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Marrgerd: 9 --- Grimrun: 14

Relevant Photograph

The advancement of civilization is said to be integral to the introduction and use of the horse, and the gentrified kingdom of Salsola has adopted this stance heartily. Horses have been traded, captured, and raised by the Thistle Kingdom since its inception, often seen as a mark of wealth, rank and status. It is for this reason that gifting horses has remained a popular tradition amongst members, some of whom even do so to the general pack itself.

Beyond those horses owned directly by Salsola or its members, the pack shares the rights to a great number of wild roaming horses with neighboring coyote clan Inferni. Known as the Drifter Bay Herds, many of these horses were seized and turned loose in the aftermath of the Boreas Conflict. Their steadiness in number has become a dependable source of wealth for both the Thistle Kingdom and their coyote allies, furthering the equine prevalence that is a staple of Salsolan culture.

2.1  Member Use

Any Family-ranked member or above is permitted to use communal horses for their own personal use¹. This could be for something as simple as a pleasure ride or as long-term as an extended trip to the Outpost/a lengthy infiltration beyond the borders. There is no required protocol for an individual using a communal horse, though letting others know of their absence is usually a good idea.

There are several types of tack available for members who do not have their own, though this is largely very basic and rustic — a few notable saddles claimed as spoils are often the first to go when horses are being used.

Though by and large a “first come first serve” basis exists, there are undoubtedly favored animals and higher-ranking members may not be so pleased about not getting to use their favorite horse. A character should consider their intended use of the horse when choosing which one to take, as taking a hot-blooded cavalry horse to drag logs is not an especially good use of their skills.

The Equniest will gladly point out these specifics when asked, and can help direct members to a horse that best suits their purpose (or riding level).

2.2  Training

Salsola prides itself not only on the appearance of its horses but in their behavior as well. Following guidelines laid down by Boss Salvia Eternity, the Equinest and Vaqueros work with the communal horses of the pack to enhance their natural strengths and increase their value to the Kingdom. Though individuals often use various training techniques certain universal commands are taught to every horse and (generally) every horse is broken to saddle and reins. By and large, all Salsolan horses know to return to their barn of origin and also to come on command.

• Leg Commands: [go, left, right] These signals are given by the rider to the horse by means of pressure applied by the heel or calf (kicking or squeezing). Increasing pressure will increase speed, though not all horses will be inclined to exert themselves for a hesitant rider.
• Hand Commands: [stop, left, right] Given to the horse by means of reins. Salsola's horses are especially responsive to these commands, for many have been raised for this purpose since birth and have very sensitive mouths. While most horses respond best to split reins, some are also capable of neck or single-handed reining. Most of Salsola's tack consists of hackamores, which do not make use of mouth-bits.
• Voice Commands: [“whoa”, *clucking* (faster), “back”] Though a variety of tongues are spoken within Salsola, for universality of training the horses of Salsola are taught singular verbal commands in the common-tongue. This allows for freeing up of the hands of the rider, such that they may wield a weapon or tool on horseback whilst maintaining basic control over the animal.

Specialty Training

• Warhorses: The most fearless of Salsola’s stock are pulled for the purpose of combat and defense. These animals require the most intensive training of all, as they need to fulfill multiple (often complex) tasks, and the consequence of disobeying is often direct harm to the horse or rider. They need to be stoic and fearless in nature, and especially responsive to all manner of rider cues.
  • Cavalry style: Though all co-ranked riders of warhorses are considered a part of the Salsolan Cavalry, some warhorses are better equipped at this style of mass combat than others. These are usually the lighter, faster builds, and are trained to dash in, deal damage, and dash out.
  • Knight style: A heavier build of horse enables a rider to wear armor and carry more weapons. Understandably, these animals are usually slower and less agile than their cavalry comrades, and are trained more in singular combat - often they are taught to fight alongside their rider, using hooves and teeth against the enemy.

