When it comes to automotive branding, only a few symbols carry as much prestige and recognition as the horse logo. Whether galloping across the grille or standing in majestic stillness, the horse has been a hallmark of speed, power, and elegance.
This emblem has adorned some of the most iconic cars in history. From popular Ferraris like the 812 Competizione to the iconic Ford Mustang, enhancing the overall appeal of these legendary vehicles.
Logos are one of the easiest ways to identify whether you are talking about a car brand with horse logo or any other. They convey the story of the company’s history, culture, work ethics, and automotive excellence to its buyers and help them form a bond.
If you are someone looking to explore a car with horse logo or simply auto brands featuring this animal, this guide is for you. Here, we will dive into the world of car logos with horses, exploring their legacy, brands, and why this symbol continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.
However, before we proceed, I want to tell you all that I’ve done thorough research and compiled information from various reliable sources to help you explore this iconic automotive emblem.
History Of The Inclusion Of Horses In Car Logos
The use of horses in car logos has a rich history, rooted in cultural symbolism, technological evolution, and personal stories. From the early days of automotive design to modern branding, the horse has consistently been a popular motif, symbolizing power, speed, and elegance.
As automobiles replaced horse-drawn carriages in the early 20th century, many auto manufacturers adopted the horse to evoke tradition, freedom, and performance.
Here’s a look at how and why the horse has galloped into the hearts of automotive logos over time.
The Early Pioneers of Horse Logos
Porsche (1931) and Ferrari (1929) are among the first automobile brands to feature a horse in their logos.
Horses in Modern Branding
In recent years, the use of horse imagery has persisted, reflecting timeless values of innovation and tradition. Many new & upcoming automakers, like the Chinese brand Baojun, incorporate a stylized horse head in its logo.
In addition, some brands and concepts have taken inspiration from mythical horses, like Pegasus, to add an element of fantasy and aspiration to their designs.
Top 10 Luxury Cars With Horse Logos
The horse, symbolizing speed, power, and elegance, is a recurring motif in automotive branding. Whenever there is a talk about a car logo with horse, Ferrari is the first name that comes to our minds.
However, what’s intriguing is that it is not the only car brand trying to cash in on the symbolism of the horse. There are several other automakers and cars with horse logo names that every car fanatic, like you, should know about.
Here’s an in-depth look at the top 10 automotive brands and cars with horse logos, their origins, and what makes them iconic.
1. Ferrari: The Prancing Horse (Cavallino Rampante)
Ferrari is the epitome of Italian luxury and performance. Its vehicles, like the Ferrari Roma, SF90 Stradale, and Ferrari 488 GTB, blend impeccable engineering with breathtaking design and are among the most iconic sports car with a horse logo.
The brand was founded in 1939 in Maranello, Italy, by Enzo Ferrari, and today it is one of the most prominent and luxurious car brands in the world.
Origin of Ferrari’s Horse Logo
Ferrari’s emblem traces its origins to Italian aviation and World War I renowned Italian fighter pilot Francesco Baracca, who used a prancing horse on his fighter plane. Baracca’s family suggested Enzo Ferrari adopt the symbol for good fortune. Ferrari adopted it but added a yellow shield to represent his hometown, Modena.
He further refined the design with a more upright and detailed horse, integrating the Ferrari name and tricolor stripes (green, white, and red) of the Italian flag above it.
The Prancing Horse Today
The logo has become synonymous with Ferrari’s global identity. It graces:
- Formula 1 Cars: Ferrari is the most successful team in F1 history, with the Prancing Horse emblem proudly displayed on its race cars.
- Supercars: Every Ferrari road car, from the 488 GTB to the SF90 Stradale, carries the badge as a mark of excellence.
- Merchandise and Lifestyle Products: Ferrari’s logo extends beyond cars, appearing on everything from clothing to accessories, symbolizing luxury and aspiration. In fact, Ferrari is one of the most popular horse logo brand clothes makers. It is a hot choice among fanatics and regular buyers alike.
Legacy of the Prancing Horse
Ferrari’s Prancing Horse is not just a logo; it’s a representation of innovation, performance, and Italian pride. It honors a heroic past while propelling Ferrari toward a future of unparalleled excellence in the automotive and motorsport world.
