Bronze horse statues have long stood as enduring symbols of power, grace, and cultural identity across civilizations. From ancient emperors to modern artists, equestrian sculptures capture not only the strength of the horse but also the legacy of those who ride them.
In this blog, we explore the 20 most famous bronze horse statues from around the world — ranked by historical impact, artistic merit, and global recognition.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history lover, or sculpture collector, these iconic masterpieces reflect the timeless bond between humanity and the horse.
Top 1: Marcus Aurelius Equestrian Statue
Location: Rome, Italy
Artist: Unknown
Year: c. 175 AD
Description: One of the oldest surviving bronze equestrian statues, symbolizing imperial authority in Ancient Rome.
Top 2: Braunschweiger Quadriga Statue
Location: Braunschweig, Germany
Artist: Ernst Rietschel
Year: 1906
Description: A powerful four-horse chariot sculpture symbolizing freedom and civic pride.
Top 3: Still Water Horse Head Statue
Location: London, UK
Artist: Nic Fiddian-Green
Year: 2011
Description: A monumental horse head gracefully drinking, evoking calm and nobility.
Top 4: The Bronze Horseman
Location: St. Petersburg, Russia
Artist: Étienne Maurice Falconet
Year: 1782
Description: Equestrian statue of Peter the Great, symbolizing Russia’s power and modernization.
Top 5: Horses of Saint Mark
Location: Venice, Italy (St. Mark’s Basilica)
Artist: Unknown
Year: 2nd–4th century AD
Description: Ancient Byzantine bronze horses representing strength and classical motion.
Top 6: St. George and the Dragon
Location: Washington National Cathedral, USA
Artist: Herbert Haseltine
Year: 1930
Description: Depicts Saint George slaying the dragon, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Top 7: Bronze Napoleon on Horse Statue
Location: Les Invalides, Paris, France
Artist: Pierre Cartellier & Louis-Joseph Daumas
Year: 1850
Description: A heroic representation of Napoleon Bonaparte as a military leader.
Top 8: Equestrian statue of Earl Roberts
Location: Whitehall, London, UK
Artist: Harry Bates
Year: 1924
Description: Honors British military commander Lord Roberts and colonial military valor.
Top 9: Equestrian statue of George Washington
Location: Boston Public Garden, USA
Artist: Thomas Ball
Year: 1869
Description: A commanding equestrian image of America’s first president.
Top 10: The American Horse
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Artist: Nina Akamu
Year: 1999
Description: A 24-foot-tall tribute to Leonardo da Vinci’s unfinished horse sculpture.
Top 11: Equestrian statue of Alexander the Great
Location: Thessaloniki, Greece
Artist: Evangelos Moustakas
Year: 1974
Description: Portrays Alexander the Great and his horse Bucephalus, symbolizing conquest and legacy.
Top 12: Flying Horse of Gansu
Location: Gansu Provincial Museum, China
Artist: Unknown (Eastern Han Dynasty)
Year: 2nd century AD
Description: A galloping horse stepping on a flying swallow, a masterpiece of ancient Chinese bronze art.
Top 13: Equestrian Statue of Benito Mussolini
Location: Rome, Italy (formerly displayed)
Artist: Unknown
Year: Early 20th century
Description: A political symbol of fascism, later removed due to its controversial legacy.
Top 14: Equestrian Statue of St. George
Location: Windsor Castle, UK
Artist: Unknown
Year: 19th century
Description: Depicts England’s patron saint slaying a dragon, embodying courage and valor.
Top 15: Equestrian statue of Date Masamune
Location: Sendai Castle Ruins, Japan
Artist: Unknown
Year: 1935
Description: Honors the famous one-eyed samurai lord, showcasing samurai spirit and pride.
Top 16: Equestrian statue of Christopher Columbus
Location: Columbus Circle, New York, USA
Artist: Gaetano Russo
Year: 1892
Description: Commemorates the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage to the Americas.
Top 17: Fernando Botero Fat Horse Sculpture
Location: Medellín, Colombia
Artist: Fernando Botero
Year: 2008
Description: An iconic plump horse sculpture in Botero’s signature exaggerated style.
Top 18: Equestrian of Simon Bolivar
Location: Central Park South, New York, USA
Artist: Sally James Farnham
Year: 1921
Description: A tribute to the Latin American liberator and his fight for independence.
Top 19: Mohammed Abdullah Hassan
Location: Mogadishu, Somalia
Artist: Unknown
Year: Mid-20th century
Description: Celebrates Somali nationalist hero who resisted colonial forces.
Top 20: Equestrian Monument of Cosimo I
Location: Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy
Artist: Giambologna
Year: 1594
Description: Renaissance statue of Cosimo I de’ Medici, blending political authority with classical elegance.
In Conclusion
From the majestic Marcus Aurelius in Rome to the serene Still Water Horse in London, famous bronze horse statues continue to inspire awe and admiration around the world. These iconic works not only represent artistic and historical milestones but also demonstrate the enduring human fascination with equestrian form and symbolism.
If you’re inspired by these masterpieces and looking to bring timeless bronze horse art to your estate, garden, or public space, YouFine Sculpture Factory offers expertly crafted bronze horse statues tailored to your vision.
With over 40 years of foundry experience, we specialize in high-quality, customizable bronze animal sculptures that reflect both tradition and innovation. Contact us today to explore how we can bring your bronze dreams to life.
