Writing About Writing About HorsesHorses

--getting to know your equine characters----getting to know your equine characters--

Christie Halle Devlinwww.halledevlin.com

Images in this presentation are copyrighted and are used under the “fair use” doctrineSection 107, U.S. Copyright law (see http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html)

I hope to help you:I hope to help you: Portray horses accuratelyPortray horses accurately Create interesting equine charactersCreate interesting equine characters Avoid common mistreatments:Avoid common mistreatments:

Horses are not motorcycles!Horses are not motorcycles! Horses are not furry people Horses are not furry people

The best way to write about something The best way to write about something is to understand the experienceis to understand the experience

My Qualifications

Our Hero Rides - to town

http://curlyr.blogspot.com/2007/12/vikings-are-losing-chill-down-champagne.html

• I'll illustrate horses within the context of a little story, starring:

Bænsóng Fjordî

--an intrepid adventurer known for his hijinks in the forest of Waäåæhl--

• Our story: Bae rides to town!

(exciting)

• What would Bae’s experience be like if he rode a real horse?

A little historical context…A little historical context…

Where Bae is in history can determine :Where Bae is in history can determine : How Bae will rideHow Bae will ride EquipmentEquipment Breed of horseBreed of horse How Bae uses his horseHow Bae uses his horse

Plow horsePlow horse War horseWar horse Pleasure horsePleasure horse

--Horse domesticated 5,000-6,000 years ago--Horse domesticated 5,000-6,000 years ago

their use has changed over that timetheir use has changed over that time

Historical Uses in Agriculture

•Collar invented ~700 (Oxen plowed before that)•Increased horse pulling power by 3-4 X!•Horse could pull as much as ox but faster•Their need for oats changed what was grown

•->three crop rotation

Advent of shoes ~1000 allowedhorses to work more

• Horses initially herded for meat and milk – Last of common herding animals to be tamed

• Why? Horses are bad!

• Not long after, people began riding and having them pull stuff– 1st chariots at least by 3,000 B.C.

Historical Uses of Horses in War

•War chariots ~3000 B.C•1st Mesopotamians, Then Egyptians

Greeks:

•~500 B.C. started riding/cavalry

•Xenophon•first to value breeding, confirmation, training and care

Stirrup invented ~300 A.D. (east)~700 A.D. (Europe)

Attila the Hun ~400 A.D. and ff.

Armor well-developed by ~1100

-stirrup helped rider take force of lance and stay in saddle

Picture credits:, The Complete Pony Book, The New Encyclopedia of Horses, The Compleat Horse

Horses in Religion

Norse gods rode horses--Thor rode 8-legged horse

Warriors often buried with their horse(s)

--Native American practice

Horse Variety

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=471121&in_page_id=1770

Different Types of Horses – Modern Breeds

These pics from www.worldofhorses.co.uk

Thoroughbred

Hanoverian

Peruvian Paso

Shire (draught)

Appaloosa

Different Types of Horses -- Ancient Breeds

Arab -- Arabia

Akhal-Teke – Turkmenistan (steppes)

The Mongolian Wild Horse (Przewalski's Horse) -- Mongolia

Fell Pony (related to European Wild Pony)

-- British Isles

What kind of horse would Bae have?

•Given that Bae is a warrior/knight in Europe in the early middle ages, probably something like this “Friesian”

•A little on the heavy side, but not draught•Shorter than modern Friesian

•Until ~1800, most horses were 13-15 hands (<5’ @ shoulder)

1 hand = 4 inches = common measure of horse height (other than cm)

Pic: http://equinerpgm.proboards51.com/index.cgi?board=stats&action=post&thread=269&quote=1199389317&page=1

So now we know what Bae’s horse looks like….

• Now Bae has to find and catch him….– Even if kept in a stall,

most horses turned out regularly to play….

– And of course, “Vedra” is out…

Wyoming wild horses from http://biology.usgs.gov/cro/ScienceInYourState/Wyoming/WY-brd.htm

How do horses think?

• The three lenses a horse sees the world through:

– FOOD– Tigers!– Herd

Photo credit: The Compleat Horse

Possible Horse Personality TraitsPossible Horse Personality Traits

DIRTY!!DIRTY!! Timidity/dominanceTimidity/dominance pushinesspushiness spookiness spookiness driven by stomachdriven by stomach AffectionatenessAffectionateness SpiritednessSpiritedness Willing to please?Willing to please? intelligence/clevernessintelligence/cleverness

These can apply to both other horses and These can apply to both other horses and peoplepeople

What do horses do in pasture?

