Horses, the most common animal in fantasy (second place is raven, then rat, then wolf). You’d think, since they’re often central elements in the plot and present during a lot of the story, that authors would do some research on them, right?
Most often, wrong. Horses in fantasy (especially amateur fantasy, but even some published works) are treated like Jeeps with fur and legs.
This is wrong. And authors who do this should be kicked by a horse.
Horses are living creatures. They need sleep, food, water, proper care, and medical attention. Did you know that it can cost over $10,000 per year to own a horse?
Here are some of the most common problems I see with horses.
Travel: This is the main one. Too often, horses in fantasy are shown to be able to ride for hours or even days at full gallop over all terrain with no sleep and minimal food and water.
No. Just no.
Horses can keep going for a while, but not at full gallop. You might say that the Pony Express managed 2,000 mile-routes in 10 days. That is true. However, the riders did not use one horse the whole way. They got “fresh” horses every 10 miles at one of the Pony Express stations.
The main gait that traveling horses will use is likely the trot, which averages about eight miles per hour. A fit, healthy horse can sustain a trot for hours. However, due to the “bouncy” nature of the gait, it may be hard on the rider’s spine and will require some getting used to. The canter and gallop can reach speeds of 10-17 mph and 25-30 mph, respectively, but the horse can’t keep it up very long.
When it comes to different kinds of terrain, horses are capable animals, and can choose their own gait and path with little to no help from the rider. Because of this, the rider needs to let up on the reins and let the horse do the work. They can handle most terrain. Sand can be tricky, and wet grass with no rocks or sand mixed in to provide traction is treacherous. Cobblestones, especially when wet, are also hard on shod hooves. Water, unless it’s extremely cold or fast-flowing, is not an insurmountable obstacle for a horse. They will typically stop and inspect the water (as well as a lot of other things) first and then take tentative steps in. Despite all appearances, they are natural swimmers, and can go at it for several miles, although they will need rest and a warm blanket (sometimes referred to as a “rug” when talking about horses) afterwards. The rider will probably tire before the horse does, since he or she must dismount and swim alongside it. A horse’s legs will churn frantically while swimming, so the rider must take care to avoid them.
Horses can sleep standing up, but must lie down for at least a couple hours every several days to achieve their minimum requirement for REM sleep. Horses that don’t get this will become ornery.
As for jumping, horses should be able to clear 2-3 feet from a standstill or 5 feet with a running start.
Food and Water: Horses cannot graze on grass forever. If they are working or traveling, they will need some kind of specialized feed like hay or oats, which your characters will have to buy. Even if they’re at a standstill, they’d have to be a hardy breed to stand it for long. A horse that was originally wild might be able to keep going on grass for a while, though some special feed certainly wouldn’t hurt. But a royal warhorse? Forget it.
Horses shouldn’t go more than 12 hours without water, and typically will drink about 12 gallons a day, more if it’s hot or humid out.
Some people have said that horses can’t eat with bits in their mouths. This is not completely true. They can eat grass and treats with bits on, but when dealing with large amounts of hay or grain feed, they could choke, so it’s a good idea to take the bit out.
Equipment and Terminology: It takes a while to prepare a horse for riding, even longer if your character is arming it for a battle. It can take about 20 minutes to put all the equipment on a horse, maybe longer if the handler is inexperienced or the horse objects. There’s a lot of equipment involved. Riding bareback is an option, but it’s harder and more uncomfortable for both horse and rider. Typically your character would want the following:
The saddle, obviously, to provide a seat.
Stirrups to provide greater stability for the rider.
A halter, for leading a horse or tying it to a post.
A bridle and bit for guiding the horse while riding.
Reins for the rider to hold onto.
A breastplate may also be handy piece of equipment. Despite the name, it is not armor. It is a strap that attaches to the saddle and around the front of the horse. This prevents the saddle from sliding back during fast-paced activities.
Behavior: Cars do not have distinct personalities. Horses do. They are not just dumb animals. Some horses are docile and submissive, others are wild and headstrong, and still others are mischievous and sly. Some are friendly around strangers, others are more aloof. Make your character’s horse into more of its own character. Maybe his horse has a habit of creeping up behind him and nosing him in the back, or likes blowing in his face when he’s trying to sleep. Even if it can’t talk, it can still have a personality. Just watch the movie “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron”.
One last thing: Warhorses. It takes years of training to make a horse into a warhorse. Normal horses will typically not kick or bite an enemy. Normal horses will be freaked out by the noise and the smell of blood. Normal horses will be unaccustomed to the seemingly erratic movements of the rider as he or she uses, avoids, deflects, or is hit by weapons. Normal horses will want to get out of there.
With that being said, do horses right. Capice?
And while this article is mainly about horses, some it this information could also apply to other steeds. If you’re basing it off a real-life animal, research that animal. If it’s made-up, just don’t treat it like a machine (unless it actually is).
http://maxhelmberger.com/ecologyhorses.html
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