Horse Goddess

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Jun 262012
 

In Celtic mythology Epona was a horse goddess.  Other names she is known by are the Equine goddess and the Divine White Mare.  She is often associated with horses and fertility.  As the early Roman Empire spread, the Celtic speaking Gauls were introduced to the Roman and Hellenistic religions under Roman Imperial rule.  As a result many of the Gaulish gods were used as by-names for Roman gods.  Some of their female gods were also paired with a male Roman gods. The Celtic goddess Epona though was outright adopted by the Romans.  She was eventually incorporated into the Imperial cult by being invoked on behalf of the Emperor, as Epona Augusta.

To the Romans Epona was commonly seen as a protector of horsed, donkeys, and mules.  This was especially true among the Roman cavalry.  As the Roman Empire continued to spread, the Roman cavalry continued to spread the cult of Epona.  Eventually Epona’s sovereign role evolved into a protector of cavalry.  Small images of Epona have been found at many of the location where Roman stables and barns once stood.

Epona’s influence today

  • Some believe that Epona’s influence may be why many cultures do not eat horse meat.
  • The Legend of Zelda a once very popular video game had a horse in it named Epona
  • In the novel The Horse Goddess by Morgan Llywelyn, an American born Irish author, Epona is a Celtic woman with Druidic powers.
  • The novel Sun Horse, Moon Horse, the White Horse of Uffington was written as an invocation to Epona.
  • There is a song titled Epona by the Irish songwriter and singer Enya.
  • There was an experiment named Epona by the Irish Scientist that was a part of the European Space Agency’s Giotto Mission to Halley’s Comet.
  • In the United States on Mackinac Island, Michigan, personal cars are prohibited so horses still remain a primary source of transportation.  Every June Epona is still celebrated with a blessing of the animals, stable tours, and a parade.

Click here to go to the Epona main page.

Fun Horse Facts and Information

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Jun 262012
 

Here are some fun horse facts.  Anyone not familiar with horse information should find this a fascinating read. This is actually a very short list so if you find yourself wanting more try doing a search for the following: iquana facts, horse history, or wild horse facts.  This list below is not really organized though some are sort of themed together.  Enjoy

  • Horses have been found in cave paintings that date back to around 15000 B.C.
  • Asian nomads probably domesticated the first horses some 4,000 years ago, and the animals remained essential to many human societies until the advent of the engine
  • Chariot racing was the first Olympic sport in 680 B.C.
  • There are around 400 different breeds that specialize in everything from pulling wagons to racing
  • Feral horses are the descendants of once-tame animals that have run free for generations
  • The Przewalski’s horse is the only truly wild horse whose ancestors were never domesticated.  The last wild Przewalski’s horse was seen in Mongolia in 1968
  • A breed of horses called Akhal-Teke from Russia can go for days without water or food
  • One of the few breeds of horses that live in North America is called Mustangs
  • Falebella of Argentina, is the smallest breed of horse
  • Wild horses generally gather in groups of 3 to 20 animals
  • A group of horses is led by a stallion (mature male).  The stallion will drive away any young male when it becomes a colt at around the age of two
  • Female horses are called mares
  • The strongest leading female in a group of horses is called the alpha mare
  • A young baby horse is called a foal
  • A donkey mare is known as a jenny
  • A young female horse is known as a filly
  • The father of a horse is known as a sire
  • The mother of a horse is known as a dam
  • A fully grown small horse is known as a pony
  • Most foals are born at night
  • When first born, foals cannot eat grass because their legs are too long to reach the ground
  • All horses are grazers
  • Dogs and cats drink by lapping water with their tongues while cattle and horses make use of a sucking action
  • Horses eat short, juicy grass, and hay. Foods like barley, corn, oats and bran are good for working horses
  • Horses cannot vomit
  • Equine, a term used for things dealing with horses, came from the Greek word “equus” which means quickness
  • The height of a horse is measured using the unit, “hand”, where one hand equals four inches.
  • Equinophobia, is the fear of the horses
  • A horse is able to drink 10 gallons of water per day
  • A horses stomach should always make gurgling noises
  • If you hold your hand out to a horse and it approaches you and blows warm air onto your hand it wants to be friends
  • A horse can sense its owner’s emotions and will mimics his mood.  If you are in a bad mood, your horse will likely be in a bad mood also
  • A horse’s mood can be determined by watching their facial expressions and the positioning of their nostrils, eyes, and ears
  • Horses have 16 muscles in each ear, allowing them to rotate their ears 180 degrees
  • Horses use their tails to send signals to each other horses about how they are feeling
  • Horses will mourn the passing of a companion
  • If kept alone horses will get lonely
  • Horses have a better sense of smell than humans
  • The hoof of a horse is like a fingernail; it keeps on growing and needs to be clipped
  • Horses’ teeth never stop growing
  • Horses generally live for 20 to 25 years but many have lived into their thirties
  • A horse has two blind spots; one is located directly in front of them while the other is located directly behind
  • A small indent in a horse’s skin (usually on the neck or shoulder) is called a prophet’s mark and is considered good luck

