I am searching for info on the old Native American meanings of horse coat color and markings.

Question

I've been looking for this for a long time - I've heard it mentioned many times that blue eyes mean this, color on the chest is a shield, etc. And I've heard people talking about books and things on the meanings behind horse colors and hair whorls and such. Any info on where I could get more info on this would be much appreciated! Thank you!

Answer 1

One pinto pattern of particular note is called the medicine hat. Ideally a medicine hat is completely white except for a "hat" of color over its ears and forehead. However, paint horses with the obvious "hat" markings and other patches of color are often labelled as being medicine hats. Horses with this pattern were cherished by American Indians, who thought they were sacred.

Gosh this is HARD!!!! Will keep looking though!

Answer 2

A 'Medicine Hat"is a pinto with 'shields' on the chest, both flanks and sometimes behind the elbows and, of course, over the ears.  A horse with only the 'hat' is a 'War Bonnet'.

Appaloosas with spot patterns that resemble 'hand prints' and 'bear paws' were held in high esteem.  

Remember that meanings vary from tribe to tribe.

Answer 3

Hello, just be conscious of the fact that any answer you get won't be the same for all tribes.

If I were you I would go to museums, especially ones that specialize in First Nations artifacts, such as the Glenbow in Calgary, although chances of you being near there are very slim.  Many reserves, such as the Stoney reserve in Morley have museums and First Nations staff you can talk to.

If you contact a Native Friendship centre you could ask if there is an Elder willing to talk to you.  If you do that, it would be a great idea to ensure that you thank them and be respectful, in their way.  An offering of tobacco, generally a pouch of it loose is given, or natural if you can find it, which is difficult.

As a last resort, you could call a band office on a reserve near you and ask if there is an Elder that would be willing to assist you.

It can be very difficult to search out this type of information as so much of the First Nation's peoples history, myths, customs and beliefs were not recorded in written form, only passed down orally.  This is why I suggested an Elder.

Best of luck in your search! And I apologize, in advance, if I offended you by telling you things you were already aware of.