Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2014 10:09:09 GMT -8
The Basics
Show Name: Letters to the Editor
Barn Name: Corvus
Age: 7 years
Gender: Gelding
Breed: Irish Sport Horse
Breed Registry: Irish Horse Register
The Appearance
Coat Color: Dapple Grey
Stable Color: Royal Blue
Height: 17.0 hh
The Personality
Personality:
Corvus is a bold horse, to say the least, strong and brave to the extreme. He is a gorgeous mover, and a beautiful dressage horse, but his power and mind give him the ability to compete in eventing, where he can push himself on the cross country course, and in the show jumping ring. That said, Corvus's talent comes with a price - the gelding is very difficult to handle. Once one knows how to ride him, he is fairly manageable when ridden with a strong rider, but his power needs to be focused, and his rider needs to have complete confidence in himself. On the ground, Corvus is a bit more unpredictable. He is often fine, and has decent manners, but he can be difficult to lead, and will sometimes strike out at his handler if they're not on their toes. So long as his handler and rider is confident and acts the part of alpha, Corvus stays in his place, but he will test people.
In the saddle, Corvus's rider needs to maintain strong contact at all times, with seat, legs, and hands. He needs a heavier handed rider than most horses won't tolerate, but will still become frustrated if his rider gets in his face too much. If contact is maintained and he is kept in hand, Corvus will perform beautifully, but once lost, he falls apart. He needs strong, clear aids to maintain focus. Though not often, Corvus will buck or rear occasionally, though for a rider who is experienced and used to it, it isn't really a big deal. In the pasture, Corvus tends to be near or at the top of the pecking order, and has been known to cause trouble if he isn't with horses that he's compatible with.
Caution Around: Him. One must always be on their guard around Corvus.
The History
Basic History:
Corvus was born in Ireland on a large farm, where he was raised and trained. Though the farm was known for producing great competition horses, Corvus was one among many young horses, all of whom required a lot of dedication. Therefore, his bad attitude and habits were allowed for the most part, as he wasn't disciplined properly in that respect. He showed great talent from a young age, and was competed lightly in Ireland. It was always planned that Corvus would be sold off as a young event horse, and it was only a matter of time before a trainer from America came to try horses, and snatched the young gelding up. Sure, he needed a bit of polishing, but he would be able to go far with the right rider.
Shortly before Corvus was imported to the United States, Fitz got in his cross country accident, and his mare was euthanized. After a period without riding, Fitz came back to the sport, and his parents, hoping to keep him interested and give him the best opportunities, decided to buy him a new horse. Fitz was hesitant, unwilling to replace his mare so quickly, but his parents and trainer wouldn't let up, and he began to try horses. Corvus was not the best horse that he tried - the others were willing, sweet, and safer - but for whatever reason, Fitz felt the least guilty riding Corvus. He was the polar opposite of his affectionate, willing mare, and he would have to work hard if he was going to get anywhere with this gelding. Corvus hardly seemed like a replacement for his last mount. Besides, Corvus had a streak in him that seemed a bit dangerous, and, a reckless, upset teenager, Fitz was drawn to that, convinced that he would be able to ride and win on this horse. A bit hesitant and doubtful about the match, Fitz's parents bought the horse - the only horse - that Fitz showed any interest in, and the two have been working together since. Their first rides weren't pleasant, but as they got used to each other more, they began to work better together, and they seem to have come to an agreement of sorts.
The Technicalities
Discipline: Dressage, Eventing
Owner: Fitz Westworth
Rider: Fitz Westworth