Lukas, a 17-year-old Thoroughbred gelding who stands 16.2 hands, may well be the smartest horse in the country–maybe the world, and owner-trainer Karen Murdock is trying to get him into the Guinness World Records for "Most numbers identified by a horse in one minute."

On June 16, Lukas was able to identify a correct number at least 18 times.

"The counter said 20, but I think he skimmed two of them," said Murdock of Southern California. "I don't know how stringent the Guinness World Records will be. He got between 18-20 correct, which is about average for him."

Lukas' journey from broken-down rescue to smartest horse was a long, hard road and can be an inspiration for anyone, Murdock said. "Lukas overcame adversity and that can help our character. It is never too late for any of us