Lu Bu was undeniably a man amongst all men, and Red Hare was the best of horses. It was said that Red Hare could run 1,000 li (approximately 250 miles) in a single day and could scale hills and ford streams as if running on flat ground. The horse was completely red, without a single differently colored hair. Initially owned by the infamous Dong Zhuo, Red Hare was used to bribe Lu Bu into betraying and killing his foster father, Ding Yuan, and joining Dong Zhuo's side. With the two legends—Lu Bu and Red Hare—united, their enemies trembled in fear. The pair faced many challenges together, including notable battles at Hu Lao Gate and Xia Pi. Lu Bu remained in possession of Red Hare until his death at the hands of Cao Cao.

Following Lu Bu's death, Cao Cao gave Red Hare to Guan Yu during the period when Guan Yu served as a guest general. Among all the treasures bestowed upon him by Cao Cao, Red Hare was the only one that Guan Yu did not return when he rejoined Liu Bei. Guan Yu remained with Red Hare until his eventual defeat at the hands of Lu Meng and Sun Quan. After Guan Yu’s execution, Sun Quan gave the horse to his general Ma Zhong. However, Red Hare refused to be ridden or to eat, ultimately dying of starvation, mourning the loss of its master.