• Equestrian Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Equestrian Style
      • Riding Style
      • Equestrian Care
        • Fitness
    • Books
    • Movies
    • My Life
    • Opinion
  • History
    • Equestrians
    • Breeds
  • Horse Care
    • Farm Life
  • Travel
    • Trail Rides
    • South America
    • USA
    • International
  • An Equestrian Life

  • Riding
    • F#
  • Reviews
    • Horse Tack
  • About

An Equestrian Life

Mr Ed with actor on the 1960's sitcom
History, Movies
/
November 1, 2023

Bamboo Harvester, The Story of the Horse that Portrayed Mr Ed

A horse is a horse, of course, of course

And no one can talk to a horse, of course

That is, of course, unless the horse is the famous Mr. Ed!

We all know the theme song, even if some of use weren’t even alive when the show aired. For those who might not know, the song is from a show from the 1960’s, Mr Ed, that featured a talking horse. It was groundbreaking at the time, being network television’s first non-cartoon talking animal.

Bamboo Harvester, a palomino saddlebred/arabian cross was the star. He was born in 1949 out of an Arabian Antez mare named Zetna, by a saddlebred stallion named The Harvester (sounds pretty ominous!) He was a talented performer with a unique personality, and his role as Mr. Ed made him one of the most beloved animal actors of all time.

The Idea

The show was inspired by a series of movies, Francis the Talking Mule. The creator of Mr Ed, Arthur Lubin, originally wanted to develop Francis the Talking Mule for television but had been unable to secure the rights. His secretary introduced him to the children’s series Freddy the Pig, written by Walter R. Brooks, a series of short stories about farm animals that talk to people. From that, Lubin developed the Mr. Ed show, based around a horse that talks to only one person.

Lubin sourced $75,000 to produce a pilot episode, with different actors and a different horse, but the episode fell flat. Neither a network nor a sponsor was interested in the show. 

Eventually the pilot was shown to Al Simon, president of Filmways TV Productions. He saw flaws, but believed the show had potential. The concept was brought back to life, with new casting, and a sponsor. The Studebaker Corporation agreed to fund the show in syndication, and they were ready to begin in October of 1960.

Finding the Horse

With one month to go before filming started, the production had a new problem. The original horse they had used for the pilot had been sold. Trainer Lester Hilton, who trained under the famous cowboy entertainer Will Rogers, was assigned to find a new horse. 

He found his new star on a San Fernando Valley farm for $1,500. Bamboo Harvester had been a show and parade horse, and was chosen due to his intelligence, trainability, and good looks. Bamboo was brought to Hilton’s farm to be trained by him. 

The Show

Mr. Ed starred Alan Young as Wilbur Post, a mild-mannered architect who moves into a new house with his wife, Carol (Connie Hines). The house comes with a talking horse named Mr Ed (Bamboo Harvester). Wilbur is the only one who can understand Mr. Ed’s speech, and frequently Mr. Ed is advising Wilbur on life, although often with a twist. In spite of being a horse, Mr. Ed is very clever about the way the world works. 

Mr Ed dressed up as an astronaut
The extremely tolerant Mr Ed

Mr. Ed was a huge success with audiences. The show was praised for its humor, its heartwarming relationship between Wilbur and Mr Ed, and its innovative use of special effects.

Mr. Ed ran for six seasons and produced 143 episodes. The show was nominated for several Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Alan Young.

Life as a Horse Actor

headshot of Bamboo Harvester, the horse who played Mr Ed

Bamboo was trained by Les Hilton for anything the show needed, and he was good at it. It reportedly only took him 15 minutes to learn whatever trick he needed to do in a scene. 

But Bamboo was also known for his dive-like behavior on set. Although he never missed a day of filming, he would often walk off set if he was done. 

He also had a love of sweet tea and drank it by the gallon. 

Bamboo Harvester had a stunt double, his barnmate Pumpkin. He was used for the more dangerous scenes, but eventually became a star in his right. He was hired for the show Green Acres and starred in a pudding commercial. 

When Bamboo Harvester wasn’t filming Mr. Ed, he lived a very comfortable life at Hilton’s ranch in North Hollywood. He had his own private stall and paddock, and he was treated like a member of the family.

How Did Mr. Ed “Talk”?

The most important part of the show, naturally, was Mr. Ed talking. But unnaturally, horses don’t talk. For a long time, people thought that the talking movement was made by peanut butter rubbed on the his gums. But, although this seems plausible, it’s actually false.  Alan Young said in interviews that he invented the story. 

Al Simon and Arthur Lubin, the producers, suggested we keep the method [of making the horse appear to talk] a secret because they thought kids would be disappointed if they found out the technical details of how it was done, so I made up the peanut butter story, and everyone bought it.

Alan Young, Actor

So how did Bamboo actually show talking? Hilton initially ran a nylon thread in the horse’s mouth, hidden in the halter. But Bamboo was a smart horse, and he learned to “talk” every time his trainer touched his hoof. Eventually, Bamboo started doing it on his own as soon as Young had said his own lines.  

