There were, in the late 1800’s wild horses still roaming Oregon state
in the USA, and they were prized for their exceptionally good looks and
long manes, hence their being referred to as the ‘Oregon Wild
Long-haired Wonder Horses. In early 1870, the first stallion captured,
named ‘Oregon Beauty’ was mated with a Clydesdale female called ‘Oregon
Queen’ and the first filly born in captivity arrived soon after,welcomed
by the owners who were the Rutherford brothers.
Called ‘Linus’ this wondrous horse was taken around fairs,
show-grounds and museums for many years, showing off her glorious long
mane and general good looks. She was a genuine crowd-puller. Until 1887
she gave pleasure to untold numbers of sightseers, before being
tragically killed upon being struck by lightning. Luckily, she had
produced a son, also named Linus II, and the tradition was able to
continue.
These two horses were real money-spinners for their owners,and Linus
II was sold in 1890 to the Eaton Brothers, of Boston, for $30,000, a
fortune on those days. All the same, he was such a success at
exhibitions for several years that the Eatons turned down an offer of
$60,000 a year or two later, keeping him until his death in 1894. Linus
II was pronounced by eminent horsemen as the most perfect type of equine
beauty in the world, and his proud bearing added much to his natural
grandeur, for he carried himself as a worthy successor of his wild old
ancestor, the King of Oregon Wonder Horses, in whose place he stood as
leader of his race.”
By careful breeding and selection over twenty-five years from the
capture of the first mare, the Rutherford family had succeeded in
establishing this breed of “Wonder Horses” on a secure foundation; and,
though guarding with utmost jealousy all the progeny, they carefully
continued their line of breeding until they possess to-day absolute
control of a distinct breed of horses, the like of which has never been
seen in all the world, nor will it ever be reproduced, since the wild
origin is now extinct.
The” Wonder Horses” of Oregon are remarkable for the great growth of
hair in mane and tail, which for length and thickness is not equaled in
the world. Since these horses have been bred in captivity this growth of
beautiful silken hair has increased with each generation. The wonderful
endurance and intelligence of this breed of equines is at once apparent
to anyone familiar with horses. Another remarkable characteristic of
this truly wonderful breed of horses is their color, all of them being
rich chestnuts, by reason of their thoroughbred origin. No doubt the
“Oregon Wonder Horses” are the truest descendents of the first horses
brought to America by Cortez, the conquerer of Mexico. Probably some’
escaped at that early period and established this breed hundreds of
years ago remaining wild and uncaptured. They are truly glorious
animals.
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