STEPPE RACING

You have to walk before you can run. And before you can walk, you have to find your legs. Not all horses are the same, and not all of them will make for winning racehorse, so choose carefully! Depict a scenario in which your rider realizes their horse's potential of becoming a winning Steppe Racer.

Raw talent will only take you so far on the race course. To be a winner, a horse must be fit, fast, nimble and above all, well trained. Their rider must be dedicated, disciplined, patient and consistent. Being a Steppe Racer isn't just a hobby, or a career - it's a lifestyle. Depict your character and their horsein the early stages of training, demonstrating that they have the drive and passion to pursue status as a Master Steppe Racer.

Not every day will be one of positive development and progress, especially for an Initiate and their green mount. There will be blood, sweat and tears. But when the going gets tough, only the tough triumph. Depict how your character works through the bad days.

Raising a good sport horse means providing the best feed for it. Living in the northern territories or the desert can make this a challenge, and often requires traveling long distances for trade. Depict your rider setting out or making a trade for high quality feed.

Nothing gives a rookie rider a better feeling that their first significant win. The rush of adrenaline and pride in knowing that all your hard work and training has been fruitful. How does your rider react to their first win?

An unexpected storm has rolled in and the ground is now a muddy, slippery mess. This doesn't mean the race is cancelled however and the riders are called to lineup. Depict your rider navigating the other racers in the mud and the muck. Does their horse have good footing, or do they fall behind?

A bigger win record means bigger races. Your rider prepares to enter their horse in their biggest race yet. Depict how your rider, and their horse, handle nerves before a significant race.

Rules and regulations are few and far between in races held in the outskirt of civilization. The goal is to reach the finish line first, no matter how you get there. Cheating is common, and often dangerous. Does your rider play by the rules and avoid dirty tactics, or are they the one plotting an easy victory?

Winning is a thrill but loosing can create just as strong of emotions. Your characters were in the front of the herd when someone plays a dirty trick and trips your horse. Down to the ground you stumble, doing everything you can to not be crushed. What does your character do to redeem themselves (if they even can...)?

The Nether isn't a place many would be expect to have a major, invitational race, but the yearly ice run is a major event that can separate the good from the truly exceptional. Running on icy ground takes skill and footing that far differs from that of running on open plains. Depict how your horse and rider prepare and train for the ice run.

Not every race is a race for money or prizes, sometimes it is a race for life. While out training, you find that you and your horse have gotten the attention of a pack of wolves. With no weapon on hand, your only chance is to run. Either your horse's speed and stamina will win out, or the wolves will...

Sabotage is not uncommon in races. Often during the night prior to the race, opponents will attempt to steal or injure horses and damage a rider's tack. Because of this staying awake or having a guard present is almost necessary. How does your character protect their horse and belongings from ill doers? 

Racing isn't always just about speed, it's about endurance and pacing yourself. Nothing tests this more than the cross continent race held every year spanning from Haspar to Catatonia. Dense forest opens into wide plains, then quickly turns to harsh desert for a majority of the race. Depict your rider and their horse at any point in the race, from preparation, to hot desert days, to the great expanse of ocean that marks the finish line.

Not all races are held on flat terrain. Some of the more challenging ones include water, forests, and mountains and for these types of races you need a very sturdy and level headed horse. Does your rider dare to enter these challenging races?

Often horses are injured during races either because of footing, climate, or foul-play. Depict your rider treating an injury on one of their horses.

Half of winning a race is the preparation you put into it. How does your rider and horse prepare for a race?

You are racing in the desert and try to take a shortcut and find yourself lost. You are in a maze of canyon walls and can't find your way out. What happens? Daylight is beginning to run out and the frigid night is setting in.