the harsh yet beautiful landscape that is the cradle of the Arabian breed.
His importation to the United States by Herman W. Frank marked the beginning of a new chapter, not just for *King John but also for the promotion and appreciation of Arabian horses in America.
The Kellogg Ranch Era
In 1931, *King John was sold to the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Ranch, a pivotal move that would see him contribute significantly to the Arabian horse presence in the United States.
The Kellogg Ranch was renowned for its dedication to the breeding, training, and promoting of Arabian horses, and *King John became one of its most illustrious residents.
Hollywood Stardom
*King John's grace and beauty did not go unnoticed by Hollywood. He appeared in many films, sharing the screen with famous actors and actresses such as Marlene Dietrich, Gary Cooper, Tyrone Power, and Loretta Young.
His filmography includes classics like "The Scarlett Empress" (1934), "Lives of a Bengal Lancer" (1935), "The Garden of Allah" (1936), and "Suez" (1938).
In 1935, during "The Crusades" filming in San Diego, CA, *King John was photographed with an unidentified rider and the legendary director Cecil B. de Mille (see gallery). The working title of this fictionalization about the third crusade, "The Days of Saladin," hints at the historical depth and cinematic importance of *King John's roles.
Legacy in Animation
Perhaps one of *King John's most enduring legacies is his role as the model for Prince Charming's mount in Walt Disney's first feature animation, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937). This contribution immortalized him in the annals of animation history, linking him forever to the magic of Disney and the storybook ideal of the noble steed.
Legacy Of A Full Life
*King John AHR 739's life story is a rich tapestry that weaves together the Arabian breed's history, Hollywood's glamour, and animation's magic. From the deserts of Arabia to the silver screen and beyond, *King John's legacy is a testament to the enduring allure and versatility of the Arabian horse.
His contributions to film, animation, and the Arabian horse community have cemented his place as a legendary figure, transcending his time to become a symbol of timeless elegance and grace. He is perhaps yesteryear's most famous, yet unknown, Arabian stallion.
According to Datasource, *King John is listed as part of the Al Khamsa breeding group and a part of early American and CMK bloodlines.
Progeny
NAME | AHR #/CAHR # | DOB | COLOR | GENDER |
JANEO | AHR #915 | 03/05/1932 | GREY | STALLION |
*Click on gallery images to open them full-size in a new tab.
Last Updated: February 11th, 2024
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