Horsing Around

Ever notice statues of people on horseback in parks or historic sites? There’s a popular legend that the position of the horse’s legs tells how the rider died — both front legs in the air means they died in battle, one raised means they were wounded in battle and died later, and all four hooves on the ground means they died of natural causes. It’s not always accurate, but it’s a fascinating detail to look for the next time you pass a monument.