Harrison Ford’s Emotional Connection to His Favorite Indiana Jones Horse—Here’s What He Said

When Harrison Ford dons the fedora as Indiana Jones, there’s no shortage of iconic moments: outrunning boulders, leaping from speeding vehicles, and yes, riding trusty steeds through high-stakes action. Over the years, Ford has worked with numerous animal co-stars, but one horse, in particular, holds a special place in his heart—Hurricane, his equine partner during Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

The Bond Between Ford and Hurricane

In a 2023 interview with Esquire, Ford reminisced about Hurricane, describing the horse as “dead solid.” The two worked together on the film’s intense tank chase scene, where Indiana Jones battles Nazis in the desert. Ford recalled, “I could ride him right up to the tank and even if I’d stuff a rock in the cannon, he was dead solid. I loved that horse.” This sentiment was echoed in another interview published by Essentially Sports, where Ford’s nostalgia shone through, underscoring the strong bond he formed with Hurricane during filming.

The Scene That Cemented the Connection

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) brought Indiana face-to-face with a tank in a thrilling sequence that has since become one of the franchise’s most memorable action set pieces. Set in 1938 and filmed partly in Spain, the sequence required a horse that could handle the commotion of a simulated battlefield. Hurricane proved to be up to the challenge, demonstrating both reliability and poise in the midst of on-screen chaos. Ford’s admiration for the horse was so deep that he even considered adopting him. However, logistical issues—likely tied to international travel—prevented that wish from becoming a reality.

A Unique Place in the Franchise

Horses have been a recurring element in the Indiana Jones series, appearing in key scenes across several films. From the truck chase in Raiders of the Lost Ark to the desert parades in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Ford has shared the screen with a variety of equine co-stars. Yet, none seem to have left the same impression as Hurricane. While other films had memorable moments, such as the elephant sequences in Temple of Doom or the cavalry scene in Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, no other horse has been singled out by Ford as his favorite.

An Unexpected and Enduring Favorite

What makes Hurricane’s story so compelling is the personal connection Ford felt toward him. It wasn’t just about the horse’s professionalism on set; it was the bond formed during those long days of filming. Ford’s sharp recollection of Hurricane, even decades later, highlights the unique role that certain animal co-stars can play in an actor’s career. For fans, it’s a touching insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a beloved franchise. Hurricane wasn’t just a horse on set—he was, in Ford’s words, a “dead solid” partner who made an already memorable scene truly special.