Click here if you would like to learn about the horse goddess

Click here to learn about the Celtic cross

Celtic Cross and History

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Jun 262012
 

Stone Celtic crossCeltic cross is the common name given to a symbol that combines a cross with a ring surrounding the intersection. The Celtic cross with its distinctive look and often intricate design is a prevalent symbol worn and cherished by many. In the multicultural world we live in today the ringed cross is as much a symbol of ethnic heritage as it is of faith even though it is still often associated as an emblem of a person’s Irish, Scottish or Welsh ancestry.

There are many theories on how the Celtic cross originated and developed into its present form. One is that it was originally a phallic symbol to the Druids. Another many New Agers embrace is that the cross in the circle is a symbol of the Sun that was worshiped by the Druids.

Silver Antiqued Celtic CrossProbably the most popular belief is that the Celtic Christian cross was introduced by St. Patrick while spreading Christianity to the Irish. Some say that St. Patrick was shown a sacred stone marked with a circle that was symbolic of the moon goddess. St. Patrick marked a cross through the circle and blessed the stone making the first Celtic cross. Others say that St. Patrick combined the symbol of Christianity with the symbol of the sun to give pagan followers an idea of the importance of the cross linking it to the sun’s life-giving properties.

Though no one knows for sure how the Celtic cross originated its use has certainly spread well beyond Ireland. In the 1850’s there was a Celtic Revival which lead to an increased use of the cross throughout Ireland. The Celtic cross was originally used for public monuments. The cross quickly became a very popular form of grave marker. Now days you can find Celtic crosses on jewelry, T-shirts, and just about any type of retail item.

Baby Celtic crossOver the years the Celtic cross has developed into an art form. Many intricately decorated with interlace and other motifs. Some bear inscriptions in Ogham. Ogham is a medieval alphabet used primarily to write the Old Irish language.

So if you would like to express some Irish heritage, Christian faith, or simply like the artistic value found in the Celtic cross, take a look through Amazon. Many jewelers sell their goods there and you can find lots of other product with the Celtic cross as well. Simply type Celtic cross into the Amazon search below.

Other terms related to the Celtic Cross that might prove interesting to research: Celtic knot, Celtic symbols, Celtic Art, Claddagh ring, Ireland, Shamrock, Epona horse goddess.

The Claddagh Ring

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Jun 252012
 

Girls gold claddagh ringToday the Claddagh ring is made and worn far beyond the small fishing village in Ireland where it originated over 300 years ago. The design of the Claddagh ring and even the way the ring is worn is still steeped in Irish tradition.

The Claddagh ring got its start from the fishing village in Ireland called Claddagh. The word Claddagh comes from the Irish term ‘An cladach” which means a flat stony shore. But the symbolism and meaning behind the Claddagh ring is what still gives it significance even to this day.

