What is meaning of number of legs up in air on statues that have horses in them?

The number of legs in the air on equestrian statues often signifies the circumstances of the rider's death. Traditionally, a horse with one leg raised indicates the rider was wounded in battle, while two legs up suggest the rider died in combat. A horse with all four legs on the ground typically represents a peaceful death. This symbolism was adopted to convey the heroism or fate of the individual honored by the statue.