The horse is one of the oldest domesticated animals by humans. During the millennia it was a natural companion of man as in war, and an indispensable assistant, and draft animals in everyday life. Almost all world cultures are associated with the cult of the horse. Against this background, it is not surprising that the horse tattoos were made everywhere and decorated the nobility, priests, warriors, horsemen and ordinary peasants in the remotest corners of the world.
Because of the uniqueness of both domestic and military applications, the meaning of the horse tattoo has varied little among different peoples. For men, horses were associated with courage, physical strength, endurance and speed. The meaning of a horse tattoo for girls and women was interpreted differently. As in many cultures the horse was not only a sacred, but also a totem animal (amulet), the tattoo of a horse on a woman's body was designed to protect its wearer from violence and illness during childbirth. Often encountered and the opposite meaning: because wild horses freedom-loving animals that prefer open free space, young girls who have not yet been determined with their chosen, made a temporary tattoo in the form of a stylized horse silhouette (Scythians, Sarmatians, Pechenegs, later Mongols and other peoples of the steppe). It meant "reflection", and it was considered a grave crime to force a wearer of such a design to do something. Horses were also associated with beauty and grace in many cultures, so that only the most beautiful and noble girls were decorated with them.
History of the relationship between man and horse
Since ancient times, horses have been a friend of people - they were the first land transport, a fighting friend and companion in the countryside. Riding over long distances was impossible without riding animals and draught devices. That is why horses always evoke positive emotions. The only harm from them is the risk of being kicked by a frightened animal. But it will not happen without reason, it is a peaceful type of creature.
For the Slavs, the horse meant a connection with the beyond. "The pale horse" was a herald of death, and also warhorses were buried with leaders and warriors. They were to escort their master to the gods, to pass with him to a new life. These rituals were also very popular among the Germans and Scandinavians.
The horse is the fastest of the herbivores, against the background of predators it is a peaceful exception. In Greek culture it was a symbol of victory in war, for chariots and cavalry determine the outcome of the battle and the advantage in battle. Horses were also sacrificed to the gods of war for future victory.
For China it was a symbol of good news. Riding horses were the talisman of the home and family, attracted good luck, because with them you could quickly achieve their goals. For the Japanese, it was a symbol of mercy.
General Interpretation
The meaning of the tattoo is put by the bearer himself. Basically, it is a symbol of freedom, independence, although the horse has been a submissive creature for centuries. But the fact is that if the horse is wild, not tamed, it is almost impossible to make it obey. Long training and contact with the animal is the secret of interaction. Horses hardly live in the wilds of the jungle, steppes, and forests anymore, but catching a free stallion in ancient times was a great success.
If the tattoo is a vigorous, galloping horse, then the man clearly does not like boundaries and boundaries. But he respects the opinions of others, as well as his own. His views, he will not impose, although another's world view is not perceived.
The horse and rider symbolizes mastery of the situation. The man is the master of his life, he has a clear knowledge of his goals.
If the horse is alone, the owner is self-sufficient, believes in himself, does not depend on the opinion of others. He does not need support, but he is optimistic, he easily overcomes problems and obstacles.
Horses are intelligent, they recognize people's emotions, they recognize us by our voice or each other's photos. They have a good memory, they remember their abusers as well as their friends. They are a symbol of a rich inner life, emotionality, loyalty and friendliness, if we talk about tattoos.
So, horses in the form of a tattoo can mean the following:
- The desire for freedom, independence;
- stamina and diligence;
- Dreaminess, ambition;
- wisdom and insight;
- wholeness of character;
- justice;
- spirituality.
It is also worth paying attention to the color of the image. Dark horse does not mean anything bad, but in mystical terms, a connection with the world of spirits or even evil forces is likely. White horses - good morals, pure thoughts. If the horse is red - the person is impulsive, can show aggression, resist the imposed ideas.
Meanings for women
Motherhood
The mare is an attribute of the Great Mother, the parent of all living things. Therefore, the meaning of the tattoo horse for girls can be reduced to the desire to give the world a new life, to become a loving and caring mother. Such a tattoo symbolizes this desire and suits women who do not dote on children.
The hearth of the home
The image of the mare indicates the girl who pays much attention to maintaining a cozy and warm atmosphere in the house in a broad sense: from trivial decor and providing comfort to the prevention of conflicts between family members. Her home is her fortress, she is the lady of the house, the mistress, she sets her own laws to be followed.
Vitality
The mare is a symbol of life and the power that the mother possesses. She can bring peace and harmony, but at the same time punishing hand of the mother will not ominet those who sows discord in its possessions.
