Medicine Hats 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. Color on
the chest is termed a shield. A line of color
appears down the back
from withers to tail head, need inot be in a solid
line. 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 lacking
pigmentation. There are exceptions, some have dark
eyes surrounded by white skin. Medicine Hats 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..
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. Paintings of special symbols were used on
the mostly white Medicine Hats to add strength to
the horse and depict special events, such as battles
and captured ponies. |
