[♥ soft]

Range Trotters are the result of crossbreeding Orlov Trotters, Finnhorses, Welsh Cobs (section C & D) and Hanoverians. Later crosses of Quarter Horses, Paint and Appaloosas to gain color and to give a boost to their hardiness. With a height average of 13-15 hands, they're a hardy breed with characteristics for various disciplines.

Created for use as work, carriage and leisure riding horses originally, they now serve as long-distance range horses, such as work with Park Rangers and mounted officers.

Willing and eager personalities, most are quickly trained to be bombproof and therefore trusted mounts in all lines of work; some are being seen in local show jumping competitions, others are notably used in therapeutic sessions for their calm temperaments. Harness races and endurance trials are common for the breed, as they are able to sustain an extended trot without tire. Cross-Country competitions see some of the taller Trotters, but due to their cob lineage this is still uncommon.

Despite the variety of competitions and work these horses are being seen in, they are still famously skilled as endurance racers. Many competitors have chosen Range Trotters due to their tireless work ethic, as well as the ease in which they can be trained. Many have become champions in endurance trials, and they have quickly become a sought after breed for their natural ability.

/confetti ♥ x

You're on the trail with this horse when a low branch snaps loudly ahead, spooking the rest of the group.
Horses scatter, riders shout - chaos everywhere. Does this trotter;
a) Bolt after another horse in a panic
b) Freeze up and need reassurance
c) Step calmly to the side while the group gets back under control and waits for instructions

In 200 words or less, please explain what your selection says about this trotter and it's relationship with it's rider c:
End Date: Thursday, 24 April 2025 AEST

Username: arcadia.
Show Name: wr’s kelpie chaser
Barn Name: bayala

Gender: mare
Height: 15.1hh
Eye Color: verdant fern
Phenotype: Sooty Sable Champagne Surgeon's Coat Tobiano
Genotype: Ee Aa Scsc Chch Stysty ToTo

- Dominant for Tobiano (To_), will always produce Tobiano foals

[arcadia.]

Username: arcadia.
Show Name: wr’s kelpie chaser
Barn Name: bayala
Gender: mare
Height: 15.1hh
Halter Color: artist’s choice
Option: b <3
Explanation:

the branch snaps, loud and sudden, and everything erupts. horses bolt, riders shout, the forest alive with panic. but she stops. freezes.

i feel it through the reins—every muscle in her body tight, trembling. she doesn’t run. she just stands there, locked in fear.

i don’t pull. don’t push. i just breathe, slow and steady, trying to be the calm she can lean into.

"it’s okay," i say, quiet. "you’re okay, bayala.”

her ears flick, but she doesn’t move. the others crash through the trees, their fear contagious, but she stays rooted, waiting—for safety, for direction.

i keep my hand light, legs soft. her sides rise and fall, sharp at first, then slower. i talk to her, not saying anything important. just letting her know i’m here.

her head lowers a little. a blink. a shift. tiny signs, but i see them. she’s coming back to me.

the fear isn’t gone, not fully, but she’s listening now. trusting me to lead when she can’t move on her own.

[GlitchTheMarker]

Username: GlitchTheMarker
Show Name: My Cross To Bear
Barn Name: Chapel
Gender: stallion
Height: 13.3hh
Halter Color: artists choice!
Option: b
Explanation: chapel is a bit of a skittish boy by nature. he's always been a little nervous, especially about new things and noises, but he trusts his rider absolutely. he stops dead and waits to be reassured by his rider, his entire body tense and waiting. after some pats and calming words, chapel is able to relax and trust that his rider knows best. if his rider isn't panicked, he doesn't need to be either. but sometimes it is nice for chapel to get some reassurance and pats when he is particularly brave about something.

i apologize if im late!

[♥ soft]

the winner is arcadia !!
i loved your vivid imagery, immediately plunging me into the chaos, and subtle details such as ear flicks and slowing breaths, demonstrating the growing trust between horse and rider. the rider's calm breathing, soft hands and quiet words told a genuine partnership. you have a gift for storytelling, if you write more about bayala please share! ♥

GlitchTheMarker you came in just after the closing time so i couldn't judge your entry officially but it was a lovely glimpse of chapel's skittish but trusting nature. i loved "if his rider isn't panicked, he doesn't need to be either." and he got some reassurance and pats. what a good boy! c: thankyou for your wholesome entry, please continue to enter in future competitions ♥