The talented exploits of Champion were originally aired in the USA as The Adventures Of Champion where the titular stallion befriended 12-year-old Ricky North in the Texas of the 1880s.
Although Ricky – who lived on his Uncle Sandy’s ranch – had a peculiar penchant for trouble, he was always rescued by the white-faced Wonder Horse (which only he could ride), aided by the boy’s other constant companion, Rebel, a German Shepherd dog. Light relief was provided by cowpoke Will Calhoun.
The series was created by singing cowboy star Gene Autry as a means of promoting his famed mount.
It was cancelled in the US after only one season and screened on UK television – where it was better known as Champion The Wonder Horse – from 15 July 1956.
