"Medicine Hat": Definitions and history

[Jorge]

Are there several definitions and subtle differences on the term "Medicine Hat"?

Also, what about the history of the term?

Thanks in advance for your valuable participation.

[Kari]

All I can remember about it came from the Marguerite Henry book "San Domingo, the Medicine Hat Stallion". The markings made the horse sacred in Indian lore because of their location on the body. Wish I had that book down here to go read it again!

[Nancy T]

I believe that native American lore is that the markings would protect them in battle the "shield marking" on the chest and the cap over ears and forehead.

[Bondama]

Per Wikipedia:

Medicine hat: an uncommon pattern where the poll and ears are dark, surrounded completely by white. A true "medicine hat" pinto or paint usually has a predominantly white body, sometimes with dark coloration by the flanks, chest, and above the eyes.

Shield: A large dark patch covering the chest, surrounded completely by white, usually on a predominantly white horse. Sometimes associated with Medicine hat patterning.