Hello. My name is RubyRae. I played this game throughout my adolescence and teenage years and am now returning as an adult player (to stay this time). I will do an overview of what breeding projects I am currently undertaking below. I’ve also included extensive fun facts for each of the breeds (and mythological creatures) from real-life that you can find in my breeding farms. I found much of this information to be super interesting and wanted to share with anyone else who may be interested in that sort of thing! Outside of Howrse, I enjoy gaming, reading, and watching movies, television, and anime. Many of my breeding lines were named based on my favorite books, animes, and other intellectual property.
Main Breeding Project: Lipizzans (aka Lipizzaner)
Breeding Farm: Mean Mug Lipizzans
Assigned Affix: MeanMugLipizzans
Fun Facts:
“The Lipizzaner horse is one of the oldest breeds in Europe. The breed got its start in 1580 when Archduke Charles of the Austro-Hungarian Empire established a stud farm in modern day Slovenia. Archduke Charles greatly desired to create a horse that was not only suited for war, but also for pulling carriages and performing in the manner of classical riding. The Renaissance had brought with it a rejuvenation of classical art and horsemanship was no exception. Riding was raised to an art form and became a necessary area of study for any nobleman. It was widely acknowledged at the time that Spanish horses were the best suited for classical riding. Using Spanish horses and the local Karst horses the Austrian-Hungarian Empire steadily developed the Lipizzan breed through the 17th and 18th centuries. The most well-known feature of a Lipizzaner is its iconic white coat, which was chosen because it was thought to best represent the imperial house. The result of this extensive, careful breeding was a horse that was not only beautiful to look at, but strong and athletic as well.”
Secondary Breeding Project: Mangalarga Marchadors
Breeding Farm: The other horses
Assigned Affix: None
Fun Facts:
“The Mangalarga Marchador is a Brazilian breed of riding horse. It is the national horse breed of Brazil, where there are more than half a million of them; it is among the most numerous breeds of riding horse in the world. They are used in virtually every equestrian discipline. It is most commonly used as a ranch horse, working with cattle, especially in North America and Brazil. It is also used as a trail horse and in various sports; these include but are not limited to: dressage, eventing, show jumping, endurance riding, long distance riding, mounted shooting, mounted archery etc. The list is endless. Their docile temperament makes them fit for leisure riding as well.”
Special Breeding Projects: Poitou Donkeys and Miscellaneous Unicorns
Breeding Farm: The other horses
Assigned Affixes: None
Fun Facts:
“Poitou donkeys are an old breed of donkey originating in the Poitou province of France. They’ve been bred since the Middle Ages and potentially are the descendants of donkeys brought to France (then Gaul) by the Romans. They are now widely valued as ideal sires for mule breeding.”
Fun Facts:
“Unicorns are mythical creatures that have been associated with many different meanings and symbols throughout history:
o In Celtic mythology, unicorns were seen as symbols of purity, innocence, and power. They were also said to have the ability to purify poisoned water with their horns.
o In Christian tradition, unicorns were associated with the Virgin Mary and her purity and innocence. Some writers interpreted the unicorn's relationship with a virgin as an allegory for Christ's relationship with the Virgin Mary.
o In Chinese mythology, unicorns were known as the "qilin" and were seen as symbols of good luck and prosperity.
o During medieval times, unicorns became a symbol of chivalry, protection, and courtly love.
o In modern times, unicorns have become associated with individuality, creativity, magic, and fantasy. They are often used as a symbol of empowerment.
o Early “accounts” unicorns often described them as ferocious, swift, and impossible to capture.
o Unicorns were a popular motif in medieval art and bestiaries.
o The tusks of narwhals, which were largely unknown in Europe in the Middle Ages, may have helped reinforce the belief in unicorns.”