• Transport (Cart/Sled Pulling): Docility and pliability are key requirements in horses that are used for cart/wagon/sled transportation. They need to be sensible and calm enough to work in a team, often with one to three additional horses hitched to the same vehicle. Speed is an additional boon, though not necessary.
• Messenger: Occasionally, a horse may be born with such boons of speed that it is suitable as a ‘messenger’ mount. These animals are trained exclusively for swiftness, and utilized as a quick go-between for Salsola proper and its outreaching territories, such as the Salsolan Trade Outpost.
• Labor: Chosen for their size and strength, these horses are fitted and trained in hauling weight, often to move raw materials or debris. They are crucial in any large-scale construction, such as building or repairing a dwelling with heavy logs felled in the Pine Barrens or beyond. The sheer strength of these horses sets them apart from their fellows, though they are often too placid/slow/dimwitted to be trained for use as a Warhorse. Most Labor-style horses can also be ridden, but expect a slow and leisurely ride (some might even say ‘plodding’)!

2.3  Breeding

An important part to the growth of Salsola’s herds is tied to the breeding of horses, both in the well-thought out members of a selective breeding program or to the pairing of foreign animals to spread new blood.

Members are permitted the use of horses for breeding upon approval from the leadership. Often there is some sort of exchange for these rights, especially when it comes to the use of a broodmare — sometimes this is as simple as providing supplies, other times it may require specific requests from the pack leaders.

The Pauson Horse

A silver-black Pauson horse, by Alaine

A several-year ongoing project begun in 2012 and spearheaded by Boss Salvia Eternity to develop a distinctive, hardy Northern breed, the Pauson horse is Salsola’s unique creation. Noted for their pale mane and tails, dappled coats, enhanced agility and sturdy footing, these valuable animals are the pride of the Thistle Kingdom.

The Pauson breed is heavily influenced by the wild northern horse populations in Nova Scotia, but also maintains a direct bloodline traceable back to purebred Rocky Mountain stock. The Pauson standard is generally considered to be a Baroque horse, and is agile but sturdy. The standard coloration of the Pauson horse is most commonly referred to as a Black Silver dapple. This refers largely to the horse's’ mane and tail, which must be flaxen and of a lighter color than the base coat. True breed-standard horses are preferred to have a dark grey/charcoal/black coat, with a silvery mane and tail. Typically, the appearance of lighter rings (dapples) of hair occurs in these dark pelts to varying degrees - some animals may have noticeable dappling, while others may appear as flat, uniform color.

For as long as Salsola has coveted horses, it has also kept livestock. The ability to raise a sustainable source of food and raw materials helped Salsola in establishing supplies for its trade routes, as well as allowing for a larger stable population of Luperci within the territory itself. The development of a rural agricultural lifestyle has allowed for many Salsolans to spend the time that they would otherwise had spent hunting for their meals instead honing specialisations in skill and craft.

• Sheep: Raised for both meat and fiber, these hardy animals have long served as some of Salsola’s most common trade fodder. Their wool is harvested yearly.
• Chickens: Over the years an assortment of colorful and curious birds have joined the flock. There is a special coop for the chickens, though many seem to find their way outside of this and can be found dotting the landscape around Marrgerd.
• Rabbits: Known for quick reproduction, it only seemed natural for Salsola to begin keeping an easy source of fur and small meals. Unfortunately, these rabbits are quite inbred — they all look exceptionally similar. Good news is, they still taste great!
• Pigs: Mostly used for food, there are rarely very many pigs in Salsola for long. Spring piglets will usually live out the summer before being turned into meals.
• Goats: The breeds that formed these goats were meant for fiber, and have unique silky fur of varying colors. Though sometimes used for trade, they are often kept within the pack. When harvested, their shorn fur makes exquisitely soft material and thread. Beware their feisty temperaments, however!
• Cattle: Salsola has a limited number of cattle, the majority of whom are long-haired and used for wool and milk.
  • Though not technically a cow, Bojangles the yak is normally grouped in his with bovine brethren. A gentle giant, “Bo-Bo” is a favorite of pups in the pack and known for his role as the "Yuletide Yak".
• Other: Unique animals are often seen as status symbols, affording them value within The Thistle Kingdom. In particular, a lone peacock roams the vast terrain of Salsola, and is a relic from the original founders of the Kingdom.

Trade notations are located with each animal, though for specific questions regarding the use of animals please contact the Salsola Leadership.

Beyond live animals, the barns of Salsola help to provide a variety of goods including meats, wool, leather, and feathers. These supplies are often transported to the Goods Storage by helpful members (especially those wanting a first-choice when it comes to these materials).