Equurai

The original human inhabitants of the Equus Highlands before the Ozari came to power in Rhyderia. The Equurai are the human parents of the half-elven or Stormborn Ozari whose lines have persisted since before the founding of the Ozari Empire and still do to this day. The Equurai were master horseriders early in their history and have always been the pinnacle for the craft of horse saddles, and other tack mainly for horses.

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

Much of the Equurai culture was adopted into the Ozari and eventually the Kingdom of Rhyderia as it exists today. The focus on quality horses and their equipment, as well as travel, are the largest influences the Equurai culture has had.

Shared customary codes and values

The bond between a rider and their steed is as important as that of family, Equurai homes would include a stable attached to the family home so the horse could live with the family.
The comfort of the steed is the comfort of the rider, any gear they created for the horse has to be comfortable to both.
The Equurai were and in some cases practice druidic beliefs.

Art & Architecture

Most of the Equurai art was displayed on saddles, intricate patterns were stamped or carved into the leather for the saddles. Horse blankets were woven for the horse based on the life they lived with their rider companion, before the horse has one of their own they are often given one from a previous horse in hopes the spirit of the previous horse will influence the new one.

Coming of Age Rites

An important rite for any Equurai coming of age started a few years before, they are given a foal to raise and train as their first companion. The actual rite comes at a monthly gathering by the village where the village comes together to celebrate the last month and hope for the new one. This is also a time when the village can easily speak with the elders or leaders of the village. Importantly it is when those coming of age show to their family, friends, and the village as a whole what they have accomplished with their companion. This is usually done with obstacle courses, a form of dressage, and a mounted hunt to provide food for the gathering and show they are ready to take on the burden of being an adult.