In the 1930s, an average-looking horse captured the attention and heart of the nation with the most astounding displays of sheer determination. Seabiscuit was an improbable champion; an ordinary horse with an extraordinary capacity for courage and victory. This unlikely winner mirrored the trials and tribulations of a nation engulfed in its worst economic depression, and like his admirers, emerged triumphant. The True Story of Seabiscuit tells the story of the spirited horse that became an American icon. The True Story of Seabiscuit would be useful for classes on American History, American Culture, Sports History and Media Studies. It is appropriate for middle school and high school. TV-G

OBJECTIVES: Students will learn about the history and myth of one of America’s most famous animal heroes. They will explore the role of the media in the creation of Seabiscuit’s legend, and why he became so famous. They will explore the ways in which current mediums of popular culture interact with those of the past.

NATIONAL HISTORY STANDARDS: The True Story of Seabiscuit fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: chronological thinking, historical comprehension, and historical analysis and interpretations, for United States History eras 7 and 8.

• adversity
• demagogue
• galvanize
• icon
• incarnate
• indifference
• infirmity
• nouveau riche
• phenomenon
• underdog

1. What do students know about horse racing? Have students discuss and brainstorm in small groups about what they know about races and how races operate (rules, etc). Have the groups compare their findings.

2. Discuss the role of sporting events in American culture with students. Why do Americans create heroes in sports stars?

3. Discuss what the students know about the Great Depression. What did it encompass?

4. Horse racing is called “the sport of kings.” Why do you think it has this name? What are the historical reasons for the phrase?

5. In the 1930s, Seabiscuit was one of the most famous animals alive. What was the Seabiscuit phenomenon? Why was this horse so famous?

6. How did Seabiscuit embody the classic American story?

7. Seabiscuit, despite racing in “the sport of kings,” was a “blue collar” horse. What does this mean?

8. Champion and thoroughbred horses have distinctive appearances, shapes and carriage. How did Seabiscuit defy the appearances of the traditional champion?

9. Three men played important roles in the life and legend of Seabiscuit: Tom Smith, Charles Howard, and Red Pollard. What did each of these men do for Seabiscuit? How did they contribute to Seabiscuit’s phenomenal success?

10. Tom Smith, Seabiscuit’s trainer, sensed that Seabiscuit was a moody animal. How did Smith help improve Seabiscuit’s moods?

11. Seabiscuit was an extremely unusual race horse. What made him so unusual?

12. Charles Howard, Seabiscuit’s owner, was his greatest supporter and promoter. Why was Seabiscuit’s success so important to Howard?

13. Discuss the great contest between Seabiscuit and his rival, War Admiral. How did this race reflect the rivalry between the horses’ owners?

14. Ridgewood Ranch is where Seabiscuit would go to recover from his injuries and where he eventually retired. Red Pollard also recuperated at Ridgewood Ranch. Why was the ranch known as the “home for long shot dreams?”

1. Imagine that you are a radio announcer at the race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral. “Call” the race for your listeners.

2. Using the medium of your choice, create a memorial monument for Seabiscuit. Try to have your project capture the spirit of this animal that captivated America.

Related Videos

Primary Sources

• National Museum of Racing's website. View a video clip of Seabiscuit's 1940 win at Santa Anita: http://hall.racingmuseum.org/horse.asp?ID=132

Air Dates

• February 02, 2004
• April 26, 2004
• June 28, 2004