Nelson (horse) - Wikipedia

Nelson or Old Nelson (1763–1790) was one of several horses owned by George Washington. He was a chestnut with a white blaze and white feet. The horse was acquired by Washington in 1779 and died in 1790 at about the age of 27, quite old for a horse in that era.^[1] As Washington was known for being a skilled horse rider, Nelson was a significant icon for a number of years, being one of Washington's favorite horses.^[1]

History[edit]

Nelson was foaled in 1763 and was given to Washington in 1778 by Thomas Nelson of Virginia, after whom the horse was then named.^[2] Washington stated that Nelson was his most favored horse to use during the Revolutionary War, as he was not easily provoked by gunfire.^[1] Washington rode Nelson when accepting Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown.^[3] The other horse he rode during the Revolutionary War, and on whom he is more often portrayed, was his gray horse, Blueskin.^[4]

Washington ceased to ride Nelson after the war. Nelson and Blueskin were retired and lived at Mount Vernon post-war.^[1] Washington would visit Nelson's paddock regularly, where it was reported that "the old war-horse would run, neighing, to the fence, proud to be caressed by the great master's hands."^[5]

References[edit]

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "Nelson". George Washington's Mount Vernon. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
^ "George Washington's horse". Retrieved May 17, 2012.
^ Thomas, Nick (19 February 2018). "A salute to the presidents' pets". NewsOK.com. The Oklahoman. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
^ Feldman, Laura. "Horses of War". American Cowboy. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
^ Thompson, Mary V. "Nelson (Horse)". George Washington's Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. Retrieved 1 March 2023.

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v t e Horses of the United States Armed Forces
18th century	Blueskin Nelson
19th century	Cincinnati Comanche Denmark Gaines' Denmark Marye Old Baldy The General Traveller
20th century	Beechwold Chester Black Jack Chief Chiswell Joe Louis Sergeant Reckless
21st century	Big Deuce VII Kennedy Klinger Sergeant York Smoke