2. Porsche: The Leaping Horse
Porsche was founded in 1931 in Stuttgart, Germany, by Ferdinand Porsche, with a horse in the logo that symbolizes heritage, speed, and precision engineering. The emblem is deeply rooted in the brand’s origin story and the region of its birth. Porsche is the perfect embodiment of a luxury car with horse logo.
Origin of Porsche’s Horse Logo
The leaping horse in Porsche’s logo originates from the coat of arms of Stuttgart, the city where Porsche’s headquarters are located. Stuttgart, derived from “Stutengarten” (stud farm), has deep equestrian roots, making the horse a fitting emblem of Porsche’s commitment to excellence.
Although the company came into existence in 1931, the horse was not included in its logo until 1952. It was Ferdinand Porsche’s son, Ferry Porsche, who, along with an advertising team, designed the iconic logo.
The Logo’s Legacy in Modern Porsche Cars
The Porsche crest, with its central horse, appears on every Porsche vehicle, from sports cars like the 911 Carrera to luxury SUVs like the Cayenne. The logo is not just a badge; it represents precision engineering, high-end performance, and global recognition as a mark of status and luxury.
Porsche’s Horse Beyond the Cars
Porsche’s horse has also become a symbol of aspiration and innovation in motorsports and lifestyle. It appears on everything from the brand’s race cars to its range of merchandise, luxury goods, and even architectural ventures, maintaining Porsche’s iconic status.
3. Ford Mustang: The Galloping Horse
The Ford Mustang, introduced in 1964, is an American automotive legend, and its galloping horse logo is one of the most recognizable in the world. Apart from this iconic American muscle car, models like the Shelby GT500, Mach 1, and the electric 2025 Mustang Mach-E showcase its evolution while staying true to its rebellious spirit.
Origin of the Ford Mustang Horse Logo
This Ford car with horse logo was introduced in 1964 and was designed to embody the spirit of freedom and the American West. The Mustang, as a symbol of independence and adventure, needed a logo that reflected these qualities.
Thus, the galloping horse was chosen because it perfectly represented the wild, energetic, and free-roaming qualities of the American Mustang horse, a breed of horse in North America known for its speed, strength, and spirit.
Legacy and Impact of the Mustang Horse Logo
The horse symbolizes the car’s untamed spirit, making the Mustang a symbol of freedom and individualism in American culture. Over the decades, it has evolved into an emblem of classic American muscle.
This logo has also appeared in various racing and motorsports events, often on modified Mustangs used in road racing. Its presence in these arenas further emphasizes the car’s performance credentials and racing heritage.
4. Baojun: Stylized Horse Head
Baojun, a Chinese automobile brand, introduced in 2010, has carved a niche for itself in the global automotive industry with its focus on affordable, reliable vehicles. One of the most striking features of Baojun’s branding is its stylized horse logo, which carries its own distinct significance.
Origin of Baojun’s Horse Logo
Baojun is a brand under SAIC-GM-Wuling, a joint venture between General Motors, SAIC Motor Corporation, and Wuling Motors. Established in 2010, Baojun primarily focuses on producing affordable cars, particularly aimed at the Chinese domestic market.
The Baojun logo features a stylized horse’s head in profile, with sleek lines that emphasize innovation, motion, and elegance. The design exudes a sense of modernity and dynamic power.
The horse was introduced as part of the brand’s identity when it was first launched, and its unique stylization was carefully chosen to represent the brand’s values.
Symbolism and Brand Connection
The horse symbolizes the brand’s commitment to efficiency, progress, and performance. Baojun’s vehicles focus on delivering high-value cars that are reliable and affordable, appealing to the mainstream Chinese market.
In Chinese culture, the horse is a powerful symbol of success and prosperity. Historically, horses were highly valued in Chinese society for their assistance in agriculture, transportation, and warfare. By adopting the horse, Baojun connects to these traditional values, symbolizing growth and success both for the company and its customers.
