Beautiful Jim Key
 

Beautiful Jim Key

While watching a rerun of the Antiques Roadshow, I was introduced to what may have been the smartest horse who ever lived--Beautiful Jim Key.

This horse could read and write, make change with money, do arithmetic for "numbers below thirty," and cite Bible passages among other things.

He was owned and trained by a former slave, Jim Key.


“This is certainly the most astonishing and entertaining exhibition I have ever witnessed.”

— President William McKinley after seeing Jim Key perform

Beautiful Jim's owners obviously missed a golden opportunity to have Jim mingle with racehorses in the paddock and then pick the winner.

I'll take Mr. Ed

Interesting video including an interview with author of the book:

Beautiful Jim Key: The Lost History of a Horse and a Man Who Changed the World – by Mim Eichler Rivas