I find it interesting that the colours of the Padtow "oss" are very similar to the colours used by the Bacup coconut dancers. Is this to do with the availability of colouring agents and pigments for paints in the past?
The Minehead sailors horse (not seen the town horse), in contrast, is predominantly hessian with circles painted on. I have heard it suggested that this is supposed to make it look like a Viking longboat as commonly depicted with shields arranged along the sides (which I'm also told is not correct!).