The Spirit HorseGreetings traveler! You have reached the clearing of the Spirit Horses dulcimer. Here, horses roam free. These horse dulcimers, known as "Spirits" because they are rare and seldomly seen, live here in New Mexico. Spirits are known for their speed, intellegence and shyness. An equestrian Spirit is seldom caught, and even more seldom, seen with a human eye. They live in herds, which are their home. A herd of spirit dulcimers can contain anything from 2-6 Spirits. Spirits cannot be ridden. Spirits come in all colors of the normal equine spectrum, some more common than others. They usually carry the longer type of mane and tail, often wavy.
On this page you will find inspiration that speaks to the soul of the horse lover. You know how you feel when something is so beautiful or profound that you can't quite put it into words? That is the feeling horses give me. I could say this is a horse from life, as the model is my favorite thoroughbred, Apache. She was so beautiful as to inspire a dream. Perhaps your new Spirit Dulcimer will inspire the same.
Click on picture for a larger view.
As I said, Spirits are rarely found, and hardly ever caught. But when caught, Spirits are brought to new owners and hopefully bond with them. I need to keep the population here in New Mexico down, since they are so rarely caught, the ones who are must be removed from Capitan, and hopefully go home with you! This is what a common equestrian Spirit dulcimer looks like - they come in all the colours of a common equine, this one being Bay. [belongs to Leta Doyle in Texas]
"He dipped his head and snorted at us. And then he had to bolt. We heard the miniature thunder where he fled; and we saw him, or thought we saw him, dim and grey like a shadow."
"Spirit Horse" symbolizes the vision, courage, and power that connects the warrior and the horse. Apache painted their horses on both sides, each side telling the same story. Painted symbols included circles around one eye or both eyes of the horse (believed to improve the horse's vision) and long zig-zag lines symbolizing lightning (adding power and speed to terrify the enemy).
These combined symbols were understood to build power upon each other - the horse's improved vision and drawing upon the lightning's tremendous power. The hand symbol signifies the oneness or connectivity between the horse and the human being (warrior). Golden Eagle feathers considered sacred were often tied to the mane and or the tail of a war pony for protection. It was a common custom to tie up the horse's tail when preparing for battle. Horse tails were tied in a simple knot, but sometime folded and tied around with buck skin thongs or red trade cloth.
This Equus style Performance dulcimer was made out of Black Walnut with a Sitka Spruce top. Spruce is a lighter color and the grain is more clear than Western Red Cedar. Western Red Cedar has more "character" and grain design. This instrument can be made with either an air-dried, hand selected Cherry, Mahogany or Pennsylvania Black Walnut body. Either Sitka Spruce, or Western Red Cedar can be used for the soundboard with equal beauty in tone and response. The sound of this instrument was enchanting and mellow!
The rectangular-shaped hardshell case (shown) is no longer available. Your Performance Dulcimer will come with a soft-sided gig bag made of tough 600 Denier luggage fabric. Light-weight, padded and lined, it has a book-sized pleated accessory pocket for carrying all your goodies. Includes padded shoulder strap with attachment clips for either horizontal or vertical carring.
Performance Model Dulcimers have Ebony fingerboard overlay, 3 position markers (not shown on the one pictured here), internal pickup, and you can choose any available woods in stock.
Available in Southwest, Equus, Dragon or Traditional Model styles.
Available in the lozenge body shape only.
All of my instruments are numbered and cataloged. You will definitely have a unique piece of art and a truly beautiful sounding custom instrument.
Performance Dulcimer: $849.00 (base price)
Price includes a padded Gig Bag.
($175.00 for either the Equus or Dragon pegheads
will be added to the final price.)
Once you submit your query, I will e-mail you to discuss your preferences.
If you prefer, you can send me an e-mail to discuss
what options you want! Thank you!
If you prefer to send your order in by mail,
print out the Printable Order Form,
fill it out and mail it to:
The Dulcimer Shop
P O Box 1005
Capitan, New Mexico 88316-1005
