Ulysses S. Grant
President Ulysses S. Grant grew up around horses and is said to have learned to ride before he could read. A West Point graduate and military man, Grant professionally spent a lot of time with horses as well, forming close bonds with his steeds. He had one horse named Jeff Davis that he took from a plantation during the Civil War Battle of Vicksburg and later brought with him to the White House.
His most famous horse is the chestnut Cincinnati, which was given to him during the war. He rode the horse to meet General Robert E. Lee to accept the Confederacy’s surrender at Appomattox. Grant is often depicted riding Cincinnati in statues.
