Trigger

The Lives and Legend of Roy Rogers’ Palomino
Second Edition

2019
Available from McFarland Books and Amazon paperback ($39.95)
Available on kindle (9.99)

Roy Rogers’ golden palomino, Trigger, was the perhaps the most famous horse in film—more popular than the man himself among certain fans. In its expanded second edition, this detailed look at the animals and men who created the legend of “the smartest horse in the movies” examines the life story of the original Trigger—and his doubles, particularly Little Trigger, the extraordinary trick horse. This edition includes 30,000 words of new text and over 200 photographs (90 new to this edition)

Movies in which Trigger appeared without Rogers are discussed. Additional material covers unresolved aspects of Trigger’s story; controversies surrounding the sale of the Roy Roger’s Museum collection and the fate of his legacy; rare photos and expanded text; Trigger’s solo movie career; purchase timeline; doubles and look-alikes.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Forewords by Corky Randall and Cheryl Rogers-Barnett
Preface
Introduction: Once Upon a Time on a Horse

1.  Remembering Trigger
2.  Chasing Trigger
3.  Trigger’s Tale
4.  Dick Weston and the Golden Cloud
5.  Trigger’s Trail
6.  Little Trigger
7.  Trigger Jr. and the Roy Rogers Remuda
8.  Golden Stallion, Silver Screen
9.  Trigger Filmography
10. Trigger Television
11. Glenn Randall and the Randall Ranch
12. The Smartest Horse in the Movies
13. Ride ’em Cowboy
14. Trigger Collectibles and Memorabilia
15. Trigger Trivia
16. Trigger’s Peers
17. Horse Hero Comic Books
18. Golden Slumbers, Empty Saddle
19. Golden Sunset, Blue Shadows
20. Trigger Timeline

