orse painting was a common ritual among the Indians of the Plains. Colorful symbols were used to portray a warrior’s past achievements and tell of his bravery in battle. Other markings were believed to protect a warrior while entering enemy territory, or were applied for ceremonial purposes. Some markings were universal in their meaning:  A handprint meant that an enemy had been killed in hand-to-hand combat; rounded and squared hoof prints showed the number of successful horse raids a warrior had been on. But different tribes developed unique symbols and colors for painting their horses. The Trail of Painted Ponies has invited both Native and non-Native artists to design Painted Ponies that express the unique history, experiences and traditions of Native American Indians on the form of a horse – an animal that changed life on the Plains, and revolutionized an entire culture. With The Native Collection we are both honoring and extending an authentic and unique American art form into the present day.