The Horses of the Cavalry
Corki's Warhorse
Horse's Name: Mr. Ed
Weapon: War Horse of the Cavalry
Date of Acquisition: June 3, 2005
Mr. Ed is a grey Arabian Horse, a colour quite rare for this breed since they are usually bay or chestnut. Standing at just under 15 hands tall, he is a fearsome creature, sending fear into his enemy. Arabian Horses are said to be brave, spirited and intelligent - all 3 qualities that Mr. Ed possesses, which makes him a feared warhorse. His bravery means he isn't afriad of anything; his spirit means he is ready for anything the enemy may throw at him; his intelligence allows him to get used to his surroundings quickly, and extremely alert. Arabians are known to be "hot-headed". However, with several months of training behind them, and many more in the future, rider and horse are becoming one, making them a deadly team.
As an Arab Horse, Mr. Ed has a small head with concave profile, large eyes to help him see. and small muzzle. His neck is arched, his shoulder sloping, wit a strong level back, his hindquarters and legs are strong. His tail is carried high. He is fast and has a free action, plenty of stamina, making Mr. Ed ideal for the battle ground.
Why an Arabian Horse? I chose an Arabian as they had all the qualities I was looking in my Warhorse - the grey colour coat; an intelligent horse; a horse with a fiery temper; a tale horse. Everything, and more, that a leader could want.
Mr. Ed does seem a strange name for a horse, but that was the winning option as chosen by the Cavalry and the Band of the Red Hand at his naming ceremony. Corki's enemies may laugh at the name before a battle, but once the battle is over, it is no laughing matter anymore. When Mr. Ed is in full flow, it is a sight to behold - a marvel of this world.
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Name: Maestro
Weapon: War Horse of the Cavalry
Date of Acquisition: November 1, 2005
Maestro is a dun colored Andoran Quarter Horse. He is larger than the average horse at 17 hands, and is very well trained. He will not let anyone handle him unless they are obviously well trained in horse care, or it is during a battle. The only exception is if I give him the nod for OK, or sometimes he will let the rider on and buck them off to teach them a lesson. He is a good natured horse which likes to play jokes on me- he will come when I whistle, but if he senses it is not a dire situation, he will just trot right on by and run to Sheli since I made the unfortunate mistake of trusting my sugercube stash to her care!
His body parts are all normally proportioned, and apart from being large and well trained, he is a normal horse.
I chose him as my horse because I didn't want the stereotypical fierce black stallion, and dun really goes well with my orange.
Horn's Second Warhorse (Gift from the Cav)
Name: Nocturne
Weapon: War Horse of the Cavalry
Date of Acquisition: 6 March, 2007
Nocturne, a Black Freesian, was given to me as a present by the Cavalry during the closing ceremony for the Feast of Lights, the Band's first Festival. Nocturne is all black except for a small silver diamond shaped patch of fur on her chest. That fur is a result of a tattoo ter'angreal which we both share which gives me the gift of empathy with my horse, almost the same as a Bonding. Nocturne is 14 hands tall and specializes in her swiftness.
Name: Maestra
Weapon: War Horse of the Cavalry
Date of Acquisition: February 1, 2006
She is smaller than her brother but looks the same other than that. She is gentle and she will let you scratch behind her ears but you can't ride her if I tell her it's okay.Weapon: War Horse of the Cavalry
Date of Acquisition: January 2, 2006
Why did I choose a Lipizzan in particular? For one, their grace and beauty is astounding! To see one in motion, is to see a touch of heaven, for only in motion does their true beauty shine! In addition, this breed was created and intended for use in the Cavalry in Roman times, and their adaptability makes them prime for life in the go, roaming as we do in the Band.
She is well-trained, and has a spirited nature that does not allow many to ride her. She knows who her mistress is, however she is easy natured enough to allow others to come near and touch her, but woe to the person who desires to bully or master her by force, for she will stand her ground, look her opponent in the eye, and prepare for battle!
Her former name was brought about by the fact that I am the Band's Resident Nurse, and when given names for her, there was a decidedly medical theme, and the name the band chose for me was Syringe! Her pure white beauty matching my pure white uniform, made us a great team, for together, we made the Cavalry look good
Now, however, since I have retired from my stint as The Nurse, I have had to rename my beautiful War Horse, to suit my more gentile side as the Lady Sheliara, rider of Silken Kiss. And yes...together, we STILL make the Cavalry look good
Weapon: War Horse of the Cavalry
Date of Acquisition: January 26, 2006
He will willingly take treats from most women, as he is a tremendous flirt, though he will only allow two people to ride him, Myself, and my Bonded, Leane.
