The remarkable biography of Smoke, a talented equine actor born in 1931, whose impressive career spanned fifteen western movies as the loyal horse of the renowned actor Dick Foran. Smoke's proud owner, Chief Thundercloud, a notable actor in his own right, was best known for his iconic portrayal of Tonto in the early Lone Ranger serials.
As a well-trained and agile horse, Smoke was capable of performing a wide range of stunts and tricks, which were a hallmark of his era. However, it was his unique ability to participate in shootouts with the villains that truly set him apart from other horses of his time. Smoke's remarkable talent lay in his ability to shoot a gun when the setup was just right for him, a feat that left audiences in awe.
In addition to his impressive stunt work, Smoke holds the distinction of being the only horse to be depicted trampling the bad guys to death in a movie. This remarkable achievement is a testament to his versatility and talent as an actor.
Tragically, Smoke's illustrious career was cut short when he was injured in a stunt that utilized a "running w" harness. This incident not only brought an end to his acting career but also led to a ban on the practice of tripping running horses.
After his retirement from the spotlight, Smoke spent the remainder of his life on a ranch in California, where he lived out his days in comfort and tranquility. Smoke's remarkable life came to a close at the age of 23 in 1954, in Ventura, California, USA, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and entertain to this day.
