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Hidalgo/Frank T. Hopkins
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Posted By:
Bob Schroeck
Nov 24, 2004
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I've been a long-time reader of the Museum site and have enjoyed it greatly. Now finally comes my chance to offer something back! (Assuming, of course, the search mechanism for the forums isn't broken and I'm not repeating someone's earlier suggestion...)
In the wake of renting the 2003 Disney/Touchstone movie "Hidalgo" (billed as a "true story"), I wanted to learn more about Frank Hopkins and his achievements. Google led me right away to the following site:
http://www.thelongridersguild.com/hopkins.htm
A thoroughly documented set of pages and links that show that the "true" story of Frank Hopkins is not just a hoax, but apparently so blatant a fabric of falsehoods that some historians are wondering how or why anyone believes it. Especially telling are the Buffalo Bill museum disclaiming any knowledge of Hopkin's alleged "starring roles" in Cody's Wild West Show, and the Arab historians who not only state authoritatively that the so-called "Ocean of Fire" race Hopkins claims to have won never existed, but also point out that any "3000-mile" race in the Middle East would have to have its finish line somewhere in Eastern Europe...
Looks like a perfect topic to cover in the Museum!
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Comments
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Page 5 of 5 pages ‹ First < 3 4 5 |
Historical Researchers
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Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 | 07:36 AM
The Hopkins Hoax |
Historical Researchers
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Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 | 07:38 AM
The Hopkins Hoax |
Historical Researchers
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Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 | 07:39 AM
The Hopkins Hoax |
Stephen Shehane
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Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 | 08:03 AM
One question and one statement:
Question: Were you there? I was in Africa serving as a consulting Engineer. I lived the crap of the civil wars in Sierra Leone and Liberia and then lived in Conakry, Guinea just 2 blocks from Alige Kurma who was a rebel leader in Sierra Leone. Yet you did not see me there and I could be lying (which I am not). So stop fighting a poor old man that has long been dead.
Again, I do not defend the man's actions or tall tales, I accept that his tales grew with the telling. You however, cannot prove that he did not champion a breed of horse called the Mustang. For that I defend him. |
Historical Researchers
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 | 11:29 PM
As we predicted, your allegiance to Hopkins' legacy of lies continues unabated.
You have chosen to ignore evidence that is essentially unequivocal and confirmed that you are incapable of being swayed by a preponderance of proof.
Research shows that when people are attached to a falsehood, the emotional price of letting go of the lie is higher than the price of being seen by others as silly or wrong.
In fact, debunking a false belief often causes people who hold them to double their efforts.
Thus people like you, who have a vested interest in maintaining an unyielding allegiance to an untruth, don't respond well when presented with evidence against their beliefs.
In such cases the merely stubborn become the unyielding when pressed.
You are certainly welcome to keep believing in the Hopkins Hoax, all the while ignoring the reality of his documented crimes.
No one expects a little thing like facts or the truth to deter you. |
Stephen Shehane
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Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 | 03:17 AM
As I could have predicted you are not a person interested in the fact that he did champion a breed of horse but in your ability to fight with a dead person to destroy someone that does not even exist any longer. Have a nice life. I wish you well. Although it must be tough fighting with someone that is dead and in the grave. Really takes a brave person to do that. Again, he was an old man his stories grew with the telling, so what, it does not matter, his lies do not matter. What does matter is that he championed a breed of horse and that detail is a fact however you choose to ignore it. So, now, you tell me who is the bigger person? |
Stephen Shehane
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Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 | 04:02 AM
Hey, Mr. Historical researcher,
Corrected post:
A thought just hit me. Would want someone to create a lie that could save your life? Oh, say something like: No he or she is not in my home or in my basement. Remember the group looking for you is going to kill you. That is more than likely what Hopkins did, lied to build a case for the horse. Again, I do not care how many lies he told to save the horses but I do care that he championed a breed of horse.
Of course the person you are counting on to lie to save your life or tell the truth and let you die at the hands of those wanting your life has to make a decision, Lie and save or tell the truth and what you die.
