Horsemanship of Ulysses S. Grant

Ulysses S. Grant (1822–1885) served as the commanding general of the Union Army during the Civil War and later became the 18th president of the United States, serving two terms. Born in Ohio near the Ohio River, Grant developed a natural affinity for horses from an early age, which allowed him to ride, train, and manage them. His father, Jesse R. Grant, had great confidence in his ability and gave him tasks involving horses that were considered difficult, especially for a youth. At age five, he was noted for performing difficult stunts bareback, and soon after, he was also performing chores, hauling timber, and driving teams of horses for long distances by himself. From boyhood through his military career, Grant had a well-established reputation for training and managing horses. As a cadet, he set a high-jump record at West Point that stood for 25 years.

Horses played an important role throughout Grant's military career, carrying him with dispatches, accompanying him as he inspected and encouraged troops, and taking him into battle, sometimes resulting in his horse being shot from underneath him. During his lifetime, he mostly owned and rode large and powerful horses. Noted for his love of and ability to ride and manage horses, Grant was occasionally gifted some of the best horses available from friends and admirers.