Glenn H. Randall Sr., a distinguished horse trainer whose expertise shaped the performances of iconic equine stars like Roy Rogers’ Trigger and numerous horses featured in Hollywood blockbusters, passed away at his Newhall residence at the age of 83. His extensive career, spanning over six decades, saw him train horses for a diverse range of applications, from U.S. Cavalry mounts to beloved Western movie steeds and performers for rodeos and horse shows.
Born on Christmas Day in 1908 in Melbeta, Nebraska, Randall’s lifelong passion for horses began at a tender age. By his early teens, he was already adept at breaking and training horses and mules for the U.S. Cavalry at Fort Robinson, Nebraska. This early foundation in horsemanship set the stage for a remarkable career that would eventually lead him to the heart of Hollywood. In the early 1940s, Randall relocated to Bakersfield, California, to manage a sprawling horse ranch. It was during this period that his path crossed with the legendary Roy Rogers, who recognized Randall’s exceptional talent and hired him to train his famous palomino, Trigger.
Randall’s innovative approach to horse training resulted in him developing over 30 distinct hand commands for Trigger, showcasing an extraordinary level of communication and partnership between trainer and animal. His collaboration with Rogers extended beyond Trigger, as he also trained the Roy Rogers Liberty Horses. For over 25 years, Randall traveled the globe with Rogers, contributing significantly to his performances and captivating audiences worldwide.
The versatility and skill of Glenn H. Randall Sr. were not limited to the partnership with Roy Rogers. He also lent his expertise to training horses for other renowned celebrities of the era, including Gene Autry, Tex Ritter, and Wayne Newton, further solidifying his reputation as a premier horse trainer.
Randall’s impact on the film industry was profound. He meticulously trained the 78 horses that starred in the critically acclaimed 1959 film “Ben Hur,” an Academy Award-winning production. His training prowess was also evident in films such as “The Black Stallion” (1979) and “The Black Stallion Returns” (1983), as well as a multitude of other film and television productions. In the mid-1960s, Randall established a stable in Newhall, which became a vital resource for the motion-picture industry, supplying horses, mules, and horse-drawn carriages. He later shifted his focus to providing specialized riding lessons, sharing his extensive knowledge with aspiring riders.
A devoted member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Randall and his family were actively involved in rodeos and horse shows across the United States for more than 25 years, demonstrating their enduring commitment to the equestrian community. His contributions were recognized with his induction into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. Furthermore, he was honored twice with the American Humane Association’s Patsy Award, a testament to his humane and skilled training methods.
Even in his later years, Randall’s dedication to his craft remained unwavering. He continued to train horses diligently until just one month prior to his passing.
Glenn H. Randall Sr. is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lynn Randall; his sons, Corky Randall of Newhall and Glenn Randall Jr. of Valencia; his daughters, Deloris Luckman of Los Angeles and Glenna Lee Dean of Muskogee, Oklahoma; his sister, Rena Gross of Minatare, Nebraska; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Monday at Eternal Valley Mortuary, 23287 N. Sierra Highway in Newhall. The family requests that donations in Randall’s name be made to the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, Colo. 80919, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