If one were to summarize the Claddagh ring meaning it could be said that it represents let love and friendship reign forever. The Claddagh’s distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart usually with a crown on top of the heart.  The hands denote friendship and togetherness, the heart signifies love, and the crown stands for loyalty.  While the rings are symbols of love a marriage they have also come to denote a pride Irish heritage.

Ladies silver claddagh ringThe meaning of the Claddagh rings that make them ideal for friendship rings, promise rings, engagement rings, wedding rings and even for mother’s day.  Claddagh rings are commonly used as friendship rings but they are most often used as engagement and wedding rings. In Ireland, America and other places , it has become a tradition for the rings to be handed down from mother-to daughter or grandmother to granddaughter.

Here is how to wear a Claddagh ring.  The way it is worn indicates the owners relationship status:

  • On the right hand with the point of the heart toward the fingertips, the wearer is single and may be looking for love.
  • On the right hand with the point of the heart toward the wrist, the wearer is in a relationship or their heart has been captured.
  • On the left hand with the point of the heart toward the fingertips, the wearer is engaged.
  • On the left hand with the point of the heart toward the wrist, the wearer is married.

The Claddagh engagement ring is definitely one of the more well known types of Celtic jewelry.  If you are looking to purchase a Claddagh ring a good place to look and compare prices is on Amazon.  A lot of jewelers sell there giving you a good overview of whats is available.  Simply click the Amazon link below and type Claddagh ring into the search.

Mens claddagh ring 

Photos on this page of Claddagh rings were taken from Amazon

Click here for the main Epona link

Click here if you would like to learn about the Celtic cross

Medicare Freedom Horses and Texas

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Jun 252012
 

Texas horses and MedigapWhen one thinks of horses a few places come to mind, Montana, Wyoming, but none as much as Texas.  Indeed Texas with its horses and history stands as a symbol of  freedom and independence to most across this country. The Republic of Texas won its independence in the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836.

The Texas Revolutions began when the settlers in the Mexican province of Texas rebelled as Santa Anna dissolved Mexico’s congress making himself dictator.   In order to put down the revolution Santa Anna led an army that became well know for killing everyone defending the Alamo.  Later in the same month Santa Anna’s army slaughtered 342 prisoners captured outside of Goliad.  This is why we have the rallying cry “Remember the Alamo!”.

The Texas army led by General Samuel Houston responded by attacking Santa Anna’s much larger Mexican army.  The Mexicans were caught totally off guard while enjoying siesta and not believing it possible that the small Texan army would dare to attack such a stronger force.  The battle lasted all of eighteen minutes during  which the Mexicans lost over 700 soldiers and the Texans lost nine.   General Houston was lightly wounded by a musket ball but remained on his horse.  Santa Anna escaped during the battle but was captured the next day and agreed to recognize Texas as a sovereign nation.

Today Texas remains one of the more independent States of our nation.  There are often rumors of Texas citizens wanting to succeed from the union.  Even Texas seniors on Medicare lean towards independence.  Medicare leaves senors vulnerable to some serious financial burdens.  One of the biggest drivers for poverty in old age are medical costs.  This is precisely why Texas Medicare supplemental insurance is so popular. Many Texas senors purchase a Texas Medigap plan when they first turn 65.  By law this is when insurance companies have to sell Medicare supplements regardless of most preexisting medical conditions.  The rates are very affordable and Texas Medicare supplement Plan F covers all the gaps in Medicare, there are no co-pays or deductibles, and once you have a Texas Medigap plan it is guaranteed renewable.

So indeed  Medicare, Freedom and Horses, have something in common in Texas.  And whether a Texas senior, a Texas horse owner, or simply a Texan, independence seems to be a mainstay.

