Horse Represents ~ Power
Horse is physical power and unearthly power. In shamanic practices throughout the world, Horse enables shamans to fly through the air and reach heaven.
Humanity made a great leap forward when Horse was domesticated, a discovery akin to that of fire. Before Horse, humans were earthbound, heavy-laden, and slow creatures indeed. Once humans climbed on Horse’s back, they were as free and fleet as the wind. They could carry burdens for great distances with ease. Through their special relationship with Horse, humans altered their self-concept beyond measure.
Horse was the first animal medicine of civilization. Humanity owes an incalculable debt to Horse and to the new medicine it brought. It would be a long walk to see another’s brother or sister if Horse had not welcomed the two-legged rider upon its back. Today we measure the capacity of engines with the term “horsepower,” a reminder of the days when Horse was an honored and highly prized partner with humanity.
Native Origin Story About Horse
Dreamwalker, a medicine man, was walking across the plains to visit the Arapaho Nation. He carried with him his pipe. The feather tied into his long black hair pointed to the ground, marking him as a man of peace. Over the rise of a hill, Dreamwalker saw a herd of wild mustangs running toward him.
Black Stallion approached him and asked if he was seeking an answer on his journey. Black Stallion said, “I am from the Void where Answer lives. Ride on my back and know the power of entering the Darkness and finding the Light.” Deamwalker thanked Black Stallion and agree to visit him when his medicine was needed in the Dreamtime.
Yellow Stallion approached Dream walker next and offered to take him to the East, where illumination lives. Dreamwalker could share the answers he found there to teach and illuminate others. Once again, Dreamwalker thanked Yello Stallion and said he would use these gifts of power on his journey.
Red Stallion approached, rearing playfully. He told Dreamwalker of the joys of balancing work and heavy medicine with the joyful experiences of play. He reminded Dreamwalker that he could better hold the attention of those he taught when humor was integrated with the lesson. Dreamwalker thanked him and promised to remember the gift of joy.
Dreamwalker was nearing his destination. The Arapaho Nation was close at hand. White Stallion came to the front of the herd. Dreamwalker mounted White Stallion’s back. White Stallion was the message carrier for all the other horses and represented the wisdom of power. This magnificent horse was the embodiment of the balanced medicine shield. “No abuse of power will ever lead to wisdom,” said White Stallion.
“You, Dreamwalker, have made this journey to heal a brother in need, to share the sacred pipe, and to heal Mother Earth. You have the knowledge through humility that you are an instrument of Great Spirit. As I carry you upon my back, you carry the needs of the people on yours. In wisdom, you understand that power is not given lightly but awarded to those who are willing to carry responsibility in a balanced manner.”
Dreamwalker, the shaman, had been healed by the visit of the wild horses, and knew that his purpose in coming to the Arapaho was to share these gifts with them.
End of story
If Horse has shown up in dreams, in nature, and/or we feel a kinship:
When Horse is a strong personal totem in its most positive expression in our life, we will naturally tend to have a compassion for humanity and nature that we can’t explain. We seem to have an inner wisdom that is not spoken about but is expressed through ways of teaching in using our gifts, talents, and abilities. Don’t forget that any expression of sharing in the world can be a form of teaching. Writing and singing songs to teaching sustainable organic farming to the planning and construction of a building!
Horse may have arrived with nostrils flaring to tell us to ride on its back and free ourselves from draining our power through overwork. If we aren’t taking time to play, stop! We are losing power. It’s time to ride like the wind back to the truth, freedom and joy of who we are with regularly scheduled or even spontaneous times of play. In this way, we become more empowered with our work and in the world.
The fullest integration of the Horse totem usually comes with experience because its true power is wisdom found in remembering our total journey. Wisdom comes from remembering pathways we have walked in another person’s moccasins. Compassion, caring, teaching, loving, and sharing your gifts, talents, and abilities are the gateways to power.
However, if Horse has arrived rearing and bucking, our ego has probably gotten in the way. We may have failed to notice the lack of respect we have been receiving from others.
We may, on the other hand, be struggling with others who are abusing their power. “Should I say something? Should I fight my desire to put them in their place?” we may be asking. Remember the times in our own lives when we have fallen out of grace with Great Spirit, and then have compassion for the brothers or sisters who are now doing the same. If we are overpowering another or feeling overwhelmed, Horse medicine is a reminder of how to balance our shields.
Information/excerpts on Horse is from the book “Medicine Cards” by Jamie Sams and David Carson
©Triza Schultz, 2026
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