"There are those who believe that, because no documented records of Frank T. Hopkins' long distance races have been found, he could not have ridden them, therefore he must be a fraud. As a historian, I've often found that the lack of recorded evidence does not prove a negative. Because I have not seen any convincing documented proof renouncing Hopkins, I feel that he may well be another one of the multitude of historical figures whose accomplishments went unnoticed by the popular press of the day. Reflecting on his writings on horsemanship shows that he certainly knew horses and riding as only an experienced equestrian would. He was an acknowledged expert by other horsemen who were his contemporaries and who knew him personally. They felt secure enough to laud him then, and now, after more than a half century since his passing; he's got folks talking about him again!"

Phil Spangenberger (pictured on his mustang cross, Nevada) is an acclaimed western historian, author and editor with over 30 years of experience with such publications as True West Magazine, Cowboy Magazine and Guns & Ammo. His primary focus is subjects relating to the late 19th century American West, including cowboy culture and related artifacts of the frontier period (clothing, saddlery, gunleather and firearms).

"When I first heard of Frank Hopkins and his Spanish Mustang, Hidalgo, we had already discovered this Spanish treasure and knew what a special horse they are. Hopkins' races are just some of the few recorded victories of these horses, but they were and still are capable of out-going and out-lasting most other breeds of horse. Hopkins' and Hidalgo's legacy gives inspiration to many Spanish mustang owners, myself included, to ride, ride, ride."

Jane Greenwood (up on a Medicine Hat gelding) and her husband, Wes Thomsen, make up Zen Cowboys Spanish Mustangs. They have a small herd of horses and have been involved with SM's since 1992.

"Hollywood knocks itself out trying to race the competition in doing movies based on well-known historical figures. Frank Hopkins is proof that the greatest stories still remain hidden under the corner of this big dusty American throw-rug, and one only need to look under there to find undiscovered characters and fresh inspiration. As for Hidalgo, I feel like that pinto has been tethered in a forgotten barn for too long, while Black Beauty, the Black Stallion, Flicka and other horse legends have gotten all the glory (and all the shelf space in the rooms of young girls). If Hidalgo is out of that barn now, and his story told, this whole journey has been worth it for me."

John Fusco (up on the stallion, Kills Moccasin (aka Rigoletto), a blue-corn Spanish Mustang) is the writer of "Young Guns," "Thunderheart," the Oscar-nominated "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron," and the upcoming "Hidalgo," based on the story of Frank Hopkins. A two-time winner of the National Cowboy Museum and Western Heritage Center's Wrangler Award, Fusco has been chasing Hopkins' tales for more than 12 years and Indian ponies for just as many.

"He was a superb horseman, and (Hopkins) believed training was just plain common sense; give the horse a chance to condition himself mentally (Hopkins felt that most horsemen failed their horses here), and physically. He was very considerate of his horses and didn't treat them like they were expendable."

Dave Reynolds and Sharron Scheikofsky have been breeding Spanish Mustangs for over 25 years. They believe, like Frank Hopkins, that Spanish Mustangs are very intelligent, hardy, sound, and great athletes—not to forget, economical.