He is respectful to the mounts of higher ranking officers, and looks after the mounts of lesser ranking officers, teaching them the ways of being a true Warhorse of the Cavalry of the Band of the Red Hand.
It should also be noted that I did not choose Stumpy. HE chose ME. He is tollerant of the other regiments, though he will not pass up the chance to make them look the fool through a well timed prank.
His personality is mostly Anti-social with homicidal tendencies. He likes to go hunting and has killed his fair share of Trollocs. Rusty doesn't play well with others, but understands the chain of command. Be careful trying to touch Rusty since I have to tell him you are ok and shouldn't be killed.
The Friesian Horse is the Destrier, the Warhorse, of the 13th and 14th century Continental Knights. They were used extensively in the Cavalry units of Europe. The Breed originates and is mainly bred today in Frisia in the Netherlands, though they are also bred in the United States and Australia. The generally recognized best still coming from the Netherlands. They are somewhat smaller now than they were then, as they have no need to carry large men with 60 pounds of armour any longer, and were reduced in size for the more agile cavalry units which came later. The breed is a Warmblood and and they are excellent saddle as well as driving horses.A six horse team of Friesians pulling a wagon is an amazing sight to see. As is a rider putting one through it's paces in Dressage competion. They have a distinctive high stepping front action and the ground they cover with the drive from the rear is enormous and breathtaking to see.
History and Origin of the Breed
The Friesian Horse originated in Friesland, one of twelve provinces of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Holland), situated in the northwest of Europe. Friesland is an old country dating to 500 B.C., when the Friesians settled along the cost of the North Sea. They were tradesmen, seafarers, farmers and horse breeders.
The Friesian horse descends from the Equus robustus. During the 16th and 17th centuries, but probably also earlier, Arabian blood was introduced, especially through Andalusian horses from Spain. This has given them the high knee-action, the small head and the craning neck. Because of his temperament the Friesian horse is considered warm blooded. The Friesian horse has been kept free from influence of the English Thoroughbred. During the last two centuries it has been bred pure. Breeding horses and dealing in them was very important for the Friesians. The monks in the many monasteries in Friesland before the reformation did a lot of horse breeding. Through the centuries the Friesian Government has made many regulations in order to safeguard good breeding. Now the Dutch Horselaw of 1939 (modified) gives rules for studbook and breeding.
From records of the past we know that the Friesian horse of old was famous. There is information from as early as 1251 and there are books in which Friesian horses were mentioned and praised from as early as the 16th century.
Armored knights of old found this horse very desirable, having the strength to carry great weight into battle and still maneuver quickly. Later, its suppleness and agility made the breed much sought after for use in riding schools in Paris and Spain during the 15th and 16th centuries. Before an elegant carriage this breed has few rivals, and throughout Europe the royal courts used them as coach horses.
An excellent trotter, the Friesian was used for racing short distances in Holland, the winners being awarded silver or golden whips. Today in Friesland there are may carriage events and often the sjees, the Friesian form of the chaise,are seen. This unique two-wheeled cart may be drawn by one or two horses, and aboard are a gentleman and a lady dressed in the traditional costumes of the 1880s. The sjees is one of the few carriages in which the driver is seated on the left; his lady occupies the right-hand side, the place of honor. Four-in-hand carriages are common and as many as ten-in-hand can be seen in front of light carriages. These large, unusual hitches used for demonstration purposes are becoming very popular. The Friesian people take great pride in the natural ability of their black horse in harness.
Lady Bridmorgan's Warhorse
Name: Aragorn
Weapon: War Horse of the Cavalry
Date of Acquisition: 16th November 2006
Aragorn is a 17 hand, bay Dutch Warmblood stallion. He was given to my by my beloved brother and sister on the day of my Knighting.
Characteristics of the Dutch Warmblood:
Dutch Warmblood horses average about 16.2 hands with some reaching 17 hands. Coat colors are chestnut, bay, black or gray with white markings often on the face and legs. The head is well shaped, usually with a straight profile, and the neck is arched and well muscled, merging neatly into the withers, which are fairly prominent. The back is straight and fairly long, with the croup short, broad and flat. The tail is set high. The chest of this horse is deep and full and the shoulder is well sloped. The legs are strong with a long forearm. Hind quarters are powerful and highly muscled, a characteristic inherited from the original and powerful farm horses of the Netherlands and a feature necessary for strong movements.
