Horses in North America
Tashunka Wakan. This is what the Lakota people call the horses in North America. For as long as the people can remember, the horse nation has always danced on these lands. Ceremonial songs have been sung for generations. Not only to honor the horses. But to remind ourselves of the relationship we once had with them. Today, the relationship burns like an ember smoldering under a veil of technology.
Have we become disconnected from the horses in North America? When you visualize the symbols of freedom correlated with our country, the bald eagle comes to mind for most.
They represent strength, freedom, and fly at altitudes in which their vision of the lands is second to none. In contrast, horses are bound to the lands we share with them. They are our mirror(s). They have herds and establish a family system. The emotional capacity and connection we have them is truly a gift. The importance of this gift is not to be forgotten.
Equines and evolution
As both our population and municipalities grow, their inherent lands are becoming smaller. This is a reflection of the indigenous people here in the western hemisphere. The illustration becomes even clearer with personification. In fact, many of the issues; such as displacement are commonly shared between the people and the horses in North America.
Other parts of the world have slowly reduced their dependency on the horse over time. This is largely attributed to technology. However, the horses in North America are culturally woven into the tapestry of the land. In other words: in a relatively young country – we still remember.
Run as one
In today’s age, we are concerned with the preservation of lands and species. Horses are no different than the animals we watch in those nature specials. Their entire identity is connected to their environment. They are stewards of open plains. Here in the United States, they’re often thought of alongside the “wild west“.
The powerful symbolism and hard work they have provided us over the years is now in danger of being eclipsed by modern convenience. We don’t use horses in the same ways we used to. And that’s just it. We have forgotten the underlying connection and effects they have on our ecosystems, species and even our spirits. Balance. It’s the key to our health and often the answer to our questions. Have we become disconnected? Or have we decided to wake up and rewild?
Have you herd?
Herd dynamics for horses is a very complex yet delicate aspect of their lives. When we disrupt their dynamics, we are affecting their environment. It’s a relationship based on an essential trait: balance. When one end of the spectrum sways too far – it can cause a detrimental trickle effect. A healthy herd of horses reminds us of American history. The cultural aspect of their identity is as good as gold amongst indigenous people.
Again, through the herds; we see a strong family unit. It is one of nature’s ways of showing us how to coexist. Existing amongst our own species is purely civil. But existing amongst our planet and it’s a range of biodiversity, means we are now part of the circle. Not standing in the middle of it. Remember the herds, because of horses it means “family“.