Selleck Still Rides Horse From His 1980s Westerns

The former Magnum, P.I. star established his reputation as a great horseman while riding Spike in the films and he couldn't bear to leave Australia without his favourite steed.

He tells American Cowboy magazine, "I've become a pretty established ride, but there's nothing like a good horse."

Selleck admits he tried to buy Spike from his handlers after completing the two films - and they decided to let the actor have the Quarter horse as a gift.

He recalls, "It was an enormous sign of respect. I was very touched. But then I found out it would cost me about $7,000 to fly him here (to California) from Australia. He's been in my barn ever since."

And Selleck has never stopped riding - he has a collection of horses on his Ventura County ranch.

Spike is now in his mid-twenties.