A horse with a remarkable life story, once owned by Hollywood legend Burt Reynolds, has died at the age of 40, just weeks after being officially recognized as the oldest living horse in the world.
Mokie, a purebred Arabian horse, passed away on June 3, 2025. His death came less than a month after Guinness World Records verified him as the oldest living horse at 40 years and 83 days old on May 14. This is roughly equivalent to a human living to 115, a testament to his extraordinary longevity given that the average lifespan for a horse is 25 to 30 years.
Originally named Mohawk, on Burt Reynolds’s farm and was bred to be the Smokey and the Bandit star’s personal horse. He lived there until 1992, after which he found a new home with Arica Dzama in Jupiter, Florida.
In his golden years with Dzama, Mokie became a beloved therapy horse, providing comfort to people going through difficult times. His calm and gentle demeanor made him a cherished companion, and his old age was a source of inspiration.
“Every day that we had with Mokie was a special day,” Dzama told Guinness World Records. “He’s missed dearly.”
While the title of the oldest horse ever still belongs to Old Billy, a horse who died at the age of 62 in 1822, Mokie’s short time as the oldest living horse and his remarkable life story—from a Hollywood star’s ranch to a therapy animal—have left a lasting legacy. His passing is a poignant reminder of the special bond between humans and horses.