The End of the Show

In 1966, the show was canceled, with the network saying the show had become too “bucolic.” While it’s impossible to know exactly what went on inside the tv network, it could be theorized that the show was becoming outdated. Much of the plots of the show had been firmly rooted in the value’s of the 1950’s, with the character of Wilbur being a stereotypical male, making all the decisions for the household. The world was changing, and Mr Ed was looking outdated. Viewership was declining, and the TV network was interested in more edgy and provocative programming. 

With the show canceled, Bamboo Harvester was retired. But after that, there are different accounts of what happened. One story says that he lived with Les Hilton for the next two years, but then had age related health problems and was euthanized. Another says he retired to a farm in Oklahoma, were he passed away in 1979. 

His former co-star says differently though. Alan Young said he visited Bamboo frequently after his retirement, and at one point, a caretaker saw the horse struggling and gave the horse tranquilizer to calm him down, but unfortunately it killed him. At the time, Pumpkin, his stunt double, had been doing appearances as Mr. Ed, so they didn’t want to draw public appearance to his death. Pumpkin died in Oklahoma in 1979, but Young didn’t want to shatter the illusions that the horse being memorialized wasn’t the official Mr. Ed, so he remained quiet. 

The reaction in 1979 to his “death” showed how much people still loved the horse. Mr. Ed had been a beloved icon for many.

Mr. Ed was a groundbreaking sitcom that paved the way for other shows with animal characters, such as The Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, and ALF. The show is still fondly remembered by fans today, and it remains a classic example of 1960s television.

Share

You May Also Like

May 18, 2020

Horse Camp: A Love Tail – Review

April 1, 2020

Dream Alliance

May 24, 2024

The Equestrian Life of Catherine Walters, the Victorian Courtesan

Previous Post
Why You Should Buy a Thoroughbred
Next Post
The Gift Guide for Equestrians
Hi There, I’m

Hi There, I’m

Courtney

Driven by curiosity about everything in the horse world - the history, the breeds, the cultures. Wanting to spend my life seeking adventure with horses. Is this you, too? Let's discover together.

Plan Your Next Riding Adventure

stone bridge with castle in background

All Inclusive Riding Trip in France

horses galloping through an open field in the UK

Valley Trail Riding in England

scenic view of montana from horseback

Ranch Vacation in Montana

horses in a line going through a field in Spain

Dressage Jumping Hacking in Spain

aerial view of polish riding stable for trips

Jumping Training in Poland

Blog Topics

My Horse Stu

All Things Riding

History

Lifestyle

Travel

Categories

The Latest Video

The Latest Video The Latest Video

Stu is being haunted by the dog he lives with.

Subscribe to My Channel

Equestrian Vlog

Equestrian Vlog Equestrian Vlog

Stu is such a big silly!

Follow Along for equestrian humor

Recent Posts

  • girl in a field with her pony

    How to Learn to Horse Ride for Free (or very cheap)

    May 12, 2025
  • spooky skeleton horse with grim reaper behind it

    Horse Ghost Stories

    April 7, 2025
  • small girl learning how to ride on a pony

    My Child Wants to Ride Horses, Where Do I Start?

    March 27, 2025

Some of my links may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for clicking them as it helps support this site!

Did you know I'm a photographer?! Not just any photographer, but award winning. Offering portraits, wedding and commercial work.

Check out my work.

Stu is at his new barn. This was his first ride with the new trainer. I think he's a bit confused about what's going on, it's a big change for him. He's not used to being stalled and he lost all his old herdmates 😭 poor guy! But his ride went well, so well that she took him on a trail ride after to cool him off, something I've never done. She's a braver woman than I, but really that's a good thing 😂 

#horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horseblogger #equestrian #horsecountry #hunterjumper
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Stu is at his new barn. This was his first ride with the new trainer. I think he's a bit confused about what's going on, it's a big change for him. He's not used to being stalled and he lost all his old herdmates 😭 poor guy! But his ride went well, so well that she took him on a trail ride after to cool him off, something I've never done. She's a braver woman than I, but really that's a good thing 😂 #horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horseblogger #equestrian #horsecountry #hunterjumper
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! @thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did? I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹 #middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
Pony endures the first snowfall of the year. Unfortunately for him, more coming tonight! 

#horsesofinstagram #pony #horses #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianblogger #horsecountry #snow
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Pony endures the first snowfall of the year. Unfortunately for him, more coming tonight! #horsesofinstagram #pony #horses #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianblogger #horsecountry #snow
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Stu's 360 outfit check. He's ready to become a fashion icon!

Shirt and saddle pad: @harrison.howard.equestrian 
Breeches: @syncequestrian 

#horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horselife #horses #equestrianfashion #horsecountry #horsestyle
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Stu's 360 outfit check. He's ready to become a fashion icon! Shirt and saddle pad: @harrison.howard.equestrian Breeches: @syncequestrian #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horselife #horses #equestrianfashion #horsecountry #horsestyle
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Stopping by the drive thru

#horsesofinstagram #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #funnyanimals #horse #countryside
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Stopping by the drive thru #horsesofinstagram #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #funnyanimals #horse #countryside
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
My boy stays with me 🥹

#horselife #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #equestrianlife #horses #horsecountry
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
My boy stays with me 🥹 #horselife #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #equestrianlife #horses #horsecountry
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
@aneqlife
  • Home
  • About
  • Affiliate Disclosure

Copyright © 2025 An Equestrian Life. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.