Sport Horse
Dutch Warmbloods are bred to perform in dressage and show jumping at the highest level. These horses are appealing modern horses, with great eagerness, reliability and intelligence.
I choose the Dutch Warmblood for it's loyalty, athleticism, intelligence, and ability to do almost anything. Besides...they're gorgeous!
Lord K'Jar's Warhorse
Name: Little John
Weapon: Warhorse of the Cavalry
Date of Acquisition: December 12, 2006
He is an 18 hand Clysdale from Scotland. In the Middle Ages this breed of horse was used as both a draft and war horse. They are very strong but also have a gentle temperment. I chose this breed because of their size and because of where they originate.
Lady Angyl's Warhorse
Name: Halo
Weapon: Warhorse of the Cavalry
Date of Acquisition: December 2006
Halo is a white Arabian, standing at 15.5 hands high. Arabians have a reputation for intelligence, high spirits, and outstanding stamina; and Halo is no exception.
Sir Son of Battle's Warhorse
Name: Orion
Weapon: Warhorse of the Cavalry
Date of Acquisition: October 2, 2006
Orion is a Tobiano Paint
Standing just shy of 15 hands tall
Aside from his beautiful markings, his breed is prized for their athletic ability, and agreeable disposition.
He is fully trained as a warhorse and while quite spirited, he is generally easy natured
Sir Direwolf Jon's Warhorse
Name: Storm Dancer
Weapon: Warhorse of the Calvary
Date of Acquisition: March 4, 2007
Storm Dancer is a Fresian Gelding that stands at 16 hands. The Fresians were bred in the middle ages as war horses for knights, but now are bred a little smaller and come mostly from the Netherlands. His temperament is a lot like mine, loves to run free, is very fast and loyal too. I choose this breed because of the size, appearance, temperament and agility. Storm Dancer also knows how to handle his bandy just like me.
Sir Dicetosser01's Warhorse
Name: Sir Bunyan
Weapon: Warhorse of the Calvary
Date of Acquisition: July 16, 2007
Bunyan is a 17 hand, black and white pinto Dutch Warmblood. The pinto coloring is a rarity in Warmbloods and prized for their striking patterns.
Characteristics of the Dutch Warmblood:
The Dutch Warmblood averages 16.2 hands but can reach up to 18 hands at the withers. An eager, reliable, and intelligent breed, these horses were bred to be first class dressage and show jumping horses, but do well in pleasure and almost any kind of riding. Its coat can be chestnut, bay, black, or grey with white markings. Dutch Warmbloods are known for their enormous scope for jumping. Many Dutch Warmbloods are seen at Class A hunter shows all across the United States. Many champion hunters in the United States are Dutch Warmbloods. Stallions have to pass rigorous tests to be bred. They are judged on temperment, athletic ability, aptitudes, and intelligence as well as conformation and movement.
Descendants of the powerful farm horses of old, this breed makes a magnificent Warhorse, due to it's athleticism, strength and intelligence.
Its more a case of the breed fitted the horse then me choosing the breed.
The main thing to remember is that Sir Bunyan (Bunyan for short) and I are a team of equals and our bond allows us to pretty much read each others minds and moods. He can be moody at times
Lady Stefania's Warhorse
Name: Queen Spamalot
Weapon: Warhorse of the Calvary
Date of Acquisition: October 12, 2007
Andalusian horses have been esteemed for their quality and appearance since Roman times. In the Middle Ages, the Andalusian was the favored mount for European nobles. The Andalusian was a major influence on the Lipizzaner breed in the 1500's. More recently, it was used as a cavalry mount.
Physical Description
Queen Spamalot has a distinguished appearance, appearing fair in color but with a dark patch upon her right hind leg. She is a compact horse with excellent proportions, standing just shy of 15 hands. Her mane and tail are abundant.
Andalusians as a breed are renowned for their ability to learn and a superb temperament. Queen in particular possesses a calm, contented humor, seeming to wait placidly for her rider's command and to flow seemlessly from rest to action. In battle, however, she is relentless, pursuing a goal with marked endurance and focus.
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