The human and the horse are intimately linked in Plains Indian philosophies and cultures. After the Spanish introduced horses into the American Southwest in the 16th century, Plains people eagerly sought offspring of these useful animals. Young men proved their merit by raiding other tribes' camps for horses. As an individual's herd increased, so did his wealth and social status, and horses became the most prized gift for confirming social relationships.

Horses revolutionized life on the Plains. Before the horse, the Lakota had only dogs and themselves to carry heavy loads. When horses became available in numbers, it made possible a nomadic life-style following the great buffalo herds, greatly expanding their hunting grounds. By the late 1700s most tribes had horses.

The Lakota could easily move from camp to camp in search of food supplies; they could hunt buffalo more efficiently; and they could better fight their enemies--both other Indians and the encroaching Europeans.

As an indication of the importance which the Lakota gave to horses, they called these animals sunka wakan, an expression meaning "sacred dog."

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