Tony the Horse

Short Biography

Birth: 1899Los Angeles CountyCalifornia, USADeath: Oct. 12, 1942Los Angeles CountyCalifornia, USAEquine Movie Star. He was owned and trained by famous horseman Pat Chrisman and then purchased by Tom Mix for $600. Tony first appeared in the 1917 film "The Heart of Texas Ryan" because of an injury to his mainstay mount "Old Blue." However, with the death of Old Blue in 1919, Tony became his full time mount. Tom Mix did all his own tricks and he and Tony, "The Wonder Horse" and sometimes known as "Tony the Horse, " made181 movies together. The Mix films were loaded with fantastic stunts, furious shotouts, romance, set in beautiful, colorful western locations such as Lone Pine, California and always manifested an element of comedy. Tony with his white stocking rear feet, became the most popular, photographed and recognized horse in the world, receiving thousands of fan letters from children around the world. With Tom Mix astride, the action packed duo earned millions. Tony has a filmograpy record; three that were exclusively about him, "Just Tony" "Tony Runs Wild" "The Fourth Horseman" and a few of many..."Stepping Fast" " Teeth" "No Man's Gold" "Tumbling River" " Hello Cheyenne" "Son of the Golden West" and "Outlawed." Tom and Tony traveled around the world promoting their films and making personal appearances. Their travels covered the then 48 states as well as Mexico, Canada and Europe, where he performed for royalty making appearances in 25 major European cities. He visited a delighted President Harding at the White house. In 1932, while filming "Hidden Gold" and age creeping up, Tony at age 22, injured his hip and had to be retired. He was put to pasture at the Tom Mix Ranch in the San Franando Valley and was replaced by Tony Jr. who carried the cowboy through the remainder of his career. He was mentioned and provided for in the Tom Mix will. Tony was left to a long time lawyer friend who cared for him until 1942, two years after the death of Tom Mix. The animal had now reached the age of 42, infirmed and unable to eat. On the death day of Tom Mix, Tony was humanely chloroformed by a Veterinarian while he lay in his stall at the Mix Ranch located in what today is known as Universal City. He was buried on the ranch with no marker. However, the grave has been lost through development. Legacy...His hoof prints are in the cement sidewalk in front of the famous Grauman's Theater. The Tom Mix Museum in Dewey, Oklahoma has a life-size replica of the Mix costar. Mix and his co-star Tony were so synonymously entwined, that upon the death of Mix, the animal was listed as his survivor in obituaries around the country. (bio by: Donald Greyfield)