Photo credits: The Compleat Horse (B&W) and http://fireflyforest.net/firefly/2005/08/24/green-grass-and-horses/ (color)

Photo credit: The Compleat Horse (B&W) and www.gla.ac.uk/external/EBF/ (color)

What do horses EAT?(it’s all about their tummies…or is it?)

Yes, horses love grass, hay and grain, but horses also will gnaw on other things…

For Entertainment • Each other's tails and manes (foals especially)• Tree bark• Wood• Wild onions (my horse loves them!)

and other non-grass plants• Your favorite flowers • Horse-poisonous plants

And yes, this can drive their owners batty!

• Ears– Go where attention

goes– "Pinned" =

annoyance/anger/ agression

– Floppy ears = relaxed/bored

How do horses express themselves?

This pic is from esc.rutgers.edu/publications/general/fs525.htm--good info page about horse behavior

More horse expressions• Muzzle/nostrils: how

they interact w/world– blow/sniff in greeting– snort at frightening

things– nuzzle in affection– nip in affection or

annoyance

– bare teeth/lunge/ pin ears to threaten or bite

– “flehmen" or "sniff-tasting”– yawn

More horse expressionsMore horse expressions EyesEyes

whites exposed when scaredwhites exposed when scared half-close when resting half-close when resting

Position of head/neckPosition of head/neck extended straight out = aggressionextended straight out = aggression raised = startled, excited raised = startled, excited hanging naturally = relaxed, contenthanging naturally = relaxed, content physical pleasure = raising/stretching out head physical pleasure = raising/stretching out head

and neck, twitching/tensing/extending upper lip, and neck, twitching/tensing/extending upper lip, half-closed eyes half-closed eyes

lowered to eat grass = happiestlowered to eat grass = happiest TailTail

swishes when annoyed, angryswishes when annoyed, angry up/flagged when excited and proudup/flagged when excited and proud does not wagdoes not wag

Horse Noises (pardon my Horse Noises (pardon my french)french) Neigh Neigh

loud! trills from high to low pitch, longloud! trills from high to low pitch, long head usually high, nostrils flaredhead usually high, nostrils flared when members of their herd leave or returnwhen members of their herd leave or return horses are not always neighing horses are not always neighing

WhinnyWhinny shorter he he he, higher pitchshorter he he he, higher pitch often for a known human comingoften for a known human coming Sometimes for other horsesSometimes for other horses

Horse Noises (continued)Horse Noises (continued)

Nicker Nicker short chuckle, very low pitch, quietershort chuckle, very low pitch, quieter Affectionate, happy, eagerAffectionate, happy, eager almost always when they think you're coming to almost always when they think you're coming to

feedfeed

When horses do When horses do not not make noisemake noise They don’t neigh often (not like dogs barking)They don’t neigh often (not like dogs barking) When they feel painWhen they feel pain When they’re frightenedWhen they’re frightened Wild-born horses neigh less than tame-bornWild-born horses neigh less than tame-born

Horse Parts

Photo Credit: The New Encyclopedia of Horses

Catching Horses

• How hard is Bae’s horse to catch?

Depends on:– the horse's

mood/personality– what the horse expects

will happen when caught– previous training– even well-trained horses

can sometimes be difficult to catch

Picture credit: www.antiquebottles.com/rl/tc/kickapoo.html

What do they do when they don't want to be What do they do when they don't want to be caught?caught? turn their head away turn their head away run awayrun away circle 'round youcircle 'round you dynamics with other horses importantdynamics with other horses important

Much easier to catch in stall or paddock Much easier to catch in stall or paddock most horses don't resist in stallmost horses don't resist in stall

Treats also workTreats also work

Catching HorsesCatching Horses

HalteringHaltering

How to lead a horse (in ascending order How to lead a horse (in ascending order of level of training) :of level of training) : HalterHalter Rope around neckRope around neck Pulling mane or forelockPulling mane or forelock They will just follow because you’re their They will just follow because you’re their

beloved master…beloved master…

GroomingGrooming

Now that Bae has his horse in hand, he Now that Bae has his horse in hand, he has to get him ready to ridehas to get him ready to ride First step: Groom horseFirst step: Groom horse