Chapter
Notes
Bibliography
Index

Reviews

  • “One may not immediately think the word ‘scholarship’ might apply to a book about a pop-culture figure like Roy Rogers’ famous horse, but Pando has done just that in this impressive hardcover book. This diligently researched volume traces the fascinating story of the equine star, his original trainer, his offspring, and his human co-stars. Fully annotated and heavily illustrated. . . “ —Leonard Maltin - movie critic, author, and television host of “Secret’s Out.”
    Leonard Maltin - movie critic, author, and television host of “Secret’s Out.”,
  • “Rambo’s creator is a Trigger/Roy Rogers fan. Leo Pando’s book about these iconic Western figures is amazingly informative, entertaining, and revealing. Major secrets are uncovered. I couldn't stop turning the pages and saying, 'Wow, I didn't know THAT.’” —David Morrell, New York Times best selling author, creator of Rambo/First Blood and Brotherhood of the Rose
    David Morrell, New York Times best selling author, creator of Rambo/First Blood and Brotherhood of the Rose,
  • “There is perhaps no greater iconic image of the West of popular culture than that of Trigger reared straight up with Rogers on his back waving. Who among us didn’t at one time wish we had a horse like Trigger, if not Trigger himself? You might buy some collectibles to regain that nostalgia but if you want to know the real Trigger’s full story, Leo Pando’s book is the source to consult.” —Big Reel
    Big Reel,
  • ". . . Leo has been fascinated by the legend of Trigger since childhood and has spent years investigating and uncovering facts behind the make-believe images and myths we accepted without question as we watch our heroes. This highly readable book contains over 200 photographs and is packed with information about Gene Autry and Champ and more. . . ." —Colin Momber, Wrangler's Roost, published in Great Britain
    Colin Momber, Wrangler's Roost, published in Great Britain,
  • "This book is THE authority on Trigger. . . . ." New Mexico Palomino Exhibitors Association
    New Mexico Palomino Exhibitors Association,
  • “Pando did an excellent job of finding original documentation and speaking to/finding letters, interviews, etc. with the children of those involved in Trigger’s career. . . Pando wades through all the literature and helps separate myth from fact, and explains how he came to those conclusions. . . All photos are in black and white and these images are the highlight of the book.” —Feathered Quill Book Reviews, Amazon
    Feathered Quill Book Reviews, Amazon,
  • “Leo Pando’s An Illustrated History of Trigger was published over ten years ago and was deemed by myself and many others as the definitive work on Roy Rogers’ famous palomino and many look-alikes, doubles, etc. In 2019, Leo’s Trigger - The Lives and Legend of Roy Rogers’ Palomino - second edition adds recently discovered info and lots more details on Trigger, Little Trigger, more, and includes nearly a hundred new photos, many of which have never been published. A great read from Leo with significant updates from his earlier Trigger volume.” —Chuck Anderson, The Old Corral
    Chuck Anderson, The Old Corral,
  • “I don’t know when I have seen anyone who has tried harder to get things right. (Leo) has been tireless in tracking down the best sources for the many versions of the Roy Rogers and Trigger stories. Sometimes this has meant just going with the version that made the best sense. But Leo has always consulted enough sources to make sure that what he says does make the most sense. Leo has found pictures that I didn’t know existed (in most cases, I don’t think Dad knew of them either). Thank you, Leo, for allowing me to work with you on this book. You have produced a masterful work.” —Cheryl Rogers-Barnett, author of Cowboy Princes and Cowboy Princes Rides Again
    Cheryl Rogers-Barnett, author of Cowboy Princes and Cowboy Princes Rides Again,
  • “Leo Pando offers meticulous detail on all the horses and men who created and nurtured the legend of Trigger. . . You’ll come away knowing more about the most famous horse in westerns than you ever deemed possible.” —Western Clippings
    Western Clippings,
  • “I never thought anyone could come up with enough to do a whole book on Trigger, but the book is FANTASTIC. It is wonderfully written with lots of great photos. I know you probably think a whole book on Trigger it would not be very interesting reading, but I promise it is - or I would not recommend it.” —Bobby Copeland - author of Silent Hoofbeats and B-Western Boot Hill
    Bobby Copeland - author of Silent Hoofbeats and B-Western Boot Hill,
  • “At last we have a definitive reference book on Trigger - all of the ‘Triggers’ - complete with documentation and plenty of photos. The book is well-bound and includes comprehensive endnotes, a bibliography and index. Unlike many reference books, this one is easy to read and hard to put down. It is well worth the price.” —Elizabeth Drake McDonald - The Bob Nolan Archives; www.bobnolan-sop.net
    Elizabeth Drake McDonald - The Bob Nolan Archives,
  • “Leo Pando has written a love story that B-Western fans around the world can resonate with. The story of Trigger (and Roy Rogers) captivated people from the 1940s to the 60s. His in depth analysis and affection tinged discussions tell the stories of the horses who shared one name, Trigger. Whether Little Trigger, Trigger Jr, or the ‘old Man,’ we loved them all the same. Awesome photos and great insight from the Randall family on the training and care of Trigger. . . No Trigger fan should be without this book.” “The writing is excellent; the numerous photos are superb and original. . . a real contribution to B-Western film history, as well as finding new and fresh information on Trigger. . . serious scholarship, the kind that is more than fan writing.” —Ray White - author of King of the Cowboys, Queen of the West - Roy Rogers and Dale Evans
    Ray White - author of King of the Cowboys, Queen of the West - Roy Rogers and Dale Evans,
  • “Leo Pando’s book complements and makes the perfect companion to the Phillips book. It pretty much is the definitive work on the lives and careers of the various Triggers. Even if the Rogers family have any further information which is probably unlikely coupled with the fact that all the now deceased main principles of the Trigger legend have taken their knowledge to their graves this book will be now regarded as the authoritative source for the lives and careers of the Golden Cloud and his successors.” —Bruce Hickey - Wrangler’s Roost published in Great Britain
    Bruce Hickey - Wrangler’s Roost published in Great Britain,

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