Post by Morgan Pendragon on Jun 26, 2012 22:50:34 GMT -5
Winged Horses
Often erroneously referred to as Pegasus or Pegasi, various breeds of the winged horse are found worldwide. While Pegasus was certainly the most famous of these magnificent creatures, he was not—contrary to popular legend—the genesis of the species. Winged horses can be found on nearly every continent, excluding Antarctica and Australia. Domesticating winged horses is about as easy as domesticating their un-winged counterparts, and many wizards breed these beauties for a living. They are useful for transport, and their feathers can be used as a wand core, although horse feathers are typically weak as a magical focus.
Standard show or racing breeds include Abraxan, Aethonan, and Granian. Thestrals—while also winged horses—are not generally bred, and most Thestrals are in fact wild, though not vicious. Owners of winged horses are required to cast disillusionment charms over their wings before travelling, except in the case of Thestrals, for obvious reasons.
Abraxan
Abraxan are the largest breed of winged horse. They are generally palomino in color, although sorrel, gray, and roan also occur. To be considered for show, Abraxan stallions must stand at least 17 hands high when mature, geldings at least 16.2 hands high and mares at least 16 hands. The head of an Abraxan is long and lean, with large eyes, set on a neck that is slightly arched and long in proportion to the body. The shoulder is deep and wide, the chest wide, the back muscular and short and the hindquarters long and wide. Smaller Abraxan under 17 hands, are generally preferred for working horses, while taller horses, especially those over 18.2 hands, are used for show. In addition to being show horses, Abraxan have an enormous capacity for weight pulling. In 1924, at a British exhibition, a pair of Abraxan were estimated to have pulled a starting load equal to 45 tons, although an exact number could not be determined. Abraxan are strong willed, however, and require forceful handling.
Aethonan
Strongly built, and compact yet elegant, Aethonans have long, thick manes and tails. They are the smallest of winged horses, ideally between 13.2 hands to 14.2 hands high. Their most common coat color is chestnut, although they can be found in many other colors. They are known for their intelligence, sensitivity and docility. Members of the breed have heads of medium length, with a straight or slightly convex profile. Ultra convex and concave profiles are discouraged in the breed, and are penalized in breed shows. Necks are long and broad, running to well-defined withers and a massive chest. They have a short back and broad, strong hindquarters with a well-rounded croup. The breed tends to have clean legs, with no propensity for blemishes or injuries, and energetic gaits. The mane and tail are thick and long. When treated with respect they are quick to learn, responsive, and cooperative. Aethonans are widely used for show, especially dressage competitions. The Aethonan breed has over the centuries been consistently selected for athleticism, and their intelligence and endurance makes them an excellent choice for long journeys.
Granian
Granian horses have a small, short, refined head with a straight profile, and a strong, well-muscled body, featuring a broad chest and powerful, rounded hindquarters. They usually stand between 14 and 16 hands high, some horses may grow as tall as 17 hands. There are two main body types: the stock type and the hunter or racing type. The stock horse type is shorter, more compact, stocky and well muscled, yet agile. The racing and hunter type horses are somewhat taller and smoother muscled than the stock type. Granian horses come in nearly all colors. The most common color is sorrel, a brownish red, part of the color group called chestnut by most breed registries.
Granian race horses are bred to sprint short distances ranging from 220 to 870 yards. Thus, they have long legs and are leaner than their stock type counterparts, but are still characterized by muscular withers and powerful wings. Granian horses race primarily against other Granians, and their sprinting ability is unmatched. The show type is slimmer, with a longer wingspan. White Granians are favored for showing. Granians are lively and unruly, but friendly. When training one, the handler must be affectionate, yet stern.
A Note About Thestrals
Due to their many unique features, Thestrals will be covered in a separate lesson. These enigmatic beasts are so different from other breeds of winged horse that it would be a mistake to lump them in with the others.
Assignments
The graphorn pen from last lesson has been reconfigured into three smaller pens and a small corral. Each of the pens holds two or three specimens each of one type of winged horse.
The graphorn pen from last lesson has been reconfigured into three smaller pens and a small corral. Each of the pens holds two or three specimens each of one type of winged horse.
Years 1-3: Feed, water, brush or otherwise care for an Aethonan horse. If you’re feeling up to it, you may fly them, as long as you return them to their pen afterward. DO NOT disturb either the Granians or the Abraxan.
Years 4-5: The gate into each pen has a blank placard upon it. Label each placard with the correct type of winged horse. Determine if the Granians—in particular—are stock, racing, or show horses. For extra points, race the Granians, making sure the animals are treated respectfully and returned afterward. DO NOT remove the Abraxan from their pen.
Years 6-7: There are several large, fluorescent-colored boulders around the grounds. Using the Abraxan, haul them to the shore of the lake. Brush them afterward and give them a treat if they behaved well.
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