 

 

I Care Horse Names

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Jun 252012
 

Horse namesFinding a unique name for a horse name can be a challenging task.  One of the largest breed associations in the world, The American Quarter Horse Association has over five million registered horse names.  The problem with naming a horse is not that a name can not be conjured up is that all to often someone else has already conjured up the same name.

One way to differentiate your horse name from one already taken or even a famous horse name is to add a descriptor.  Lets try it with a simple boy horse name like Striker.  Just add to it like Light Striker, White Striker, or Joy Striker.  Often people will name a horse by mixing up parts from two famous horse names.  Another option is to change the spelling or leave out spaces. . If you are really interested in trying to find a name that no one has used, the best place to get ideas is in current pop culture.  What are some popular things people are doing, wearing, saying, and playing.  You get the picture.

When you do name your horse it is a good idea to check with what ever breed association your are registering with to make sure the name is with in the guidelines.  Not to long ago names could not be suggestive in nature but the rules have loosen over time.  Now days there are only a few official rule but you will want to be sure and follow them.

Here are some basics: Names must be unique although a name can be reused if the original  horse is no longer living and doesn’t have a record of winning anything, didn’t start in a race, and doesn’t have any offspring under the age of 10 that have won anything. The moniker can not be any longer than twenty characters, can’t include punctuation, and can’t include Roman numerals. It can include Arabic numerals in a suffix though. Rules do vary from breed registry to registry. In some circumstances a horses name can be changed but for a fee.

Here is a list of lists.  Instead of re-posting tons of names for everyone to dig through, it is easier to have links here to literally thousands and thousands of names.

Through these list you will be able to find every kind of name imaginable from Male horse names, girl horse names, famous horse names, horse show names, even pony names and other pet names.  So have fun and happy naming!

from their website – “We have complied the largest horse name list on the web. You will find many great namely titles for your Irish, Indian, miniature, quarter. or race horse all in one place. Whether you are looking for boy, girl, or famous horses names, there enough nicknames here to find the perfect one for your mare, stud, gelding or colt.”

from their website: – “Horse Names & Meanings.  We offer 1,000′s of horse names. You can browse by origin, gender, or horse breed. We even have race horse names, popular horse names, famous dog names and more. You can even save your favorite ones to your own list.”

from their website: “Awesome!, Female horse names. Male horse names, By Color, All American, Cute and Little, Elegance, Funny, Exotic, related to dance”

from their website: “Here you’ll find lots of horse names shared by horsecrazy girls from all over the world! Just choose any category to find names, to comment, or to add your own. It’s easy – and fun!”

 

Click here for information on Horze equestrian products

Click here for Epona main page

Horze

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Jun 242012
 

horze logoHorze is a privately owned company that specializes in equestrian products and supplies.  Horze first opened in 2003 in Lahti. Finland (the center for winter sports) and has grown into one of the biggest European equestrian retailers.  You can find Horze’s stores in Germany, France, Hungary, and Russia.  Through wholesale distribution Horze products are now selling in over fifty countries around the world.

Horze has a streamlined business model that cuts cost by both producing and distributing its own products.  Having set up its own production plants in strategic places around the world Horze has removed some of the intermediate stages that increases costs.  This enables it to be a real international competitor when it comes to horse related clothing, supplies and other equestrian products.  Thinking about the customer Horze has set up central warehousing in Netherlands, Finland and USA in order to provide quick delivery.   Horze products are based on the cost of production enabling them to offer good quality at low prices.

One of the ways Horze is marketing itself is through sponsorship.  Horze sponsors twenty-four  riders from a variety of disciplines and countries.  Horzes also sponsors both a Finnish and a Norwegian international equestrian team.

Horze – Spring/Summer Collection

The Horze online store is now available in the following languages English, German, Finnish, Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, Russian, Spanish, French, Dutch and Italian

Horze also has a FaceBook page making it easy to keep up with the latest trends in horse related products.

 

click here for epona equine

Epona