Horses have been linked to man since the days of the caveman. Ancient carvings and artifacts depicted the horse as a symbol of strength and power. Many traditional tribal tattoos featured horses and were seen as a sign of the warrior or hunter. Horses are often referred to in mythology. Creatures such as the noble half-man-half-horse, Centaur, or the enchanting Unicorn are considered to be symbols of mysticism and purity.
There is an incredibly strong bond between a man and his horse. Choosing to have a portrait of your horse tattooed on your body is the perfect way to illustrate the bond you feel and to celebrate this close relationship. Many people choose to have a close-up design of their horse's head, often with the horse's name emblazoned underneath. Bring a favorite photograph of your horse to your tattooist so that he can copy it perfectly.
The horse-like creature most often associated with mythology is the Unicorn. A symbol of purity and light, the Unicorn is the most beautiful and graceful of the mythological beasts. Unicorns and winged horses are very popular as tattoo designs. Unicorns, in particular, are a common choice among young women. The magical and mystical quality of the unicorn, with its flowing silver mane, perfectly signifies delicate and feminine beauty.
The styles and techniques used in the horse tattoo vary greatly depending upon the artist, the design and your personal tastes and ideas. Horses can be depicted in a traditional cave painting, or tribal, style. Alternatively, a mystical or Gothic design using rich deep colors will be perfect for a Centaur or Unicorn tattoo. When opting for a portrait of your horse, a photo-realism approach will work best. Ask your tattooist for design advice.