Horses symbolize freedom and strength.  You can see the iconic image of stallions running free through dusty windswept cannons or racing along the tracks at the Kentucky Derby.  Their speed and elegance have always fascinated mankind.  Prehistoric cave paintings and jewelry show that horses have always been beloved.

Horse tattoos can be either large or small.  Some people choose a larger size tattoo on the chest, upper arm, inner arm, back or thigh.  In the last few decades as body art has become more popular, more people are opting for large size tattoos extending from the back or chest on to the neck or shoulders.  This type of art works well for horse tattoos as it allows either a very detailed image of a horse or a drawing of many horses in a stampede can be rendered easily in the amount of space.

Another exciting aspect of horse tattoos is the number of colors an artist can use to depict horses either running or standing still.  While some shades, such as tan, might fade into the skin too much, a dazzling bronze, burnished gold or high chestnut would do beautifully.  Smaller tattoos can have even more detail and make a dramatic statement with the same colors.

Because of the simple elegance of the horse, it’s possible to have a more complex background such as a sunset bestrewn with rosy clouds or desert flora and fauna. Horse art is unique in how many different facets of your personality can be represented.  Horses can appear strong or express a fragile beauty.  They can bring to mind visages of the past such as the Wild West, or they can symbolize the future by standing in a winner’s circle.  They can stand loyal and sad as the police horse with the empty saddle, or they can be seen majestically rearing against the wind in a wonderland of forest as butterflies flutter around their ears.

If you’re looking forward to getting a tattoo of a horse, look at photos of what you want. If possible draw or trace from other pictures a few ideas you have.  Take your time and be sure you know what you want ahead of time. Since you have so many different choices with horse art you’ll need to take your time deciding.  If you have trouble expressing what you want on paper see if an artistic friend might be able to help you.  When you talk to the tattoo artist who’ll be working with you on your tattoo show him or her what you have, but be open to new ideas.  Don’t let anyone pressure you to make a snap decision.  If you’re working on a large and detailed horse tattoo with a complex background it might take several session to complete the tattoo.  Having this special symbol of your love for these magnificent animals and all they represent will of course be worth it.

Where to go from here:

• How To Create A Horse Tattoo – Horse Tattoos For Women
• Unicorn Tattoos For First Timers