Few formulas in film and television are as consistently successful as those that pair a precocious child with a loving animal. From freeing Willie into the ocean to the tragedy that befell Old Yeller to Lassie forever coming to the rescue of poor Timmy, these are the stories that capture and tug mercilessly on the heartstrings and leave audiences with a lifetime of memories. My Friend Flicka was one such story - and for nearly a decade, television audiences tuned in to follow the saga of a 10 year-old boy and his faithful horse.

Like so many child/animal adventures, My Friend Flicka was originally a children’s book, written in 1941 by author Mary O’Hara. Two years later, the novel was turned into a feature film of the same name starring Roddy McDowell as a young boy named Ken. Two more films followed, in 1945 and 1948, and then, in 1956, a half-hour long television series debuted on CBS, where it aired for two years. From there it moved briefly to NBC and reruns were shown on ABC up until 1966.

Set at the Goose Bar Ranch in Montana, the series followed the continuing adventures of many of the characters that had appeared in the books. Johnny Washbrook took over the television role of Ken, with familiar western actor Gene Evans playing the boy’s strict father. The relationship between father and son was a tumultuous one and mother was forever acting as referee. And when she failed to get them past their ongoing conflicts, Flicka would usually step in and impart a lesson upon the youth that father had been unable to convey, bringing father and son closer together as a result.

My Friend Flicka was originally shot in color, but appeared on CBS in black and white. It wasn’t until the show moved to ABC that people finally got to see the beautiful chestnut-brown horse in all of her glory. After the show ran its course, little was heard regarding Flicka until 2006, when director Michael Mayer brought his version of the story, Flicka, to the big screen, this time with Ken being replaced by Katy.

My Friend Flicka was a wholesome, feel-good show, one that reminded all who watched that there is seemingly nothing one can’t accomplish with a furry friend at their side to guide them through the trials and tribulations of life.