Wild Mustangs

The first to recognize the wild mustang as a healing creature were the Native Americans. The spiritual bond between the wild horse and the American Indians is one of brotherhood and respect.

The horse is not indiginous to the North American continent. They were brought here by the Spanish conquerors in the 1500's. When the Spanish came, they enslaved the Native Americans. Thus, forever forming the bond between the Native Americans and the horses as brothers in bondage who yearned for their freedom from the Spanards ... and indeed, attained it.

The Spanish horses were a mixture of Barb, Arabian and Andalusian bloodlines, considered the best bred horses in the world in the 1500's. When the Native Americans saw the Spanish riding these beautiful creatures, they thought that the Spanards must be gods, but nothing could have been farther from the truth. The Spanish held that god-like status over the Native Americans, refusing to allow them to ride a horse muchless own one. Eventually the American Indians rebelled and took their brother horse with them to freedom.

The Native Americans didn't have a word for horse, so they called them Big Dog, God Dog or ElkDog, which were names of honor and companionship. And thus began the lasting love affair of the Native American Indians and the wild mustangs. This relationship would forever change the face of the American west and proved to be a powerful alliance for the survival of the Native Americans and their way of life.

Before horses, the American Indians hunted on foot and lacked speed. After the horse, their society changed from being more dependent on agriculture to one that allowed for better hunting. It also allowed them to become formidable warriors against any enemy. The horse could also allow the American Indians to build larger portable shelters which became large decorative tipis. Before the horse, shelters were smaller and carried by dogs, but the horse was able to pack heavier loads and thus, helped to expand the Native American's way of life.

The horse also changed the way the Native Americans hunted. Before horses, they would drive whole herds of buffalo over cliffs to their death to meet their needs for food. After the horse, the American Indians could select which animal they would hunt because the horse gave them the speed and agility they lack before. This meant the food supply would last longer and that the American Indians didn't have to move as frequently. Thus, establishing more clearly defined boundries between the tribes.

Owning horses was a sign of wealth for the American Indians. Tribes frequently stole horses from each other. It was considered a sport for young warriors, which if successful would bring them honor and some measure of noteriety. It was common for tribes to use horses as a wealth to barter for other goods, or as gifts of great value.

Because of its great value as a type of wealth and value as an honored companion, it's not surprising to learn that the horse became an important religious symbol for the Native Americans as well. Ceremonies were created that depicted the contributions that the horse brought to the tribes. The most common having to do with a great hunt or a great battle.

The horse medicine cult was practiced by most of the Plains tribes. While the Oglala Dakota tribe had an elaborate horse medicine cult. The most common religous ceremonies involved the tribe immitating the wild mustang in dance and opening of the self to the spirit of this animal. These people felt a sense of oneness with their GodDogs and expressed it in their ceremonies called horse medicine. The Oglala used horse medicine to influence the outcome of horse races, to cure sick or wounded horses, to calm a fractious horse and to make broodmares have fine foals. Horse medicine men and women were mong the most respected members of the Oglala tribes.

Most common breeds amongst the American Indian Horses were bred the Paint, Palomino, Appaloosa and Buckskin. /the Native Americans proved to be master breeders as well. So much so that, in its attempt to conquer the American Indian, the United States Army discovered the only way to control the tribes was to take away their horses. Thankfully, the Army was not successful and as a result, from the horses bred by Native Americans came such breeds as the Morgan, the Quarter Horse, the American Saddlebred and the Tennessee Walker.

As time moves forward and the decline of the horse comes to pass, we see the horse returning to the wilderness and once again, comes the time of the wild mustang.