The animated movie *Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron* brought to life the wild beauty and unbreakable spirit of America’s mustangs—but did you know the hero was based on a real horse? That horse was Donner, a stunning Kiger Mustang stallion born in the wild among mustangs captured in Oregon. DreamWorks chose him—renaming him Spirit—because of his striking looks, strong build, and incredibly expressive personality. Animators spent years studying his movements in detail to make sure the film’s Spirit looked and moved just like a real horse. Today, the real Spirit is 29 years old and lives at the Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary in California. There, he serves as a living ambassador for the protection of America’s wild mustangs and their natural habitats, reminding us of the importance of preserving these majestic animals and the lands they call home.
📢 Follow for daily mind-blowing facts! 🔗 Connect with Us: 📍 Instagram: @thefactopediahq 📍 YouTube: @FactopediaPro
