EPONA

from epus, that is, equus, was regarded as the protectress of horses. Images of her, either statues or paintings, were frequently seen in niches of stables. She was said to be the daughter of Fulvius Stellus by a mare.

The Romans had two divinities whom they believed to be the protectors of stables, viz. Bubona and Epona, the former being the protectress of oxen and cows, and the latter of horses. Small figures of these divinities were placed in niches made in the wall (aediculae) or in the pillar supporting the roof; sometimes, also, they were only painted over the manger.