Seabiscuit (May 26, 1933—May 17, 1947)

“How did Seabiscuit race into so many people’s hearts and minds?”

In 1938, a little horse and four ordinary men changed the world and made more news headlines than the most famous humans of the era, namely Hitler and Roosevelt.

In midst of the 1930’s global Great Depression, an awkward horse named Seabiscuit came into contact with four unique yet struggling men. As a collective group, they inspired the world and became a symbol of hope in desperate times. With crushing poverty and rising unemployment levels, people needed to believe in something, someone; anything! Seabiscuit, a horse which never gave up, gave them that hope.

After a very slow career start, a two-year-old Seabiscuit had raced thirty-five times and came in first only five times. Not too impressive for a young horse! But sometimes, some people / animals take longer to develop. The next racing season, Seabiscuit again underperformed; looking to cut their losses, his owners sold Seabiscuit to automobile businessman Charles S. Howard for the 1936 / 37 season.

Howard, still mourning the death of his young son then recruited the reclusive trainer, Tom Smith as well as two jockeys, tough Canadian journeyman Red Pollard who was blind in one eye and graceful superstar George Woolf. From their base at Howard’s Ridgewood ranch, they slowly transformed Seabiscuit’s and their own fortunes for the better. Each man was not perfect but together, they made history.

Seabiscuit slowly won more races. Each victory by this outsider horse was met with public frenzy. People saw the horse as a good distraction for their own tough lives. On November 1, 1938, Seabiscuit raced War Admiral in what was dubbed the "Match of the Century." War Admiral was seen as the greatest horse of the era. Seabiscuit won a titanic battle and became horse of the year for 1938. Not bad for a horse once written off by everyone!

In 1940, Seabiscuit retired and remained popular. Ridgewood Ranch became a tourist attraction as many journeyed to pay tribute to Seabiscuit before his death in 1947. The little horse had definitely made a great impression in millions of lives!

This was seen as one of the greatest stories of the era. Seabiscuit and four men not only changed their own lives through determination and hard work; they were a symbol of hope in the lives of millions. It’s amazing what a stumpy little horse can do……..

Inspiration can come from anywhere! No matter how tough life seems, keep going!
Dream big!

COMMENT BELOW: Why would Seabiscuits' story and race wins inspire a nation? Can you relate to this story? Tell us your response, and share your opinions below.

Please click here to read: Introducing "HISTORICAL HEROES SERIES" HISTORICAL HERO: Galileo Galilei, the Father of Modern Science HISTORICAL HERO: Sir Nicholas Winton MBE, The British Schindler ... Historical Hero: SIR JOHN WILSON – A True Visionary Who Worked to Save Sight and Prevent Disabilities Historical Hero: Thomas Edison – Inventor for the Ages! Historical Hero: Enduring in Difficult Times, the Invention of Scrabble – An inspirational story

Seabiscuit PBS Special Seabiscuit Trailer Wikipedia - Seabiscuit Wikipedia