Horse Breeds

"I would rather the Nakaal had left the humans behind and only brought the horses."

— Wainaba, last ruler of the Nagarajya

In many places around the Great Ring, horses are an integral part of everyday life. They first appeared in the islands when the Nakaal of Muria worked their great ritual to bring humans into the world, alongside dogs, cats and many other animals. Many varieties of horse accompanied humanity, appearing in the environments most suited to them. Since then, they have been bred further, and notable horse breeds have emerged from several islands, each with distinct attributes and qualities. This article describes some of the best known horse breeds found in the Great Ring.

Horses

Eyjuhross

These compact and surefooted horses are well-suited for traversing the challenging terrains found on the island of Eyju. Known for their thick double coats, they are well-adapted to withstand the harsh climates and sudden weather changes. The Eyjuhross exhibit a calm temperament, remarkable endurance, and their unique fifth gait called the tölt. They are smaller than many other breeds found in the Great Ring, and some people class them as ponies. They are often used in sheep herding, as pack animals, and as riding animals.

Sahibazam

The Sahibazam of Saba epitomize beauty and refinement. These horses are known for their sleek and slender frames, fine heads, and high tail carriage. Renowned for their speed, agility, and endurance, Saba horses excel in long-distance travel across the islands. With their spirited nature and intelligence, they require skilled riders who can fully unleash their potential.

Eotensteorra

The Eotensteorra of Eotland exude strength, power, and presence. With their muscular build and expressive, feathered legs, they are a sight to behold. These horses possess a natural elegance and an innate affinity for performing tasks that require both grace and strength. Despite their larger size, they display remarkable agility and versatility, making them suitable for both work and leisure.

Carreg Gwyrdd

One of the Mathrafal breeds, the Carreg Gwyrdd is a strong, versatile horse with a deep chest and sturdy limbs. Like all Mathrafal horses, they typically have a grey coat ranging from dappled to silver. This breed is known for its health and stamina, as well as being exceptionally sure-footed. Some breeders claim that a Carreg Gwyrdd's bones are so strong that they will never break a leg.

Gwennol Haf

Another breed from Mathrafal, the Gwennol Haf is known for its speed and agility. Its name means "Summer Swallow" and it is said to fly as much as run. These horses are spirited, and require a firm hand to control them, but are friendly and will respond well to kindness. They have a light frame and long legs, and make excellent riding horses.

Wamaru

These horses are bred in the Empire of Wamato, and are known for its elegance, agility, and loyalty. The Wamaru horses are renowned for their disciplined nature and exceptional endurance, traits that reflect the disciplined and persevering spirit of the Yanjin people . Wamaru horses are easy to identify due to their distinctive spotted coat, adorned with captivating patterns of spots and markings. Ranging from delicate flecks to bold and intricate designs, their coat patterns vary widely, making each Wamaru horse a unique and remarkable individual. With their distinctive coats, refined conformation, and swift movements, the Wamaru horses embody the grace and harmony that define the rich cultural heritage of the empire.

Ponies

On many islands, ponies are a more practical animal than the horse, and there are many breeds of ponies found in the Great Ring. Here are two of the most famous.

Kattaland Pony

A small and sturdy breed from the Kattaland island group in the Ynys Archipelago, the Kattaland pony is well beloved by the residents there. They are incredibly strong for their size, and can carry a load equal to most horses. They have a thick double coat which protects them during the harsh Kattaland winters, and a shaggy mane and tail.

Pulo Pony

A breed of pony common in the Southwestern Region, the Pulo Pony is quick and agile, with a agreeable temperament and great endurance. It is believed to be descended from the same stock as the Sahibazam, and shares the same slender build. The Pulo Pony typically stands about four feet at the shoulder.

Honorable Mentions

These animals are not horses, but they serve the same role as horses in the places they live.

Konvetra

Among the Tugarin of Buyan, the bird-like Konvetra take the place of horses. They are prized above all other animals by their owners, and there are many different breeds and variations.

Zoyot

The Kizhva people of the Manmosu Islands have domesticated the Zoyot, a diminutive cousin of the mammoths of Kitlineq. These animals stand about six feet at the shoulder and weigh two thousand pounds, and perform many of the same roles as horses do elsewhere in the Great Ring.