Horses — they’re symbols of freedom, power, and beauty. And for centuries, artists have captured that spirit in bronze. These equestrian statues aren’t just pretty to look at — they tell stories about history, heroes, and the special bond between humans and horses.
So, let’s find out some of the most famous bronze horse statues and the talented people who made them.
1. The Bronze Horseman (Peter the Great)
Location: Senate Square, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Artist: Étienne Maurice Falconet
Date: 1782
The Bronze Horseman is a must-see landmark in Saint Petersburg. It shows Peter the Great, a famous Russian czar, sitting tall on a powerful horse. The horse is rearing up, its hooves trampling a snake, which symbolizes the challenges Peter overcame to build his new capital city.
2. Marcus Aurelius
Location: Capitoline Museums, Rome, Italy
Artist: Unknown
Date: 2nd century AD
This ancient bronze statue shows Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor and philosopher, riding a horse. Unlike other statues of leaders that show them as warriors, Marcus looks calm and thoughtful. This is because he is known for being wise and fair, not just a powerful fighter.
3. Gattamelata (Erasmo da Narni)
Location: Piazza del Santo, Padua, Italy
Artist: Donatello
Date: 1453
Gattamelata is a famous statue in Italy that shows a brave soldier named Erasmo da Narni riding his horse. He looks calm and collected, even though he was known for his courage and leadership in battle. This statue is special because it was one of the first realistic horse statues made during the Renaissance, a time when art and ideas were flourishing.
4. The Mustangs of Las Colinas
Location: Las Colinas, Irving, Texas, USA
Artist: Robert Glen
Date: 1984
The Mustangs of Las Colinas is a sight that captures the wild spirit of horses. It’s a group of nine bronze horses galloping through the water, their muscles rippling and manes flowing in the wind. They look so real, it’s almost like they’re about to break free from the bronze!
5. Kelpies
Location: The Helix, Falkirk, Scotland
Artist: Andy Scott
Date: 2013
The Kelpies are these horse heads made of shiny steel, and they’re seriously impressive. They stand guard over a canal in Scotland, and they’re so big you can see them from miles away! These sculptures aren’t just any horses though — they’re based on shape-shifting water spirits from old Scottish stories called Kelpies. People say these creatures could turn into beautiful horses to trick people into riding them — only to drag them into the depths of the water.
6. The Horse at Water
Location: Marble Arch, London, England
Artist: Nic Fiddian-Green
Date: 2011
The Horse at Water is a majestic bronze artwork that captures a simple yet powerful moment — a horse gracefully lowering its head to drink. At a towering 33 feet tall, this artwork commands attention and invites contemplation. The artist, Nic Fiddian-Green, drew inspiration from ancient Greek sculptures, aiming to portray the timeless beauty and elegance of horses.
7. Man on Horse
Image Source: Working Joe Travel
Location: Boston Public Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Artist: Thomas Ball
Date: 1869
This iconic bronze statue depicts George Washington, the first President of the United States, mounted on his horse. He sits tall and proud, embodying leadership and strength. It’s a popular landmark in Boston, reminding visitors of Washington’s crucial role in American history and his enduring legacy as the “Father of His Country.”
8. Equestrian Statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni
Location: Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo, Venice, Italy
Artist: Andrea del Verrocchio (completed by Alessandro Leopardi)
Date: 1496
This imposing statue sits proudly in Venice, Italy. It shows Bartolomeo Colleoni, a famous military leader, riding his horse with a look of determination on his face. Colleoni was a skilled warrior who fought for many different cities, but he left a big chunk of his money to Venice when he died. In return, they built this amazing statue to honor him.
9. Crazy Horse Memorial
Location: Black Hills, South Dakota, USA
Artist: Korczak Ziolkowski and family
Date: Started in 1948, still in progress
Crazy Horse Memorial is a whole mountain being carved into the shape of a Native American warrior and his horse. Crazy Horse was a brave leader who fought to protect his people’s land. This memorial is a way to honor him and all Native Americans. It’s a massive project that’s still being worked on, and when it’s done, it’ll be the biggest sculpture on Earth.
