Probably one of the most famous horses of all time, Dan Patch was foaled in Oxford, Indiana on the farm of Dan A. Messner in 1896. As a colt he had crooked legs and was almost put down, but he was friendly and smart so his owner trained him to pull sleighs and carts. A special shoe and a wider cart eventually turned Dan Patch into an undefeated pacer.
He was the world champion pacing horse from 1903 until 1938, earning the title of being the "World's Champion Harness Horse" and the “greatest harness horse in the history of the two-wheel sulky”.
Dan Patch was sold by his original owner, Daniel Messner, for a record breaking sum of $20,000 in February of 1902. Dan’s new owner, Manley Sturgis, owned the horse for less than a year before selling him for $60,000 to Minnesota businessman, Marion Savage, in December of 1902.
In 1905, driven by Harry Hersey at Lexington, Kentucky in a time trial, he paced in 1:55 1/4. After this mile he was not raced, but traveled miles on exhibition throughout the country. He was heavily commercialized, his name appearing on everything from stop watches to washing machines to published sheet music.
The International Stock Food Company which can be seen in the background of this print was owned by Marion Savage and the farm was the home of Dan Patch. Myron McHenry is the depicted rider who rode Dan Patch from 1901-1903. The bottom of the print boasts that “Dan Patch eats International Stock Food every day”.
It is interesting to note that both Marvin Savage and Dan Patch became ill on July 4, 1916. Dan Patch died July 11, 1916, age 20 years, at the Savage Farm. Marvin Savage died the following day on July 12, 1916, age 57 years. They were were eulogized in a common funeral service on July 16, 1916.
This nostalgic advertising poster is a snapshot in time portraying the agricultural industry and turn of the century culture and sport. A picture of a beloved champion pacer horse at his farm home and site of the International Stock Feed Co. tells a story of an era in American history.
This is one of only a very few survivors that remain in existence and we are thrilled to be able to offer it to you. It is a wonderful and inspirational collectible. There is an abundance of biographical information available for Dan Patch and I encourage anyone interested to read more about this incredible equine, his journey and the mark he made on this world.
This poster has some creasing from being folded and some minimal foxing, It remains in the original frame and glass. Chipping of the frame is apparent mostly at the corners . The glass has some sagging due to its age and this creates a small amount of distortion. It measures 30.5” wide x 23.5” tall from the frame edges.