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"
Jackie Autry Barbara Sinatra Children's Center. She is President of Gene Autry Music Publishing Companies which houses four publishing companies. She is President of the Autry Foundation which was established by Gene and Ina Autry. Funding from this Foundation provided the funds to build a world class western history museum contiguous to the Los Angeles Zoo. The . Museum now called the Autry National Center houses the Museum of the American West, Southwest Museum of the American Indian and the Institute for the Study of the American West. After 13 years she retired as Board chairman and now holds the position of