Why brush? Why brush? Dirt under tack can hurt horse, cause misbehaviorDirt under tack can hurt horse, cause misbehavior

Horse reactions to brushing varyHorse reactions to brushing vary Sensitive horse may avoid itSensitive horse may avoid it Most horses enjoy it,Most horses enjoy it,

Pick hoovesPick hooves Stones in hooves can bruiseStones in hooves can bruise Check for problems (i.e., thrush)Check for problems (i.e., thrush) Horses must be taught to pick up footHorses must be taught to pick up foot

Tacking UpTacking Up

Second Step: Tack upSecond Step: Tack upWhat kind of saddle, bridle, and other What kind of saddle, bridle, and other

tack would Bae use on Vedra?tack would Bae use on Vedra? Tack comes in dizzying varietyTack comes in dizzying variety Form follows function Form follows function

A different saddle/bridle for every A different saddle/bridle for every pursuitpursuit

Saddles, bridles, and bits all come in Saddles, bridles, and bits all come in different sizes, so you can fit your horsedifferent sizes, so you can fit your horse Bits are also designed for more or Bits are also designed for more or

less “control”less “control”

Tack Parts

Credit: The Complete Pony Book

Bits, bits, and more bits….

Tack Parts

What were saddles like before modern age?

• Medieval Knight’s Saddle:– Hay for seat

cushioning!– Enforces a standing

position• First “saddles”:

– Blanket or skin tossed over back

– Initially no girth– Native Americans

used similar

This is a historical reconstruction of a medieval saddle, produced by Wasson Artistry. This pic and reconstructions for sale at wassonartistry.com.

More ancient saddles

Bae Mounts!

Finally!

Picture credit:http://www.vikingsofmiddleengland.co.uk/combat.html

Riding• How much training to get

here?– For Vedra:

• About 90 days from “halter-broke” to “under saddle”

• 1-2 more years until not “green”, longer for higher-level training

• Lipizanner horses train for at least 6-8 years to get to “High School” Dressage

Horse TrainingHorse Training

Many different Horse Training MethodsMany different Horse Training Methods Rough methods common from Asian steppes to American Rough methods common from Asian steppes to American

westwest lasso tie horse struggles man wins horse submits – “broken”lasso tie horse struggles man wins horse submits – “broken”

Native American, Monty Roberts methodNative American, Monty Roberts method establishes man as horse’s leaderestablishes man as horse’s leader

speaking “equine” languagespeaking “equine” language focusfocus trust via relationshiptrust via relationship

Slow training from birthSlow training from birth Modern conventional methodModern conventional method Halter break baby, lunge at 1 year; ride at 2 or 3 yearsHalter break baby, lunge at 1 year; ride at 2 or 3 years

RidingRiding

How much training for Bae?How much training for Bae? 1 session to learn basics, a few weeks to be 1 session to learn basics, a few weeks to be

able to ride walk-trot-canterable to ride walk-trot-canter A few years to be “good”A few years to be “good”

Ride uncooperative horsesRide uncooperative horses Learn nuances of ridingLearn nuances of riding

basic riding cuesbasic riding cues

squeeze with both lower legs/feet = gosqueeze with both lower legs/feet = go pull back on reins = stoppull back on reins = stop press with one lower leg and pull with press with one lower leg and pull with

opposite rein = turn opposite rein = turn more advanced riders learn to use seat, more advanced riders learn to use seat,

weight, more refined w/reinsweight, more refined w/reins stay on horse by mixture of balance, stay on horse by mixture of balance,

gripping with thighs/knees, and stirrupsgripping with thighs/knees, and stirrups

Most difficult part for me: the seat Most difficult part for me: the seat sitting all the different gaits securely sitting all the different gaits securely staying balancedstaying balanced using my balance to direct the horseusing my balance to direct the horse

How does it feel when it's right?

• You're a jedi, the horse is the force

• You can feel and control all of him

• "Talking" contact through reins

• “Glued” to the saddle– your hips roll with his

back– Your legs wrap to his

sides• Every cell in your bodies

is connected• His mind is a subset of

your mind

This is a photo of Albano, a German Dressage horse, from http://www.oldenburghorse.com/Oldbrg-Success-Legends-Insert.htmm

How does it feel when it’s wrong?

