Early pioneer farmers used this as an indication of how much water they would have during the summer. The snow horse became a natural water gauge for farmers. In those days, there were no reservoirs so farms were totally dependent on the natural watershed. By observing the snow horse, the farmers knew exactly when the spring runoff had passed beyond its press and later on when the water flow was about to end, they used this gauge to know when to give the crops the last good watering before the water was depleted. They discovered that if the Snow Horse is still visible on June 1st, there would be enough water for their crops. Farmers used this as a guide to determine when it would be safe to plant crops because there would be no more frost until fall. They would not plant until the Snow Horse appeared on the mountain. Some farmers said if the shape was still visible by June 1st, it meant there would be enough water to mature a crop of grain. Sometimes a small colt-like shape appears following the horse.
The Snow Horse is located on the upper reaches of Snow Horse Ridge, just north of Webb Canyon and one canyon south of Adams Canyon at the Kaysville/Layton border. Elevation is about 8,500 feet. The horse is about 200 feet wide, with legs 50 feet in length. The legs usually fade away first and how long it lasts depends on temperatures.