Baojun’s Logo in Context
Baojun’s product lineup, including models like the Baojun 530, a car with horse logo SUV, and the Baojun 310 hatchback, aims to provide high-quality vehicles that cater to the needs of everyday consumers. The horse logo on these vehicles underscores the brand’s dedication to offering dependable, energetic rides that are built to last.
In addition, the stylized and clean lines of the horse logo represent the company’s forward-thinking approach to automotive design, focusing on future technology while still embracing the traditional values represented by the horse.
5. Hanteng Autos: The Powerful Steed
Hanteng Autos, a Chinese car company founded in 2013, is a relatively newer player in the automotive industry, focused on producing SUVs and electric vehicles. The brand’s horse imagery is a defining feature of its identity.
Origin of Hanteng Autos’ Horse Logo
The Hanteng Autos logo features a stylized horse, representing the strength and reliability of the vehicles. This automaker adopts the equine emblem to symbolize power, freedom, and grace in its SUVs and sedans.
This animal embodies the company’s goal to produce luxurious, high-performance vehicles that appeal to a wide demographic.
Symbolism and Brand Connection
The running horse logo car names the company’s primary focus on premium quality, luxury, and speed. In addition, the steed also represents ambition and freedom.
Hanteng’s logo, therefore, symbolizes the brand’s aspirations to grow and compete on the global stage, with an emphasis on pushing the boundaries of design and technology.
Hanteng’s Vehicle Lineup
Hanteng’s X7 SUV and EV models are a testament to its commitment to blending traditional performance with innovative electric technology. The silver horse car logo reinforces the idea of these vehicles being capable of delivering top-notch performance, comfort, and futuristic technologies.
6. Iran Khodro: The Horse of Power and Tradition
Khodro, or Iran Khodro, was founded in 1962 and is typically branded as IKCO. This is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in Iran, producing a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, trucks, and SUVs. The company has an iconic equine emblem, which plays a significant role in its branding.
Origin of the Logo
The Iran Khodro logo features a horse, which is symbolic of the company’s focus on producing durable, high-performance vehicles. It is a clever representation of strength, endurance, and the tradition of Iranian craftsmanship in vehicle manufacturing.
Symbolism and Brand Connection
The horse symbol car logo of Iran Khodro showcases power, stability, and reliability. The presence of the animal emphasizes the company’s commitment to producing vehicles capable of withstanding the rigors of daily life in diverse environments, reflecting the resilience of both the Iranian people and the country’s industrial capabilities.
It also symbolizes the noble and proud heritage of the Iranian automobile industry, aligning with Iran Khodro’s position as a national leader in car production.
Khodro’s Horse Logo in Context
While Iran Khodro is primarily focused on the domestic market, it has started expanding into exporting vehicles to other countries. The steed symbol plays a role in establishing the brand’s identity in international markets, where it stands as a mark of reliable engineering and quality.
Vehicles and Product Lineup
Iran Khodro embodies this symbol in all of its vehicles, from sedans like the Samand to SUVs and commercial vehicles. The logo reinforces the idea that each of its vehicles is built to last and perform well under various driving conditions.
The company also produces electric vehicles under the Khodro brand, and the horse logo continues to symbolize modernity and innovation alongside tradition.
7. Carlsson Automobile: The Horse of Luxury
Another automaker who manufactures the car with the running horse logo is Carlsson Automobile. Founded in 1989 in Merzing, Germany, this car tuning manufacturer specializes in customizing and modifying high-performance luxury vehicles, particularly from brands like Mercedes-Benz.
The company is known for its attention to detail, precision, and performance enhancements. And one of the standout features of its branding is its horse logo, which represents several key aspects of the brand’s identity.
Origin of the Logo
The Carlsson logo, known for tuning high-end Mercedes-Benz cars, features a stylized horse to represent the brand’s commitment to luxury, elegance, and performance.
This logo was chosen because the animal aligns well with the brand’s core values of enhancing performance and giving cars an elevated sense of dynamism and luxury.
Symbolism and Brand Connection
The horse symbolizes elegance, luxury, and refined power. Carlsson’s vehicles embody performance tuning, and the horse reflects their focus on premium, high-performance, and luxurious sports cars.
