Rapidash is an equine Pokémon with cream-colored fur and a pointed horn on its forehead. It has small, red eyes and triangular ears with reddish interiors. Yellow and reddish-orange flames stream from the back of its head to form a long, flowing mane. A short version of the mane trails down its back to its equally fiery tail. Flames are also present on its fetlocks. It has slender legs, each with a single black hoof.
Rapidash is a very agile Pokémon. It runs at about 150 mph (240 km/h), chasing everything that moves in hopes of racing it. With incredible acceleration, it reaches its top speed in only ten steps. At full gallop, its hooves barely touch the ground. The faster Rapidash goes, the longer the swaying flames of its mane will become. At an all-out gallop, its blazing mane sparkles, a feature which is said to enhance its beautiful appearance. Rapidash lives in grasslands, but it can also be seen on mountains in Pokémon Snap.
A Rapidash appeared in Mewtwo Strikes Back, under the ownership of Neesha. It was one of the Pokémon that were captured and cloned by Mewtwo. The Rapidash clone reappeared in Mewtwo Returns.
A Rapidash appeared in Johto Photo Finish, under the ownership of Jon Dickson. It was used in the final match of the Silver Conference and went up against a Rhydon. Rapidash was able to defeat Rhydon, granting its Trainer victory in the Silver Conference.
Blaine is seen with a Rapidash as his steed in Pokémon Adventures. In Holy Moltres, it carried Red to Blaine's secret laboratory to revive an Aerodactyl from its Fossil. Later, Blaine rides Rapidash into Mewtwo's Psywave in an attempt to defeat Mewtwo. To protect Red, Blaine's Rapidash creates a fireball wall around the Trainer to shield him from the impending blast.
Ash borrowed Lara Laramie's Ponyta when she couldn't qualify due to her having a broken arm. During the race, it evolved into a Rapidash and it became faster winning the race.
In the Pokémon Zensho manga
Blaine's Rapidash was seen in the Cinnabar Gym when Satoshi enters it.
Rapidash usually can be seen casually cantering in the fields and plains. However, when this Pokémon turns serious, its fiery manes flare and blaze as it gallops its way up to 150 mph.
It usually canters casually in the fields and plains. But once a Rapidash turns serious, its fiery manes flare and blaze as it gallops its way up to 150 mph.
Rapidash usually can be seen casually cantering in the fields and plains. However, when this Pokémon turns serious, its fiery manes flare and blaze as it gallops its way up to 150 mph.
In early English-language promotional material for Pokémon Red and Blue, it was revealed that Rapidash was to keep its romanized Japanese name 'Gallop'.
Rapidash is the favorite Pokémon of the KantoPokémon Fan Club Chairman. When the player first speaks to him, he goes on about why Rapidash is his favorite Pokémon at length.
Origin
Rapidash's horn shows it may have been inspired by unicorns, but it also displays a lot of resemblance to a regular horse. Rapidash and its pre-evolution may also be based on fiery steeds in mythology, such as those of the Greek god Helios, Skinfaxi of Norse mythology, and the horses of the Ashvins in Hindu myth.
Name origin
Rapidash may be a combination of rapid and dash, referring to the high speed at which it runs. It could also be a combination of rapid and ash (referencing its Fire type).
Gallop is literally gallop, a form of running for hoofed animals.