Women's tattoos with horses
Mostly in the female version, such drawings mean fidelity and purity. Such girls are wonderful wives and girlfriends of life. If the horse is calmly grazing in the meadow, in a peaceful place - then this lady values family life, seeks to create a strong family.
A rebellious, kicking, wild horse is a sign of a free-spirited nature. These girls do not like rules and traditions, they have their own code of honor. If the horse rushes into the distance, to the horizon - there is a desire for freedom and their goals.
This is a beautiful animal, it is often stuffed for the sake of decoration, for reasons of aesthetics. If the composition is supplemented with a rose or other flowers, it is a sign of innocence, tenderness. A mother horse with a foal - care and love for babies, maternal traits.
For women, the image of the horse means:
- fidelity and single-mindedness;
- grace and beauty;
- noble strength;
- purity of thought and feeling.
Options, styles, compositions
Tattoos with a horse are varied in terms of style. Expressive look work in realism. The horse is recognized as one of the most beautiful creations of nature. This is confirmed by numerous photos. According to them, artists make sketches full of expression and internal energy.
Tattoo on the arm, realism
Tattoo on the hip, old skool
No less interesting are graphic works, consisting of outlines and silhouettes. In the works one can feel a pronounced individuality. One can feel the hidden energy of simple lines outlining silhouette forms.
The works in geometry, abstraction, new skool, and linework look unconventional. Stylized images in a neo-tradition look expressive. Works in the direction of tribal, Dotwork and Polynesia are popular.
The originality of the image of a running horse is not limited, only the imagination of the artist can create thousands of unique solutions. Silhouettes and color contrasts can be used for a watercolor pattern. Linework gives the opportunity to highlight the most expressive components of the drawing with simple lines.
In some cases, it is sufficient to depict the head of a horse to create an associative series. To convey dynamics, the direction of the lines and the location of the components are used. Developing mane will give the animal a sense of movement, turning the head will strengthen or weaken the dynamics. In other works, all parts of the body must be present when conveying meaning.
Tips for sketches
Sketches with running horses fascinate the eye and cause a desire to appoint a tattoo session. Graceful figures of galloping horses are full of expression, harmony and vitality. For this reason masters of tattoo like to work on sketches with horses.
For a successful sketch it is necessary to repeat the natural grace of the animal and its inner potential. It is best to watch the moving horses. Benefit videos with them quite a lot. To help the master will go numerous artistic photos.
If you want to enhance the feeling of freedom and space, the background is covered with a natural panorama. Landscapes with the sea, sunset, fields look soothing. Horse galloping on the waves of the surf is considered a classic subject for the tattoo in the style of realism. Otherwise, rely on the advice of your master and apply your imagination.
Tattoos of horses in men
First of all, the horse for men symbolizes wild strength and steadfastness, as well as loyalty. Often the male sex in this way denotes his desire to be reliable - friend, comrade, husband. He knows how to cope with difficult situations, is stoic and patient. He is also, of course, eager to achieve his life goals, hardworking.
When we see a rider on horseback with a sword in his hand, it is a clear sign of belligerence, the ability to go to victory. If the horse is on the hoof, it is a sign of temperament, a rebelliousness. To subdue the warrior will be almost unreal.
In China, young people often make tattoos with horses - it is believed that this sign will strengthen the male force, as a symbol of fertility. The Japanese become very attractive to women if they have such a tattoo.
In the male context, horses and horses will mostly be interpreted as an image of reliability and support, strength and diligence.
You can apply the sketch to any part of the body. The main thing that among the variety of options, found a picture that most accurately reflects your interests and personality traits. There are photos on the site - you can see different samples. Horse motif is common in the tattoo art, so the salon master will not be surprised by such an order.
Places to apply
The image of a horse requires a spacious place on the body. Even for small compositions master will need a voluminous area. The composition is built horizontally, vertically or obliquely. The overall perspective depends on the position of the body.
On female body a horse is usually stamped on a thigh with transition to a buttock, in area of shoulder-blades, back or flank. In men, the horse is more often stuffed on the forearm, shoulder, chest and back. In some cases, a pent up horse is stamped on the calf.
Small pictures depicting a silhouette of a horse or one head are embossed on the biceps, scapula, on ribs, in the hand area. Less common are works on the side of the neck or on the back of the head.
Tattoo masters like to use portrait photos of a horse as the basis for a sleeve or stocking. Full-scale works are printed all over the back, chest or on the floor of the torso. For women, horse heads are complemented with frames of flowers, mandala-style patterns.
Recommended reading: rabbit, hare tattoo