The luxury cars with horse logo from Carlsson also provide a touch of heritage and tradition, aligning with its philosophy of taking a well-established, high-quality vehicle (like a Mercedes-Benz) and enhancing it with craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Furthermore, the use of the horse as a logo also conveys exclusivity and distinction, as Carlsson is not a mass-market tuning company.
Vehicles and Customizations
The horse logo can be seen on Carlsson’s range of modified Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including models like the Carlsson C-Class or the Carlsson CLS.
The company’s expertise in both exterior and engine modifications ensures that each car with the Carlsson logo is a true statement of luxury, performance, and individuality.
8. Kamaz: The Galloping Horse
Kamaz, a Russian company founded in 1969, is one of the largest manufacturers of trucks and heavy vehicles, known for its off-road vehicles and commercial trucks. Its horse logo is a distinctive part of the Kamaz brand, symbolizing strength, endurance, and performance.
Origin of the Logo
The Kamaz logo features a horse pulling a wagon, showing the strength of a workhorse and symbolizing the brand’s dedication to producing heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles used in both military and civilian applications.
The logo has been part of the company’s branding for years, symbolizing the reliability and resilience of Kamaz vehicles, particularly in challenging environments and tough working conditions.
Symbolism and Brand Connection
The new and old car with horse logo of this automaker represents reliability, strength, and endurance, reflecting the ruggedness of Kamaz’s vehicles.
The horse also embodies competition and the drive for success. Kamaz has a strong history in motorsport, particularly in truck rallying, where it has won multiple Dakar Rally titles.
The horse imagery, as a symbol of victory and endurance, represents Kamaz’s ability to perform under pressure and succeed in the competitive world of motorsport.
9. Eicher Motors: Standing Horse
Eicher Motors, founded in 1948, is an Indian multinational company primarily known for its commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and tractors like the Eicher Pro 6040 and Eicher 380 Tractor.
The company’s horse logo is central to its brand identity, symbolizing its long-standing focus on delivering products that meet the tough demands of both commercial and agricultural sectors.
Origin of the Logo
The Eicher is one of the many brands featuring a horse emblem. However, in this brand’s logo, the equine imagery shows the strong connections to the company’s foundation in the agriculture and commercial vehicle sectors.
The company’s tractors and heavy-duty vehicles were designed to symbolize strength and endurance, characteristics that are embodied by the horse. Eicher’s horse represents the power and reliability of the machines, particularly in tough or challenging agricultural conditions.
Symbolism and Brand Connection
The horse in Eicher’s logo is a mark of strength, stamina, and dependability, qualities vital for the brand’s agricultural machinery and commercial vehicles.
The logo highlights Eicher’s commitment to producing reliable equipment for industries that depend on hard work and rugged performance, particularly for farmers and industrial operators.
The horse, a longstanding symbol of hard work and determination, aligns perfectly with Eicher’s mission to support the backbone of many developing economies, particularly in India.
Global and Regional Symbolism
Eicher’s horse logo is not just relevant to the Indian market but has also contributed to its global appeal, especially in the context of Royal Enfield motorcycles.
The brand’s motorcycles and cars with horse logo images connect to an international image of strength and tradition while also appealing to local, regional, and rural customers who associate it with reliability and power in both agricultural and commercial applications.
10. Asquith Motors: The Horse of Timeless Elegance
Asquith Motors is a lesser-known British commercial automaker of hand-built replicas since 1981. The company existed primarily in the end of the 20th century, as it got liquidated in 1997 due to the UK sterling crisis. However, it was revived in 2002.
Although its impact on the automotive world in the past was relatively small, the company’s branding, particularly its horse logo, played a notable role in keeping its identity alive. The horse logo reflected key aspects of the company’s design philosophy and its aspirations for the vehicles it produced.
Origin of the Logo
Asquith Motors adopted the horse in its logo to symbolize robustness, prestige, and a commitment to excellence in craftsmanship. The animal in their emblem reflects their dedication to building vehicles that combine vintage aesthetics with modern engineering, targeting businesses and individuals looking for vehicles with a distinct, timeless appeal.
