"Spirit
Horse" symbolizes the vision, courage, and power that
connects the warrior and the horse.
Horses
are painted on both sides, each side telling the same story.
Painted symbols included circles around one eye or both eyes of
the horse (believed 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 power upon each other…the horse's improved vision and
drawing upon the lightning's tremendous power. The hand symbol
signifies the oneness or connectivity between the horse and the
human being (warrior).
Golden
Eagle feathers considered sacred were often tied to the mane and
or the tail of a war pony for protection. It was a common custom
to tie up the horse's tail when preparing for battle. Horse
tails were tied in a simple knot, but sometime folded and tied
around with buck skin thongs or red trade cloth.
