tubytoo: The Day of the Horse (by Kerri-Jo) Wool Collars“The Turkmens are superstitious, and p
tubytoo: The Day of the Horse (by Kerri-Jo) Wool Collars“The Turkmens are superstitious, and protect themselves and their horses from evil spirits. In Turkmenistan every horse has an "Alaja” around their neck. An alaja is a braided wool cord, made of brown camel hair and white, black, and red dyed Karakul sheep hair. In the case where a horse is injured or sick, they attach a small triangle sewn with ‘omens’ to help ward evil spirits away. This could be an ‘evil eye’ bead, some herbs, a stone, charm, etc. Alajas are very pretty, and come in all shapes and sizes. The more intricate bands, often woven like a carpet, are used as prizes… given to the winning jockey of a race, or more recently, the champion of an Akhal-Teke beauty contest.“ ~ www.akhal-teke.org/ -- source link