Symbolism and Brand Connection
The presence of horse imagery in the logo embodies the company’s ethos of producing vehicles that are not only durable and functional but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and refinement. The horse is a nod to the era of horse-drawn carriages, aligning with the vintage-inspired designs of their vehicles.
Brand-Specific Details
Asquith Motors is renowned for creating bespoke vintage-style commercial vehicles that cater to luxury brands, hospitality services, and specialty businesses.
Their horse logo car names, such as the Shire Van and the Shepherd Bus, are handcrafted with attention to detail, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality.
The horse symbolizes their ambition to deliver vehicles that stand out for their unique design, durability, and ability to connect with an audience that values heritage and prestige.
The Symbolism Of The Horse In Cars & Car Logos
Horses have played a vital role in human history, from serving as companions and laborers to evolving as symbols of status across cultures. Their association with strength, speed, freedom, and elegance makes them a powerful emblem in many contexts, including the automotive world.
A car with a horse logo typically conveys high-performance, luxury, and a connection to tradition. The dynamic imagery of a horse in motion resonates deeply with drivers who value excellence and style.
Here’s a deeper exploration of why the horse is such a compelling symbol:
Representation of Speed and Power
Horses have long been admired for their speed and power, qualities that were crucial for travel and warfare before the advent of motorized vehicles. In the automobile industry, these traits align seamlessly with the attributes car manufacturers strive to embody in their vehicles, which are performance, agility, and the ability to push limits.
Symbol of Freedom and Adventure
Riding a horse evokes a sense of freedom, as it allows for travel without constraint, connecting people to nature and the open road. Similarly, vehicles are often marketed as enablers of adventure and freedom, promising drivers the best handling abilities to explore the world at their own pace.
A horse car logo encapsulates this sense of liberation perfectly, making it an ideal emblem for vehicles designed for exploration.
Elegance and Prestige
Horses are not only symbols of raw power but also of grace and refinement. The poise of a galloping or prancing horse has an aesthetic appeal that resonates with luxury and high craftsmanship.
Automotive brands like Ferrari and Porsche, known for their premium offerings, use the horse to convey sophistication and exclusivity.
Historical and Cultural Significance
This majestic animal also boasts historical and cultural significance. In Western cultures, horses are generally portrayed as noble creatures who are also the cornerstone of chivalric imagery, symbolizing loyalty and honor. Not only this, they are also associated with gods, royalty, and heroes.
In Eastern cultures, like Chinese symbolism, the horse is a sign of success, persistence, and endurance. It’s considered a lucky animal, often associated with prosperity and progress.
And across the world, the horse represents progress and innovation, as it played a critical role in transportation and commerce for centuries.
Energy in Motion
The dynamic imagery of a horse in motion, whether galloping or leaping, conveys unstoppable momentum and vitality. For car brands, this movement parallels the concept of performance and forward-thinking innovation. These are the qualities that inspire both trust and excitement among consumers.
The Connection to Heritage
Before the automobile, horse-drawn carriages were the pinnacle of mobility and luxury. Thus, using a horse symbol as a logo connects modern vehicles to this legacy, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology.
For example, the galloping horse of the Ford Mustang pays homage to the Old West, while Ferrari’s Prancing Horse ties back to Italian military aviation history.
Why It Works So Well for Cars?
The stallion symbolizes everything a car strives to be: powerful, reliable, fast, and elegant. Whether you’re envisioning a thoroughbred racehorse sprinting toward victory like a sports car or a workhorse steadily pulling a heavy load, like a reliable SUV, the imagery resonates universally, appealing to drivers’ aspirations for both utility and prestige.
This enduring symbolism ensures that the horse remains an iconic figure in automotive branding. This symbol is a timeless representation of what it means to harness speed, power, and grace.
Honorable Mention
At present there are only 10 car brands that feature a horse in their logo in different ways. However, there are a few other automakers who have a connection to this culturally symbolic animal. Then why are they on the list above?
Well, it’s because these brands are defunct and no longer exist. But as the writer, I did not find the idea of keeping them away from you right. So, here are the two car manufacturers who also had a steed glorifying their emblem back in the day.