• Disconnected– Your link with the horse is static-y – Horse’s body feels disjointed

• Stiff– Hoirse’s body is stiff– You get stiff (defensively)

• Makes you bounce photo credit: http://www.shawnolson.net/a/1166/the-tale-of-a-stubborn-horse.html

What’s it like for a new rider?What’s it like for a new rider? Unsteady! Unsteady!

hands/arms high and bouncyhands/arms high and bouncy Pull too muchPull too much stiff stiff legs bouncing against horse's sides, legs bouncing against horse's sides, bouncing on horse's backbouncing on horse's back

Also true for tense, experienced ridersAlso true for tense, experienced riders

tense rider tends to create tense horse tense rider tends to create tense horse relaxed rider can help relax a tense horserelaxed rider can help relax a tense horse

How does it feel to run?

• Not in full control• Hard to sit• wind can pull tears from your eyes

•horse is all motion•huge momentum•communal experience of speed

Picture credit: vanelsas.wordpress.com/2007/10/

Mix of Fear and Elation

How does it feel to ride a runaway horse?

can't sit easily

standing not as secure as sitting

not as much pulling power

can't steer the horse

can try to lean in the direction you think he'll go.

If you're wrong, you may fly!

Picture credit: www.gutenberg.org/files/23353/23353-h/23353-h.htm (also neat horse poetry!)

The Act of Riding• What makes the

difference between this …

And this?

Answer: How well the rider reads and reacts to horse

You can tell how the horse is You can tell how the horse is feeling about you…feeling about you…

Happy horses:Happy horses: Tip one ear back in order to pay closer Tip one ear back in order to pay closer

attention to riderattention to rider Relax Relax Generally quietGenerally quiet easy, flowing gaitseasy, flowing gaits content with speed rider asks forcontent with speed rider asks for

Frustrated horse:Frustrated horse: Generally bad Generally bad Hard to stop or keep goingHard to stop or keep going Tossing head/ high headTossing head/ high head JigJig Swishing tailSwishing tail Buck or rear Buck or rear

What makes them unhappy?What makes them unhappy? UncomfortableUncomfortable DistractionsDistractions Confusing directions from riderConfusing directions from rider

You can tell how the horse is You can tell how the horse is feeling about you on him…feeling about you on him…

What’s the worst that can happen on Bae’s ride?

worst things that can happen:Sure, Bae can fall off, but let’s make it interesting….

• horse spooks and bolts• galloping along and bridle

breaks • Horse can rear and fall back

over on you • horse is limping after a run

another horse decides he doesn't like the another horse decides he doesn't like the horse you're on, and kicks horse you're on, and kicks youyou! !

your horse stops too fast -- you end up your horse stops too fast -- you end up hanging in front of himhanging in front of him

All these things happened to good ridersAll these things happened to good riders could control the horse in normal situationscould control the horse in normal situations

What might Vedra do What might Vedra do while going down the while going down the road?road?

look at things aroundlook at things around try to eat passing greenerytry to eat passing greenery

tendency to do this varies from horse to tendency to do this varies from horse to horsehorse

**spook** **spook**

What do horses spook at?What do horses spook at?

Anything unfamiliarAnything unfamiliar Things that make noise Things that make noise Sudden motion or sound Sudden motion or sound WaterWater Pinto horsesPinto horses

why do horses spook?why do horses spook?

horses see differently horses see differently can't tell deep from shallow can't tell deep from shallow see things rider can’tsee things rider can’t

instinct to run from predators instinct to run from predators bad experiencesbad experiences breeding, individual tempermentbreeding, individual temperment

what horses do when what horses do when spookedspooked

look and blowlook and blow sidle away from it if on sidesidle away from it if on side little upward jump/land on splayed feet (if little upward jump/land on splayed feet (if

startled)startled) jump to the sidejump to the side refuse to get nearer to the spooky thingrefuse to get nearer to the spooky thing whirl aroundwhirl around turn and runturn and run

Bae’s Bae’s AdventurousAdventurous Ride to Ride to Town…Town…

A simple ride to town can become very exciting, A simple ride to town can become very exciting, just because a just because a realreal horse is in the picture horse is in the picture

----equine equine personalitypersonality

--different goals from Bae--different goals from Bae

--how Bae interacts with horse--how Bae interacts with horse

When making When making youryour equine characters: equine characters:

-research breed, training, setting-research breed, training, setting

-horse has will of his own -horse has will of his own