What was the role of the horse named Shyamakarna in the Chavadi procession?

The horse, Shyamakarna, played a prominent and ceremonial role in Sai Baba's procession to the Chavadi. Described in Chapter 37 as a copper-colored horse, he was resplendent in full decoration, standing at the Masjid's courtyard gate before the procession began. During the procession itself, the fully adorned Shyamakarna led the way at the very front. With bells jingling on his feet, he was a key part of the joyful atmosphere, which the text notes even included the "horse's dance" amidst the sounds of drums and trumpets.