Here's what we know about her relationship with horses:
* Horseback Riding: Catherine was an avid horseback rider. She enjoyed long rides in the countryside, often accompanied by her court.
* Horse Breeding: She took a keen interest in horse breeding and established several stud farms. She imported Arabian horses and encouraged the breeding of strong, sturdy horses for the Russian army.
* Horseback Portrait: Catherine is often depicted in portraits riding a horse, signifying her power, freedom, and connection to nature.
However, no specific horse is documented as being particularly close to her. This is likely because while she had many horses and enjoyed riding, she was not known for having a singular "favorite" horse like other historical figures (for example, Napoleon and his horse Marengo).
If you're interested in learning more about Catherine's love for horses, you can look at her portraits, read about her horse breeding efforts, or research her private letters and diaries for any mentions of specific horses she may have owned or ridden.