Champion the Wonder Horse to 1953, and in the television series during the 1950s. Several other "Champion" horses were used as stunt doubles and for personal appearances throughout the years. There were three official Champions that appeared in Gene Autry films. The original Champion was a dark sorrel with a blaze face and white stockings on all his legs except the right front. The original Champion first appeared on screen with Autry in "Melody Trail" (1935) and went on to co-star in 51 additional Autry films. The horse was previously owned by Tom Mix and was used during the filming of "The Phantom Empire"
The Strawberry Roan The Strawberry Roan The Strawberry Roan is a 1948 American Western film directed by John English and starring Gene Autry, Gloria Henry, and Jack Holt. Based on a story by Julian Zimet, the film is about a singing cowboy who prevents the shooting of a horse that bucked a young boy off, paralyzing him. The cowboy trains the horse hoping to return it to the boy and help him overcome his disability. Joe is paralyzed by a wild horse, a strawberry roan. His father, Walt, tries to kill the horse in anger but is unsuccessful and the horse escapes. Autry,