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11.30.2006-Elenia is born.

Over half a century ago, a vision was born to create a very special horse. A magical, almost mythical, colorful, compact, small Draft horse. A horse powerful enough to pull the decorative caravans the Gypsy calls home, yet gentle and trustworthy for the keeping of their children and worldly possessions. The selective breeding of a few dedicated Gypsies has produced what is now known as the Gypsy Vanner Horse. The horse breeds utilized for the foundation of this breed, Clydesdale, Shire, Friesian and Dales Pony each have imparted some traits and characteristics individual to their heritage. All of them combined have contributed to the long flowing hair characteristics that the Gypsy Vanner Horse will be remembered by. A true Gypsy Vanner Horse will have feathers emanating from the knees in the front and just below the hocks in the rear, long flowing manes, forelocks, and tails that will drag on the ground.

1. Short Back in proportion to overall body (short distance between last rib to point of hip)
2. Broad Chest
3. Heavy well-rounded hips (slab sided or severely sloping hindquarters are considered a fault)
4. Heavy flat bone at the knee, ample hooves (small contracted hooves are considered a fault)
5. Feathering that begins at the knees or near the hocks extending over the front of the hooves. Ample to abundant mane and tail
6. Sweet Head (fine head on a strong neck in harmony with the horses overall look)
7. Disposition (the horse should exhibit traits of intelligence, kindness and docility - over aggressive behavior is considered a fault)

There are three Height Classifications which split the horses into categories:

Under 14 Hands: Mini Vanner
14 Hands to 15.2 Hands: Classic Vanner
15.2 Hands and Up: Grand Vanner

Colorful and compact, this breed averages between 14 and 15.2 hands, although individuals do vary at both ends of the size spectrum. The short neck and back give the animal the power to pull the colorful gypsy caravans. An abundance of mane, tail and feather give this animal a magical look, true to it's heritage. Piebald (black and white) and Skewbald (brown and white) are the most common. However, all colors are prized. It is a belief of the gypsies that a Vanner with more white (considered "Fancy") is more valuable.

Heavy bone, flat knees and ample hooves give this magnificent animal the foundation to sustain a body that includes a broad chest and heavy hips. The withers are rounded making the horse very suitable for harness and the bareback riding style of the Gypsy children.

The Gypsy Vanner Horse developed from a combination of the Friesian, Shire, Clydesdale and Dales Pony; all which have the wonderful personality of the cold-blooded draft horse.

The Gypsy lifestyle cannot tolerate animals that might endanger lives. Any horse displaying ill temper is banished immediately. The result of this culling has led to the Gypsy Vanner Horse being one of the most docile horses in the world. The intelligence and kindness that the Gypsy Vanner Horse exhibits must be experienced to be believed. A sound horse that is easily kept is essential for a lifestyle of travel. The Gypsy Vanner Horse by nature of it's evolvement is extremely sound and easy to maintain. In addition, with the nomadic nature of the Gypsy peoples, their horses had to be adaptable to varying climates, terrains and living conditions. This is what has led to some of the wonderful traits imparted to the Gypsy Vanner Horse.

Write a two paragraph [5-7 sentances] post about the scene and day your child arrives at it's chosen city. Try to use all five of the senses. Remember, you can't RP an infant aside from the occasional baby sound and looking around. This is not intended to be an RP post- tell us what kind of atmosphere greets your baby when he/she arrives. (10 GP)


Find and post three images (hand-drawn or found elsewhere on the net are both fine). These images will affect your child's future personality and concept, so choose wisely! (5 GP)

Infant ---> Child: 15 GP
Write a two paragraph [5-7 sentances] post about the scene and day your child arrives at it's chosen city. Try to use all five of the senses. Remember, you can't RP an infant aside from the occasional baby sound and looking around. This is not intended to be an RP post- tell us what kind of atmosphere greets your baby when he/she arrives. (10 GP)
Quest

Find and post three images (hand-drawn or found elsewhere on the net are both fine). These images will affect your child's future personality and concept, so choose wisely! (5 GP)

Child ---> Teenager
Accept 10 mini-quests from your Guildmaster/Mistress. Complete them in your journal, then report back to that person for approval.

3 journal entries about your studies/experiences.

1 RP with your Guildmaster/Mistress.

Teenager ---> Adult
Accept 3 Book quests from the Quest Boards or your Guild.

Accept 5 mini-quests from the Quest Boards.

5 journal entries about your experiences.

Adult ---> Advanced Classes
Speak to your Guildmaster/Mistress about the possibilities for advancement and higher achievement. (1 RP or consultation with staff)

Accept Book Quests as assigned by your Guildmaster for your particular choice (minimum 3, no more than 5).

2-5 posts that show either how you have changed and understood these new lessons (journals) or how they have changed the way you interact with others (RP).