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Horse Weathervanes
 Roosters, grasshoppers, arrows, and banners are the most prominent historical weathervanes. Each has some significance, either through religion or use in North America, but many existing weathervane shapes have been in use for over 100 years. Although not associated with a particular historical time or event, horse weathervanes are such shapes. Designed in running or prancing styles, horse weathervanes are still created from copper and displayed on homes, and antique models dating from as far back as the second half of the 19th century can still be found.
Often considered a barn weathervane, horse shapes are are some of the earlier personal statements for businesses. From the Middle Ages through the 19th century, businesses added weathervanes for practical purposes, but the shapes were also decorative. Associated with the nature of the business, horse weathervanes were displayed from barns and homes. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, horse weathervanes transformed from detailed metalwork designs into silhouettes. Presently, horse weathervanes are designed with the detailed metal style similar to that used in the Victorian age.
Trotting, prancing, and running have been three of the more common shapes for horse weathervanes in the present and past. In the 19th century, these weathervanes were based on racing horses. Engraved prints by well-known lithographers at the time served as the template for silhouette shapes, and such running horse weathervanes displayed distinct characteristics of each animal.
Although modern weathervanes are no longer based on popular racing horses, they are still displayed from the rooftops of many homes. Designed from polished or aged copper, horse weathervanes depict the animals running, prancing, or grazing. Some are also created with an arrow at the base. If you are considering such a figure for your home or barn, decide which size is best for your horse weathervane, and choose between polished and aged copper detailed shapes.
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