Horses were a big part of Elvis Presley’s life. Who knew? But I read recently that the stable of Graceland are now open to the public from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
For Elvis, like for many of us, riding offered him peace and solace.
Elvis’s favorite horse was a golden palomino he called Rising Sun. His stables from then on were called “The House of the Rising Sun.”
Artifacts on display as part of stable tour will include saddles used by Elvis and his entourage, personal western wear including chaps, hats and boots all worn by Elvis.
In 2008 Priscilla Presley brought two new horses to Graceland. She adopted two horses, Max and Merlin, who were rescued from slaughter. The two horses, ages 2 and 3, are brothers.
“I have always had a bond with horses,” Presley said. “Elvis gave me my very first horse. It was the horses that made Graceland home to us.”
For more photos and information about Elvis’ love of horses, read Rising Sun and other horses at Graceland.
Some corrections — In case you don’t read the comments, the woman who rescued Max and his brother, Carole-Terese Naser, sent me some corrections to what I’d written. I
Please note some corrections on your story about the new horses at Graceland: Max of Maine is one of 6 horses I rescued from slaughter here in Maine. He was adopted by Priscilla Presley from me in January of 2008. I took him to Graceland that month. He is now 5 years old, not 3. His full brother Merlin is not at Graceland, for while Priscilla and I had originally intended to transition him there, I found that – after some initial groundwork – Merlin’s personality is not suited to the public Graceland lifestyle. The handsome Merlin is, instead, looking for an excellent foster home with an experienced horse person. Therefore, the second new horse at Graceland is little Bandit, rescued from an egregious neglect situation in Tenn. For the full story of Max and his escape from slaughter, and for more about possible foster of his brother Merlin, please visit http://www.sixhorsessaved.org. Thank you.
Actually, the thanks should go to Ms. Naser for helping to save these horses for slaughter and for following through and helping them find appropriate homes.
Hello!
I can’t get the photo of the stables to load…is it just me?
It worked for me, but I reloaded it in case there’s a problem.
Do you know if there is any one still alive from elviss stables 1977 or before /I Own a Horseshoe that came from elvisss personal items drawer He saved it his whole life next to a its a girl cigar for lisa marie birth 2 lighters and an solid gold horse money clip. all personal so the shoe must of meat something to him. I need it identified ,it has tiny oo stamped. on it and strangely nail still hanging out of it and stranger still dirt and hay stubble like came right of the horse any connection to employees? of elvisss.
YAY! I can see it now. A true Southern-style barn.
Thanks for re-loading.
Please note some corrections on your story about the new horses at Graceland: Max of Maine is one of 6 horses I rescued from slaughter here in Maine. He was adopted by Priscilla Presley from me in January of 2008. I took him to Graceland that month. He is now 5 years old, not 3. His full brother Merlin is not at Graceland, for while Priscilla and I had originally intended to transition him there, I found that – after some initial groundwork – Merlin’s personality is not suited to the public Gracleand lifestyle. The handsome Merlin is, instead, looking for an excellent foster home with an experienced horseperson. Therefore, the scond new horse at Graceland is little Bandit, rescued from an egregious neglect situation in Tenn. For the full story of Max and his escape from slaughter, and for more about possible foster of his brother Merlin, please visit http://www.sixhorsessaved.org. Thank you.