Rex McDonald was the most famous champion saddle stallion that the world has ever known.  This black marvel was known for his invincibility in the show ring.  He was considered by some to have been unbeatable, if he had been properly shod and ridden.  It is noted in the Missouri Historical Review that “the six horses who defeated Rex, practically all were later defeated by him.”[1]  This horse saw many owners in his life and increased in value as he grew older.  Although never owned by Tom Bass, the famous horse trainer did ride him to victory on several occasions and shared a special bond with the horse.  However, there is some debate as to whether Tom actually ever rode Rex McDonald in a show.

Rex McDonald

The notable Black Squirrel 58 owned by Lan B. Morris and Joe McDonald’s mare Star Davis produced a chestnut filly known as Lucy Mack.  This filly was later bred to the then famous Rex Denmark 840.  This breeding would result in the birth of a “knobby-kneed, scrawny colt” on a pasture in northern Callaway County, Missouri on May 30, 1890.  When the colt was first born Joe McDonald concluded that it had little promise for the future.  After a short time, he realized that that colt was going to be a magnificent saddle stallion.  Mr. McDonald, who had became very ill, sold him at a dispersal sale to R. T. Freeman & Son of Mexico, MO for $105.  At the sale he said, “Gentlemen, you have now an opportunity to obtain at your own price the benefit of my lifetime of study and experience.  I have predicted that this colt will make the best horse we have ever known, and if he is properly cared for and managed, I think you will all remember my prediction.”  This colt was named Rex McDonald. 

Throughout Rex’s early development his owners started to realize his potential.  They first showed him at local Missouri fairs.  In his first year of competition, the three year old Rex beat the famous Lou Chief in St. Louis.  The following year, Mr. John T. Hughes (Lou Chief’s owner) of Lexington, KY, bought Rex McDonald for $3,050.  He continued to consistently beat all the competition that he faced.  The first loss suffered by Rex was at the Kansas City Horse Show of 1896.  “It was said that while a high stepper, Rex had been mistakenly shod with heavy shoes for this show.”[2]  The long and intense competition was won by one of Tom Bass’s finest horses, Miss Rex.  This was impressive because “mares seldom beat stallions, especially stallions like Rex McDonald.”[3]

Rex McDonald (Left) in a get of sire class.

In 1898, he was sold to Col. F. W. Blees of Macon, MO for $6,000.  Under Col. Blees’ ownership, Rex had “more attention, more adoration and more advantages than any horse ever has enjoyed.”[4]  He was ridden by a horseman named Will Lee.  In 1900, Rex was sold to Ralph Orthwein of St. Louis.  “In 1903 at the St. Louis Fair, Rex McDonald was crowned the champion saddle horse of America.”[5]  In 1904, Mr. Orthwein withdrew the champion from all competition because other horsemen of the area refused to compete against him.  He later returned to competition.  In 1905 Rex was sold to a company out of Columbia, MO.  These Missouri businessmen were intent on keeping him within the state. He was used for breeding purposes there.  Then in 1910, the head of the company died and Rex McDonald was sold to Ben Middleton of Mexico, MO whose lifelong ambition was to own the great stallion.  It was said that he turned down a $10,000 offer to sell the horse.  In 1913 at the age of 23, Rex became sick and there was nothing that anyone could do to save him.  He was administered a lethal capsule and died in Mr. Middleton’s lap. 

After the death of Rex McDonald, the people in the Mexico area mourned over their beloved champion.   He was buried at the fairgrounds in Audrain County.  His hide was on display at the Ringo Hotel until a fire destroyed it in 1918.  Tom Bass received the burnt remnants of the hide which he kept at his stable until he died. 

Rex McDonald is recognized as the greatest of the greats by most horsemen and historians today.  Many of the grand saddle horses today have the blood of this magnificent saddle horse champion flowing through their veins.  The story of Rex McDonald will continue to be a part of Missouri history. 

Today, Rex McDonald is now buried at the American Saddlebred Horse Museum on the grounds of the Audrain County Historical Society in Mexico, Missouri.  Tom Bass once was quoted as saying, “Rex didn’t walk or pace, he just glided.

American Saddle Horse Museum, Mexico, MO

Photo Credits: American Saddlebred Horse Museum, Mexico, Missouri and Audrain County Historical Society and  Irwin Collection

This page was designed by James E. Phillips under direction of Dr. Lyndon Irwin