|
|
 |
The
Medicine Hat Horse |
Medicine Hat is the name applied to horses
exhibiting a unique and rare pattern of color. Being mostly white in body,
Medicine Hats have color on their ears and top of the head, which resembles a
bonnet or hat. Color on the chest is termed a shield. Other areas of color
vary, but may show around one or both eyes and in the flanks. Often one or both
eyes are partially or totally blue, especially when the area around the eye is
unpigmented. There are exceptions, some have dark eyes surrounded by white
skin. They may be of any base color, often roaning of the base color is present
as well. Medicine Hats are described by their base color such as bay Medicine
Hat, black roan Medicine Hat, chestnut Medicine Hat etc.. War Bonnet is a name
given to horses of a similar pattern which exhibit less color, usually having
just the Hat and very little, if any, other colored areas.
 |
Legend has the Medicine Hat
Horse appearing in Native American culture, being used as a Ceremonial Horse,
Buffalo Runner, and a War Horse. Some of the Plains tribes which considered the
Medicine Hat to be supernatural protection against harm were the Sioux,
Cheyenne, Blackfoot, Comanche and Kiowa Tribes. Being of mostly white
coloration, paintings of special symbols were used on Medicines Hats to add
strength to the horse and depict special happenings, such as battles and
captured ponies, in the life of his rider. There were considered so special
that only tribal chiefs and medicine men and great warriors were only allowed
to ride them. |
For
further information please click here to visit the Medicine Hat Horse Registry
|
