Unknown Maker, Greek

Across the ancient Greek and Roman world, worshippers visited temples and shrines to make requests to the gods and give thanks for their fulfillment. Offerings came in many forms: prayers, hymns, incense, liquids including wine or olive oil, animal sacrifices, or votive figures like these. Small bronze or terracotta figures of animals pleased certain gods or substituted for animal sacrifices.

—GB

As a common symbol of status and power in 8th century Greece, the horse was a favorite motif for small bronze votive statues. Many bronze horses similar to this were left as offerings for Zeus at Olympia, where horse racing was a popular part of the Olympic Games, and at the sanctuary of Artemis Orthia in Sparta. The patterns inscribed on the horse are reminiscent of the pottery designs that give the Geometric period its name. The strange, knobby knees are characteristic of bronze horse votives from this region.