There were, in the late 1800’s wild horses still roaming Oregon state in the USA, and they were prized for their exceptionally good looks and long manes, hence their being referred to as the ‘Oregon Wild Long-haired Wonder Horses. In early 1870, the first stallion captured, named ‘Oregon Beauty’ was mated with a Clydesdale female called ‘Oregon Queen’ and the first filly born in captivity arrived soon after,welcomed by the owners who were the Rutherford brothers.
Called ‘Linus’ this wondrous horse was taken around fairs, show-grounds and museums for many years, showing off her glorious long mane and general good looks. She was a genuine crowd-puller. Until 1887 she gave pleasure to untold numbers of sightseers, before being tragically killed upon being struck by lightning. Luckily, she had produced a son, also named Linus II, and the tradition was able to continue.
These two horses were real money-spinners for their owners,and Linus II was sold in 1890 to the Eaton Brothers, of Boston, for $30,000, a fortune on those days. All the same, he was such a success at exhibitions for several years that the Eatons turned down an offer of $60,000 a year or two later, keeping him until his death in 1894. Linus II was pronounced by eminent horsemen as the most perfect type of equine beauty in the world, and his proud bearing added much to his natural grandeur, for he carried himself as a worthy successor of his wild old ancestor, the King of Oregon Wonder Horses, in whose place he stood as leader of his race.”
By careful breeding and selection over twenty-five years from the capture of the first mare, the Rutherford family had succeeded in establishing this breed of “Wonder Horses” on a secure foundation; and, though guarding with utmost jealousy all the progeny, they carefully continued their line of breeding until they possess to-day absolute control of a distinct breed of horses, the like of which has never been seen in all the world, nor will it ever be reproduced, since the wild origin is now extinct.
The” Wonder Horses” of Oregon are remarkable for the great growth of hair in mane and tail, which for length and thickness is not equaled in the world. Since these horses have been bred in captivity this growth of beautiful silken hair has increased with each generation. The wonderful endurance and intelligence of this breed of equines is at once apparent to anyone familiar with horses. Another remarkable characteristic of this truly wonderful breed of horses is their color, all of them being rich chestnuts, by reason of their thoroughbred origin. No doubt the “Oregon Wonder Horses” are the truest descendents of the first horses brought to America by Cortez, the conquerer of Mexico. Probably some’ escaped at that early period and established this breed hundreds of years ago remaining wild and uncaptured. They are truly glorious animals.