Research

Frank T. Hopkins Memoirs

(The Ocean of Fire)

http://www.frankhopkins.com/biography.html

Frank Hopkins (1865-1951) was an American horseman made famous by his endurance racing career. He was said to have won over 400 long-distance races in his time, which includes the 3000 mile long race across the Arabian Desert in 1890. This race was completed on his most famous horse, Hidalgo, a Mustang Stallion. The race that interested me the most from Franks life was the great Ocean of Fire race, based in Saudia Arabia. This 3000 mile long race challenged riders to their limits and the scorching heat and sandstorms challenged riders in ways completely different to the challenges of endurance racing in America.

“Slightly over l00 horses started the ride from Aden in 1890. The great caravan of skilled riders had picked their best horses for the ride. Even in the mass of horses Frank's parti-coloured stallion stood out among the solid coloured Arabian horses.

The ride progressed along the Gulf of Syria, then inland along the borders of the two countries. Much of the ride, according to one of Frank's letters, and a letter to the author some years ago from Mrs. Hopkins, was over limestone country. The only feed available was called vatches, a plant that proved to be very nourishing. Camels accompanied the horsemen and carried barley for the horses. Water was scarce at times, and occasionally horses were without a drink for two days. Sandstorms hampered the riders, and when they were too intense, the ride was halted.”

“By the second week of the ride Frank made his move to surge ahead. As always, he started slowly to accustom his horse to the road. By now the hard ride, the elements, and small amounts of feed had eliminated the less able horses. Day by day the string of riders dwindled as the leaders kept well ahead. Each day Frank urged Hidalgo to a faster pace and finally took the lead. The camel train was now spread all over the route in order to supply provisions for the horses.

On the 68th day, Frank and Hidalgo reached the finish stone of the 3,000-mile ride. Hidalgo had lost considerable weight, but Frank had Hidalgo rested and well fed when the second rider reached the finish stone 33 hours later. Only three other horses technically finished the race. The Arabian horsemen praised Hidalgo for this wonderful performance.”

As well as studying Franks memoirs, I also had a look at the film Hidalgo, based solely off these memoirs. It features his journey across to Saudi Arabia and his race throughout this land.

Here is a collection of reference images: