What type of horse was Roy Roger's co-star, 'Trigger'?

'Trigger' (1934 – 1965) was a 15.3 hands (63 inches, 160 cm) palomino horse made famous in American Western films with his owner and rider, cowboy star Roy Rogers.

The original 'Trigger', named Golden Cloud, was born in San Diego, California. Though often mistaken for a Tennessee Walking Horse, his sire was a Thoroughbred and his dam a grade mare that, like 'Trigger', was a palomino.

Golden Cloud made an early appearance as the mount of 'Maid Marian', played by Olivia de Havilland in 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' (1938). A short while later, when Roy Rogers was preparing to make his first movie in a starring role, he was offered a choice of five rented "movie" horses to ride and chose Golden Cloud.

Rogers bought him eventually in 1943 and renamed him 'Trigger' for his quickness of both foot and mind. 'Trigger' learned 150 trick cues and could walk 50 ft (15 m) on his hind legs.

They were said to have run out of places to cue 'Trigger'. 'Trigger' became such a ham that as soon as he heard applause, he would start bowing and ruin that trick. He could sit in a chair, sign his name "X" with a pencil, and lie down for a nap and cover himself with a blanket. Roger's most carefully guarded trade secret was to get 'Trigger' housebroken.

While appearing in a show at the Glasgow Empire in 1954, 'Trigger' was presented with a kilt, the material being Dress Stewart Tartan. The kilt was made by Williamina McLauchlan.