Horse signage statues on top of old saddelrys and western stores?

Question

I am trying to find out if they have any historical significance. If you are not sure what I am talking about, they are often red and standing on hind legs on the roof of a building.

Thanks!

I livei n Arizona and there seems to be one in every small town. The whole illiteracy thing makes sense. Thanks!

Answer 1

I've lived in Wyoming all my life and have never seen a statue like you describe. I've seen other horse statues, but rarely at a saddle shop. The most common sign they have is a saddle.

I would assume the statues you are talking about were advertising similar to the old red and white barber pole or the scissors outside an old tailor's shop. Or the Bud signs we have today.

In other ages there was a high degree of illiteracy and signs advertising the business were very important. Now we just need those flashy advertising signs at bars because we know some of their patrons can't think straight.