Four Paws

Military Statues. They are everywhere in Europe. You can't throw a cat an not hit one. You could add that thought to churches and pubs as well.

James, our guide on the bike tour in Munich told us of the meaning behind the symbolism behind many of the statues we see in Europe. The legend in Europe as well as in the United States is in regards to the position of the hooves of the horse and the health of the rider.  The belief as we were told is that if the horse is rampant (both front legs in the air) or has two legs off the ground, the rider died in battle. A horse with one leg up means the rider was wounded in battle or died of battle wounds. And if all four hooves are on the ground, the rider survived the war and died after battle. James used the term "wuss" when he referred to the riders heroics on the battlefield.

A few members of our travel party took to calling me "4 Paw" after our time in Munich. After the night we had; followed by the experience of the next day, I will admit I was a little reluctant to get back on the horse. But, eventually, I did. I think I picked up pretty well. Yes, it took a couple of days for me to keep up with the group. But, the name stuck....4 Paw.