Every Disney Horse Character, Ranked

Almost every Disney animated movie features an animal as a character in some capacity. Sometimes they’re the main character but more often they’re the trusty sidekick for one of Disney’s iconic princesses. Whatever the case, the animal is usually beloved by fans. However, there is one type of animal character in Disney movies that often get overlooked: horses.

Most Disney horses are treated as transportation methods, carrying characters from one place to another. However, in recent years Disney horse characters have started to become characters in their own right with goals and personalities that leave a lasting impression on fans.

12 Kjekk (Frozen)

One of the most forgotten Disney horses appears in one of Disney’s most profitable Disney animated movies of all time: Frozen. Kjekk is one of the horses of Arendale and the one Anna takes with her when she leaves to track down Elsa.

While Kjekk might be cute, he’s not the best since he abandons Anna in the snowy wilderness after being scared by a tree branch. His unloyalty for Anna makes him one of the worst horses of all time.

11 Cyril Proudbottom (The Adventures Of Ichabod and Mr. Toad)

While die-hard Disney fans might recognize Cyril Proudbottom from The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, most people won’t since it’s a largely forgotten Disney animated movie.

Though not memorable, Cyril is loyal to his best friend J. Thaddeus Toad. Cyril accompanies him on his adventures and even defends him when Toad is accused of stealing a car from Mr. Winkie.

10 The Nokk (Frozen 2)

While The Nokk might not be an actual horse, the elemental spirit does resemble a horse which is enough to appease Disney horse fanatics. The Nokk made their first appearance in Frozen 2 as one of the elements of the Enchanted Forest.

Though The Nokk is responsible for draining Arendale of all its water and initially tries to drown Elsa, the Nokk does have a redeeming moment. In fact, the Nokk ends up saving Elsa and helps her return the water to Arendale. As Elsa and Nokk bond it becomes clear that these two are going to be best friends.

9 Achilles (The Hunchback Of Notre Dame)

Achillies is an interesting Disney horse because he undergoes a personality change in the straight-to-DVD Disney sequel of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. 

While he’s loyal to Phoebus in the first movie, he becomes snarky in the sequel and might be seen as an early blueprint for Maximus in Tangled. Achilles is also a horse of many talents including counting which he does with his hooves.

8 Major (Cinderella)

When it comes to wholesome and sweet horses, Cinderella‘s Major wins the prize. Not only is Major best friends with Cinderella since he was a gift from her late father, but he’s also friends with the mice.

Major knows what his duties are which is why he’s so excited at the opportunity to pull Cinderella’s carriage to the palace. However, he becomes even more excited when the Fairy Godmother turns him into the coachman.

7 Philippe (Beauty And The Beast)

Belle’s steed Philippe is an interesting Disney horse who falls into the gray area when it comes to deciding if he’s a good or bad horse. While he’s excellent and transporting Maurice and Belle around their provincial village, he’s not the best under pressure.

One of the worst things Philippe does is throw Maurice and leave him alone after getting spooked by bats. He does slightly redeem himself when he helps Belle fight back against the wolves. Philippe is just unpredictable when it comes to dangerous matters.

6 Pegasus (Hercules)

Sticking with the Greek mythology of Hercules, it makes sense that his trusty sidekick would be a mythical winged horse who is ironically named Pegasus.

Pegasus is full of personality which is what makes him such a memorable horse. He’s also extremely loyal to Hercules and isn’t afraid to be protective of him when new people try to start relationships with Hercules.

5 Frou-Frou (The Aristocats)

The Aristocats is memorable for a lot of reasons including it being the start of Disney’s Bronze Age and the first movie completely made after Walt Disney’s death. It also features one of the most underrated yet heroic horses in all Disney movies.

Frou-Frou is Madame Bonfamille’s horse and a close friend of Duchess and the kittens. She becomes a key player in helping rescue the cats after Edgar stupidly admits that he’s the one who catnapped the kittens. With the help of Roquefort, the two devise a plan to save their friends.

4 Captain (101 Dalmatians)

While everyone remembers the dalmatians in 101 Dalmatians, most of the other animals are overlooked including another heroic Disney horse: Captain. Though Captain doesn’t interact with the dalmatians in the beginning, he becomes vital in rescuing them.

Captain stands out amongst other Disney horses for the impeccable senses that allow him to hear things and warn the others about dangers and various news. This is how Colonel and Sergeant Tibbs learn of the dalmatian’s disappearance. If it wasn’t for Captain’s talents the puppies might have been turned into one of Cruella’s coats!

3 Samson (Sleeping Beauty)

Though many have criticized Sleeping Beauty over the years, it did give Disney fans one of the greatest villains of all time and one of the best horses. In fact, Prince Phillip’s horse Samson was the first Disney horse to really shine as his own character.

Samson is shown as being a bit stubborn but extremely loyal to Phillip. It’s also clear that he can be bribed with food which is exactly what Phillip does to get Samson to ride towards Aurora. He is also a fearless steed, who rides into battle with Phillip to battle Maleficient’s dragon form.

2 Khan (Mulan)

Next to Samson, Khan is one of the bravest Disney horses of all time. While Khan is the family horse, he has a strong bond with Mulan and the two are rarely without each other. Khan is so loyal to Mulan that he willingly rides into battle with her.

Not only is he loyal, but he also has a fun personality. He manages to communicate via Mushu and even understands comedy when he laughs at Mulan’s poor attempts to pretend to be a man.

1 Maximus (Tangled)

When it comes to Disney horses that are loyal, brave, and have a hilarious personality Tangled‘s Maximus is King. Not only is he a horse with an actual career, working on the Royal Guard, but he also knows when it’s okay to break the rules.

Maximus is as complex as they come forging complex relationships with both Rapunzel and Eugene. He also bonds with Pascal, and the two make quite a hilarious duo.

About The Author

Danielle Bruncati
(297 Articles Published)

Danielle Bruncati was born and raised in Southern California and has been a story-teller for as long as she can remember. She is currently a freelance writer for ScreenRant and is also pursuing a Master’s Degree in Television Writing and Producing from a top 10 film school. When she’s not writing, Danielle can be found binging the latest sitcom or teen tv series with her dog by her side or walking around Disneyland with a Mickey-shaped snack in hand.

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