Hope this post hits home. It is simple, your death for the truth or your life for a lie. Which would you choose? I would lie to save your life. |
horse lover girl
Member
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Posted: Sun May 15, 2011 | 11:25 AM
For someone who can say its a hoax... I know one of the horses from Hidalgos blood line. I might not know much about Frank T. Hopkins. But what I do know is that there is a reason why he didn't publish everything he did its because he wanted a low profile like actors did and still do. An everyone is starting a fight with a man who lived his life full of excitement so what the story has some missing parts or added parts. The movie was awesome and to the lady who claimed that an arabian horse can do good in an endurance race... that's the only thing they are are good at is endurance. They are horrible at competition like barrels, poles, an others. There is way too much inbreeding in the arabian bloodline because they didn't want to ruin the bloodlines since you say you've worked with arabians... they are the worst hot headed horse to own. My horse by far is way better... an my horse isn't in bred. So... the mustang is a breed that not many people will own only because they eat alot? Or they aren't pure according to some people.. but people fail to realize that they are the native horses of america.
Honestly Arabians should all be put down... they will do more damage then any other horse. They are a foreign horse... I will stay with quarter horses and mustangs that's it. How ironic that a mustang can last for years and miles versus an arabian that can only do endurance races???
Nothing wrong with movies or stories based on true stories. 😊 honestly American horses are way better. And who ever downs the american breeds guess what at least my horse is loyal then a foreign horse who will never make it |
H. Stephen Shehane
Member
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Posted: Sun May 15, 2011 | 11:31 AM
Excellent post however, in my mind the only horse that should be put down is one that is suffering and cannot be helped. I have supported the Hidalgo story line for one simple reason, Frank Hopkins DID champion a breed of horse called the Mustang (historical fact). The horse has severed mankind for centuries it is time for mankind to stand up for the horse! |
Jim
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Posted: Sun May 15, 2011 | 02:45 PM
Not disputing whether or not Frank T. Hopkins championed mustangs, but one thing that is definitely questionable is that he worked with Buffalo Bill. Here is a link to an article written by the curator at the BB Historical Center. They generally do a really good job.
http://www.bbhc.org/buffalobill/research/frankhopkins/
Also it would benefit the BBHC financially if the reverse of what they were saying was true.
In my opinion to truly honor someone you want to tell the truth about them. |
H. Stephen Shehane
Member
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Posted: Sun May 15, 2011 | 05:04 PM
Jim,
I do not know if Hopkins did half the things he professed however, he did champion the Mustang for which and only for which I honor him. Now, having said that I corresponded with a person on this blog who has an uncle that actually worked with the buffalo bill group and due to a fire all records were lost. Maybe that is what happened to Hopkins, but who knows. Again, my soap box is for the horse and not the man except for the single fact that Hopkins championed the Mustang. I guess I should state this again, an old man's stories grow with the telling and we should allow them that privilege. |
Michael
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Posted: Mon May 23, 2011 | 04:42 PM
Student: The movie was based on Frank Hopkins' tall tales. Here's a good site about him:
http://www.thelongridersguild.com/hopkins.htm |
Sheikh Riyodaroska
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Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2011 | 02:06 PM
Is true, Mr Hopkins also is my great great great great grandfather, (bought & married my Arabian slave ma) and produced genetically superior
Arabian horses of the Al Khamsa bloodline type A series I812 using HIDALGO as stud.
Frank also brought over 17 mustangs financed by another Sheikh that was importing weapons from America.
Remember, this was Hollywood Disney family movie. Although somewhat accurate, Great great great Grandfather Hopkins also carried a long rifle in the sands, (as locals called it) race.
Due to the stories being disputed by historians, there are plans for a HIDALGO II in 2013,... providing the world does not end. |
Stephen Shehane
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Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2011 | 02:25 PM
I sincerely hope you are correct. Again, All I honestly care about is that the man truly championed a horse breed. All the Hollywood hype is just that hype. The fact that the man championed a breed of horse is what makes him a champion in my heart. |
Arnold
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Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2011 | 01:38 PM
But he's a pathological liar. :D |
Stephen Shehane
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Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2011 | 02:42 PM
And you have never told a lie? Give me a break! if you say you have not then you are still not being truthful. Bring it on. Again, all I care about it the horse!!!! |
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Note: This thread is located in the Old Forum of the Museum of Hoaxes.
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