Horses have long been associated with spirits, magic, the Moon, and the spirit world.
Spirit: Horses Art Print Buy at AllPosters.com
Horses Create the Wind Art Print
Hogan, Ginny
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Wild Cow and Blue Horses Art Print by Hogan, Ginny
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Asia
Shamans of north and central Asia have a long association with horses.
Laughing Horse Art Print
Grigg, Carol
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Siberia
In Siberia the shaman’s drum is often headed with horsehide and referred to as the shaman’s horse,, as described here, because its sound transports the shaman to the spirit world.
Ancient Horse (S/N ed/125) Limited Edition
Hogan, Ginny
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Mongolia
In some Mongolian tribes, life revolved around the horse. The mobility they provided made possible the conquest of China, all northern Asia and much of Europe.
The tough little Mongol ponies could dig through snow to forage for themselves in the winter.
Mare’s milk was used to make yogurt, cheese, and kvass, a fermented drink.
Throat-singing, which was used by shamans as well as being a passtime on long rides, often reflected the rocking gate of the horses as well as the sounds of rivers, birds and insects.
Europe
From the huge draft horse of the north to the fiery steeds of Spain, Europe depended on the horse for thousands of years. The Celtic horse goddess, Epona, was adopted by the Roman legions and worshipped wherever they went.
When the Spanish sailed to the New World, the horse went with them, escaped, and multiplied to roam the Great Plains of North America.
Ireland
In Ireland the horse was so revered that to this day it is illegal to eat horseflesh.
Messengers of Spirits Art Print
Mccavitt, Annrika
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Much more information on horse spirits is coming soon!
England
Information coming soon on the spirit of the horse among the peoples of Britain.
Spain
Information coming soon on the spirit of the horse among the peoples of Spain.
North Africa and the Middle East
Information coming soon on the spirit of the horse among the peoples of North Africa and the Middle East.
North America
Looking back, it is hard to imagine the peoples of the Great Plains of North America without their horses.
Wild Red Horses (S/N ed/125) Limited Edition
Hogan, Ginny
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The Lakota, Comanche, Kiowa, Apache, Cheyenne, Crow, Arapaho, and so many others became expert horseman just as soon as horses entered their world.
Stolen Horses Art Print by Hogan, Ginny Buy at AllPosters.com
The first Navajo to see Spaniards on horseback is reputed to have said, “Look! Those Mexicans have brought us our horses.” It was as though the Dine had been waiting for thousands of years for their horses to be brought to them by way of Europe.
Canyon de Chelly, Navajo Photographic Print by Curtis, Edward S.
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The American settlers bitterly envied the Navajo their horsemanship, calling them “The Lords of Creation” because of their dignity and assurance on horseback.
Navajo on Horseback Giclee Print by Curtis, Edward S. Buy at AllPosters.com
More information coming soon on the spirit of the horse among the peoples of North America.
