/Across all of England they speak of the downs. The word derives from the medieval Norse word meaning hill, but the usage has a broader intent that takes in the general nature of the overall terrain.
The terrain of the downs, which is influenced by the underlaying chalk, is made up of vast stretches of rolling hills crossed by rivers and long valleys, or
vales. The soil that overlays the chalk is rich but relatively thin and makes for unique displays where the chalk is exposed.
It is in this setting that we find the White Horse of Uffington, a 374 foot chalk hill figure in Oxfordshire, England (some 60 miles NW of London).
It’s stride can be either a full gallop, or a left lead canter, both strides look identical during transition, and both put the horse in full suspension (all four feet off the ground at the same time).
//But it’s stride is not the most notable feature, as its head is as if offered on a platter (it’s been given its head so to speak). Giving a horse its head has definite meaning and definite implications.
It means "letting it find it’s own footing, or way home!" In either case it implies (rather it demands) that there be a rider.
So the White Horse of Uffington is a dual entity. There is a Celtic tradition that names Epona (a horse goddess). The name comes by way of the Celtic word for horse (ekwos), the Gaulish (epos) and the Latin (equus), - all meaning "Divine Mare," or "she who is like a mare."
The White Horse of Uffington has been given its head so we will know that it is a dual entity - the White Horse and its rider Epona
James
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