NATIVE AMERICAN HORSE MEDICINE AND BREEDING Speed, strength, and grace are the finer qualities of this noble animal. The horse lived on the North American continent for thousands of years, but mysteriously disappeared and was later reintroduced by Spanish Conquistadors in the 1500s. American Indians quickly mastered equestrian skills and found the spirit of the horse to be a valuable asset in learning ways of leadership, safety in movement and freedom. HORSE MEDICINE Even though the horse can be domesticated, its spirit forever roams into the far reaches of freedom. The horse meant ease of movement for indigenous people who quickly learned they could hunt and move into new territories as never before. For those who seek the spirit of the horse, the idea of freedom may be a predominant theme. To the American Indian, the horse symbolizes freedom and the power that comes with being free. If horse has come in your dreams or visions, there may be a promise of safe travel ahead. Movement or a new adventure, whether it be physical or spiritual is near. People knowledgeable of horse medicine know that taming the wild, freedom seeking aspects of its personality is not easy, but the benefits of gentleness and tolerance is attainable with patient kindness and continual training. The horse spirit is intensely independent that often creates conflict in personal and professional relationships. People who walk with the horse spirit are often independent leaders who forge new paths of awareness. The power and strength of the horse spirit is able to take its rider to new spiritual territory. It reminds us of our inner power and gives us courage to move forward. The strong legs and back of the horse remind us to remain solidly grounded in our spiritual walk our earthly experiences and to carry the burdens of life with dignity. Horse Breeding Horse breeding would eventually become a trade among the Indians. Long ago Native American Indians used dogs to carry their goods for travel. It wasnt until the Spanish settlers traded horses with the Indians did the Indians ever set sight on a horse. Afraid of the animals at first, later the Indians would learn to ride and handle horses better than most others. Though the Spaniards were forbidden to give horses to the Indians, when Indians were used as slaves, they were given horses to help them with their work. When the Spanish left the area, they left many horses behind and the Indians took advantage of this, gathering the horses to train as their own. Individuals in the Indian tribe owned the horse and not the whole tribe as many believe. Indians were often divided among those who owned horses and those who didnt. Because horse breeding only provided the original horse owner with more horses, those without horses either had to trade for a horse or go to Mexico to try and steal a horse. Later Indians would steal horses from other tribes often looking for the tribes involved in horse breeding so they could obtain the best of the horses. A prized horse was the buffalo horse. Indians found it difficult to ride a horse while holding a gun. Loading these muzzleloaders was nearly impossible while galloping on a horse. Often Indians would use bows and arrows to hunt buffalo instead. A buffalo horse would be trained to run next to a buffalo during a hunt, making it much easier for the Indian warrior to bring down a buffalo. These Indian warriors received great honor because of their horse breeding of the buffalo horse. Once the horse entered the Native American Indians way of life, many changes came about the tribes. They must now live in open land with available pastures to feed the horses. This made the Indians more vulnerable to attacks from the Calvary. Still, the use of horses brought about great benefits to the Indians, helping them obtain food easier and quicker and giving them better fighting abilities. NAVAHO HORSE SONG How joyous his neigh! Lo, the Turquoise Horse of Johano-ai, How joyous his neigh, There on precious hides outspread, standeth he; How joyous his neigh, There of mingled waters holy, drinketh he; How joyous his neigh, There in mist of sacred pollen hidden, all hidden he; How joyous his neigh, These his offspring may grow and thrive forevermore; How joyous his neigh!
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 17:50:43 +0000
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