With a flowing black mane, strong torso and noble bearing, his supporters have described him as ‘magnificent’ and ‘sexy’ – and he’s even been offered film roles.

The owner of Frederik the Great, hailed as “the most handsome horse in the world”, has praised the stallion as a “showman” who will not let fame change him.

Frederik, a 15-year-old Friesian stallion based in Arkansas, entered the public consciousness this week after people began sharing pictures of him online.

“The first time I laid eyes on him,” said Stacy Nazario, owner of Pinnacle Friesians, the farm Frederik calls home, “I knew he was an exceptional stallion.”

“His personality went right along with his looks. He’s just phenomenal. His temperament is sweet. I could put a baby right next to him and he would just be gentle with it. He’s a gentle giant.”

“He’s always been popular with his fanbase,” she said. “Before this his videos and his photographs have been all over. He’s got fans from all over the world.”