What was the significance of the horse named Shyamakarna in the procession?

Shyamakarna, the copper-colored horse, played a prominent and honored role in the Chavadi procession. As described in Chapter 37, the horse stood resplendent in full decoration at the courtyard gate of the Masjid before the procession began. Once the procession was underway, Shyamakarna led the entire group, walking at the very front. The sounds of jingling bells on his feet added to the festive music as he moved ahead of the mace-bearer, the devotees, and Baba Himself, signifying his special place in the celebratory event.