October Horse
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In ancient Roman religion, the October Horse was an animal sacrifice to Mars carried out on October 15, coinciding with the end of the agricultural and military campaigning season. The rite took place during one of three horse-racing festivals held in honor of Mars, the others being the two Equirria on February 27 and March 14.
Coin with Mars and a bridled horse (Cosa, Etruria, 273-250 BC)
A terra sigillata stamp from Roman Gaul (Musée de la Céramique de Lezoux)
A curse tablet (defixio) aiming to affect the outcome of a chariot race (4th century), from the Via Appia, outside Porta San Sebastiano, Rome
Imperial Roman funerary relief showing a spear-bearing Achilles in a lunate biga, dragging the body of Hector, with a winged figure above
Equirria
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The Equirria were two ancient Roman festivals of chariot racing, or perhaps horseback racing, held in honor of the god Mars, one 27 February and the other 14 March.
Denarius depicting the helmeted head of Mars, with Victory driving a biga on the reverse (issued 88 BC by Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus Clodianus)