Sooty
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Portrait |
 Credit: Picture from Pixabay |
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Overview |
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Affiliations |
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General |
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Personality |
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Sooty is spirited and lively, born of mixed Spanish and Thoroughbred stock. He is made to run and go fast, and has a boundless amount of energy. He can get restless if cooped up, and needs a job to do to stimulate his mind and cool his head. He is intelligent and capable of understanding many tasks, but isn't always willing. He requires a strong hand to work with him, albeit one that is gentle and sensitive to his past traumas. Sooty adores a long leash. He is a big lover of freedom, and can have a tough time working with a handler. This prancing pony is independent and free-spirited, and quickly loses patience with those who can't keep up with him. He can be overbearing and pushy to those who show weakness, and downright aggressive around males who don't earn his respect. Though he doesn't kick or bite excessively, he'll put on a show of pinning his ears, lifting his feet and baring his teeth. Finally, as expected of a stallion, Sooty is extremely protective around mares. He is possessive and easily made jealous, and will try to herd them even if separated or tied away from them. Other studs he will challenge on sight, fighting them no matter how much bigger or stronger they are. |
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Appearance |
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Sooty is a stocky, short stallion at 14.3 hands, with a thick-crested neck, deep chest, and good amount of drafty bone. His body is full of rounded muscle, with a Baroque look hearkening back to his Andalusian and Spanish Mustang ancestors. He has a refined, elegant muzzle with delicate ears, and flaring nostrils that suggest hot-blooded heritage. His eyes are wide and soulful, and a dark orange-brown that spark with unspoken energy. His tail is high-set, often whisking left and right to swat at flies or other biting insects. The deep, burnished gold of his coat fades to black points, and a black-and-brown dappling that covers his back and face. His mane is dark, as is his tail, and both are unkempt-looking and thick. Sooty possesses no brands to mark who he might've belonged to, or where he might have come from. He does possess several spur marks on his sides, and healed-over marks on his hips and shoulders where a whip was liberally used. His feet and stance are healthy and lacking fault, and he has a straight profile when viewed from the side. He often trots with his head held high and an alert expression, and will toss his head and paw if agitated or bored. He has a tendency to dance in place if left tied or told to stand for a while. |
Relations |
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Immediate Family |
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* denotes relation is unknown to character
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Extended Family |
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* denotes relation is unknown to character
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History
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Sooty was born in Portland to a horse trader, bred to create a fast, endurance-based horse that would be good for messengers and quick travel. He was raised in a busy part of the settlement, never seeing much grass or the world beyond in his first few years. Always spirited and hot-blooded due to his heritage, he was a difficult foal, often challenging his handlers and squabbling with other youngsters. It didn't help that the hands of the Luperci that raised him were rough, bearing whips and spurs to beat obedience into their stock. The result was a resentful colt that learned to fight against his betters. Sooty's training was uneventful and standard for a horse of his type. Despite his rebellious spirit and the harsh methods of training he was subjected to, Sooty learned how to be worked. He began riding work at three years of age, and was greenbroken by four-and-a-half years. From there, he was used as a messenger's horse, swift of foot and able to go long distances without getting tired. He was often rented out and passed from handler to handler, some gentler than the last. His last one was particularly abusive, and after he became drunk and whipped Sooty into a gallop, the horse threw his rider. The animal then took off into the wilderness, escaping from a life of servitude and demanding masters. In November of 2023, Sooty came across a stray chestnut mare named Kicks-A-Lot. She allowed him to remain in her presence, and the two have been together ever since. |