The Native American Horse
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Indian War Ponies
An American Indian warrior dressed for war often painted his favorite war pony with the same pattern and colors he used for his own face and body, when preparing himself, his weapons and his horse for war. A painted pony always carried a message about his rider and sometimes about the quality of the animal bearing the marks.
Different tribes evolved a few exploit symbols which were uniquely their own. For example, the Sioux Indians used red paint for hand prints while the Crow used white. Horses were painted on both sides, each side telling the same story.
Painted symbols included circles around one or both eyes of the horse (to improve the horse's vision) and long zig-zag lines symbolizing lightning (adding power and speed to terrify the enemy.) These combined symbols were understood to build upon each other... the horse's improved vision giving access to draw upon the lightning's tremendous power.
Golden Eagle feathers were considered sacred and were often tied to the mane and /or tail of a war pony. It was a common plains custom to tie up a horse's tail when preparing for battle and counting coup.
Horse tails were often tied in a simple knot, but sometimes folded and .
bound with buckskin thongs or red trade cloth. Fringes and feathers were added for a more spectacular effect.
The total effect of a painted warrior and his pony was often stunning and made a striking impression upon all those who witnessed them. One such impression comes handed down to us from an aged Crow warrior, who vividly recalls a Sioux warrior he had encountered as a small boy . The Sioux warrior and his horse were completely covered in bright blue paint with white dots. It was a memory the boy carried with him all his life.
THE NATIVE AMERICAN CURLY HORSE
Curlie Horses were described by the Native Americans as the " horses before there were horses" which would seem that horses were apparent prior to the arrival of the Spanish horses in North America. Curlies were known as "Mystery or Mystical Horses" by the Sioux and as a old Chief stated there were "Never many".
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