Biography

Tarzan 'The Wonder Horse' was a star of Movies, Circus, and Rodeo. When Ken Maynard bought Tarzan around 1925 for $50 in Newhall, California, he found his perfect co-star. Tarzan received billing in many of Maynard's movies from then on. Ken named his prize steed Tarzan after the fictional hero of the 'Edgar Rice Burroughs"s novels. This angered Burroughs, who sued Maynard. Ken settled out of court on the condition that his stallion be called Tarzan, The Wonder Horse. To the delight of Buckaroos, young and old, Tarzan, The Wonder Horse was prominently listed on posters, lobby cards and in comic books for the next 15 years. He often had more screen time than the other co-stars in a Maynard Western. Of course, Tarzan was a better actor than many of them. The Wonder horse was a splendid horse, amazingly intelligent, and clever. The half Arabian and half American Saddle horse was strong and beautiful. Ken had an exceptional rapport with his prize mount. Maynard taught the horse all kinds of tricks that have never been duplicated in the movies. Tarzan's film career began in earnest with the 1927 production of "Somewhere in Sonora" and lasted until his death in 1940. His last role was in "Lighting Strikes the Range." When Tarzan died, Ken was overwhelmed and his career, already confined to poverty row movies, took a nosedive. Tarzan was buried in a defunct stable in Hollywood Hills. His grave was lost to development, but his star will always shine bright.