Independence, and a bow and arrow as a tribute to the brave indigenous population who resisted the Spanish conquistadors. Many critics have suggested that the horse, now running to the dexter (to the viewer's left) is a political statement of the current left-wing government of President Hugo Chávez. Previously in the Venezuelan arms adopted in 1863, the horse was moving as it is seen today, to the dexter (the viewer's left). Also to note is that in heraldry, positions are not described from the viewer's point of view, but rather the shield's, so while the horse appears to be galloping left to one observing the arms, the horse is actually galloping to the dexter, or right, side of the shield. This symbolizes Venezuela as the first of the independent states of South America, and Simon Bolivar's campaigns of liberation for all of Latin America, which started here in 1811 (with Venezuela's Declaration of Independence and the earlier Caracas Junta of 1810) and ended with his final victory in the Battle of Ayacucho on December 9, 1824, all the while riding his white horse Palomo. Political opponents have also claimed that in addition to being politically motivated, the changes were economically wasteful. At the time of the official unveiling, the opposition party stated that they will not use the new flag or coat of arms, but retain the old and employ them in demonstrations against the government. However, by 2008, and with a slightly improved political climate, the new coat of arms and flag have been generally accepted among the population and opposition. Heraldist Fabio Cassani Pironti, commissioned by the National Assembly, made the reform of the National coats of arms. Evolution of the state coat of arms Notes In heraldic descriptions dexter means to the right from the viewpoint of the bearer of the shield, i.e. the viewer's left; sinister means left from the viewpoint of the bearer of the shield, i.e. the viewer's right. See also Armorial of Venezuela References External links Ley de Bandera, Escudo e Himno Nacionales - Law of the National Flag, Coat of Arms and Anthem. La octava estrella de Bolívar - The eighth star of Bolivar. National symbols of Venezuela Venezuela Venezuela Venezuela Venezuela Venezuela Venezuela Venezuela Venezuela Venezuela