10. The Horses of Saint Mark
Location: St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice, Italy
Artist: Attributed to Lysippos (Greek sculptor, 4th century BC)
Date: Original creation around 4th century BC
The Horses of Saint Mark are four stunning bronze horses perched atop St. Mark’s Basilica. These ancient masterpieces were brought to Venice as war trophies. Their golden glow and lifelike forms symbolize power and victory.
11. Joan of Arc
Location: Place des Pyramides, Paris, France
Artist: Emmanuel Frémiet
Date: 1874
Joan of Arc was a brave young woman who led the French army to victory against the English, even though she was just a teenager! This statue shows her on horseback, wearing armor and holding her flag high. She looks strong and determined, just like she was in real life.
12. El Cid Campeador
Location: Burgos, Spain
Artist: Juan Cristóbal González Quesada
Date: 1955
El Cid was a famous Spanish hero. He was a brave knight who fought for his king and country, and he became a legend. This statue shows him riding his trusty horse, Babieca, with his sword raised high, ready for action.
13. Monument to King Edward VII
Location: Waterloo Place, London, England
Artist: Sir Bertram Mackennal
Date: 1921
This statue is of King Edward VII, who ruled England over a hundred years ago. He’s sitting on a horse, wearing his fancy king clothes. The statue looks grand and impressive, just like the king himself was. It’s one of the famous sculptures in a busy part of London.
14. Andrew Jackson
Location: Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C., USA
Artist: Clark Mills
Date: 1853
This statue of Andrew Jackson, the seventh US president, sits proudly in front of the White House. He’s on his horse, looking strong and determined. The horse is rearing up on its back legs, which is pretty cool to see.
15. Ulysses S. Grant
Location: Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., USA
Artist: Henry Merwin Shrady
Date: 1922
This statue honors Ulysses S. Grant, a famous general who led the Union Army to victory in the Civil War. He later became the 18th US president. The statue shows him on his horse, looking calm and thoughtful, even though he’s surrounded by chaos.
16. The Rearing Horse and Mounted Warrior
Location: Capitoline Museums, Rome, Italy
Artist: Unknown (Greek, Hellenistic period)
Date: 2nd century BC
This ancient statue shows a warrior on a horse that’s rearing up, its front legs in the air. The warrior looks like he’s about to charge into battle. This statue is really old, but it’s still amazing to see.
17. The Horse Tamers
Location: Piazza del Quirinale, Rome, Italy
Artist: Unknown (Roman, copies of Greek originals)
Date: 4th century AD (copies)
These two statues show men trying to tame wild horses. The horses are huge and muscular, and the men are struggling to control them. These statues were actually copies of even older Greek ones, showing how much people have always admired the strength and beauty of horses.
18. The Horse and His Boy
Location: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, Florida, USA
Artist: Blaine Gibson
Date: 1971
This playful statue brings a beloved story to life. It shows a young boy riding a horse, and they look like they’re having so much fun! It’s based on a book called “The Horse and His Boy” by C.S. Lewis. This statue is a popular spot for photos at Disney World.
19. Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue
Location: Tsonjin Boldog, Mongolia
Artist: D. Erdenebileg
Date: 2008
This massive statue honors Genghis Khan, the legendary Mongol leader who conquered a huge empire. He’s sitting on his horse, looking out over the vast Mongolian plains. This statue is a symbol of national pride for Mongolians.
20. Bronze Horse Statue of Alexander the Great
Location: Thessaloniki, Greece
Artist: Unknown
Date: Unknown (possibly Roman period)
This bronze statue shows Alexander the Great, one of the most famous conquerors in history, riding his horse Bucephalus. They look unstoppable, ready to take on the world. This statue is a tribute to Alexander’s military genius and his ambition to create a vast empire.
Wrap Up
Bronze horse sculptures aren’t just beautiful works of art — they’re windows into history, culture, and the human spirit. From ancient warriors to modern-day heroes, these horse art capture the power, grace, and enduring bond between humans and horses.
So, the next time you see a famous bronze horse statue, take a moment to appreciate the story it tells and the artistry behind it.