When Jackie and Scott Nelson, from Melbourne, Florida, came across a unique kind of horse, they were surprised at just how lucky they had managed to get. The couple owns a riding ranch called Down Under Colour, and specialize in breeding gorgeous paint horses.
One of their newborn fillies was named Coconut, and there was something very special about her markings, which hold great cultural significance. Coconut was in fact what you would call a ‘war horse,’ and the history behind these horses is truly fascinating.
Indigenous legends (and Plains mythology in particular), often mention the Medicine Man. Described as a traditional healer and spiritual leader of Native American tribes, it is believed that a medicine man’s knowledge in medicines and skilled rituals is what enables them to treat and heal tribe members.
How did the medicine man heal tribe members, and why was he so useful?
According to Britannica, “The Medicine Man used appropriate words, chants, objects, dances and rituals to protect men from evil spirits – his role is that of the opponent to the bad spirits and of guardian to the ordinary man.”
“The role of the medicine Man differs from tribe to tribe as there are some regional and tribal variations to their beliefs in Shamanism. There are, however, several common roles that are shared by every Medicine Man. A Medicine Man was a healer, communicator, educator, prophet and mystic.”
The connection between a medicine man and war horses is widely spoken about in Native American History.
Medicine men are said to have a supernatural connection with animals, and they would only ever ride one type of horse: the war horse. These horses are fully white in color, with just one small patch covering their ears and the top of their heads. Because of this, the patch is often referred to as a “Medicine Hat” or “War Bonnet,” and was the most distinguishable feature of these types of horses.
Another feature seen in war horses is the presence of one blue eye, which is mythologically called a ‘Sky Eye.’ This blue eye was said to carry a medicine man’s spirit back to the Gods if he died during battle.
In fact, the tribes believed that a war horse would protect the medicine man during battle, keeping him safe from fatalities- as well as warning others of impending dangers.
To celebrate the perceived special powers of these horses, tribe members would use the horse’s body as a canvas, and paint them in bright and decorative colors. Specific patterns and symbols were believed to bring protection, victory, and luck.
In this photo, the circle around the horse’s eye symbolizes alert vision. The handprint on its neck shows he’s previously knocked down an enemy.
When Jackie and Scott realized just what a special horse Coconut was, they shared a video of her onto YouTube for others to see.
It wasn’t long before people took to the comments to share their awe of the beautiful horse:
“What a beautiful foal and she is such a good Mommy, the way she runs interference for the foal when it runs toward the fence. The foals markings are so pretty with her brown ears and spots.”
“Medicine hat AND the war shield on her chest!”
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