Corre La Licorne
Corre La Licorne was a French automaker founded in 1901 by Jean-Marie Corre in Levallois-Perret, France. The company produced vehicles until 1947, but it is still admired for its luxurious and well-crafted vehicles.
This carmaker does not exactly feature any horse logo car name under its belt, as it prominently featured a unicorn in its logo. The unicorn, often referred to as a mythical horse with a horn on its forehead, was chosen to represent the brand’s unique identity and ambition to stand apart in the early automotive industry.
The unicorn symbolizes elegance, exclusivity, and visionary innovation, aligning with the brand’s commitment to producing refined and reliable vehicles. Its mythical nature reflected the company’s aspiration to create cars that combined graceful design with advanced engineering.
Pegaso
Pegaso was a Spanish manufacturer of pickup trucks, buses, tractors, and armored vehicles. The company was established in 1946 and had Pegasus, the mythical winged horse from Greek mythology, as its brand identifier.
The Pegasus was chosen to signify the automaker’s aspiration to push boundaries in luxury car and truck engineering. The winged horse symbolizes speed, freedom, and innovation, reflecting Pegaso’s focus on producing high-performance vehicles and state-of-the-art technology.
It also conveys a sense of prestige and refinement, aligned with the exclusivity of the Pegaso’s luxury models.
Special Mention
The exploration of a car with a horse logo does not end here. There is still an automaker left whose inclusion is surely going to come as a shocker to most of you. It is the popular, premium and global automotive brand Maserati. I know what you all are thinking: Maserati is all about the trident, not a horse. However, you will be surprised to learn the connection between this Italian car company and a horse.
Maserati
Another automaker that can provide you with a rare and extravagant car with horse logo name is Maserati. This Italian luxury automotive brand was founded in 1914 and has a trident for its logo, questioning its placement on this list of automobile brands with horse logos.
While Maserati does not originally have a stallion for its emblem, it has occasionally included horse imagery in its branding, especially on racing cars, to represent its racing pedigree and agility.
This occasional presence of a stallion perfectly complements the brand’s trident’s representation of power and strength.
Related FAQs
What Car Has a Horse Logo?
The emblems of automakers are more than just their identity symbols. They represent the company’s value, work ethics, the type of vehicles they produce, and their vision.
Having a horse as a logo of a car brand conveys to the buyers of the brand that the company is strong, reliable, and offers vehicles that are as quick, sturdy, and high-performing as a steed.
This creation of a heartfelt parallel attracts curious readers and potential car buyers alike, helping brands to establish themselves in the sea of the automotive world.
Is There a Mustang Horse Logo Car?
The Mustang is one of the most popular lineups of American automaker Ford. The company originally has its own name for its logo in white above a blue background in an oval shape. However, at one point it replaced its name with a horse as a logo. In 1964, Ford released the Mustang as a horse logo car to showcase the spirit of freedom and the great American West.
What Is The Meaning Behind The Horse Car Logo?
One of the most common questions I get asked is why do so many brands choose a horse for their logo, and today I finally have the opportunity to answer it.
The answer lies in the horse’s universal symbolism of power, agility, and freedom. A car logo with a horse suggests that the vehicle is more than just a means of transportation. It is an embodiment of speed and prestige that makes you stand out among the crowd.
What Other Animals Appear On Car Logos?
Horse, without a doubt, is the most popular animal to appear on the emblems of various automotive brands. However, it is not the only animal ruling the auto emblems. There are many other animals that various auto manufacturers have on their logos.
Lion, eagle, snake, jaguar, bull, bighorn ram, and deer are among the other most popular animals on car logos.
Conclusion
A car with a horse logo is more than just a vehicle; it’s a statement of excellence and legacy. Whether it’s the roaring engine of a Ferrari on a racetrack or the untamed spirit of a Ford Mustang cruising down Route 66, the horse emblem resonates with drivers worldwide.
As technology and design evolve, these automotive brands continue to honor the timeless qualities of the horse, ensuring that their logos remain symbols of performance, prestige, and passion. So, the next time you spot a car with a horse logo, remember: you’re witnessing more than a design; you’re witnessing history gallop forward.
