Warhorse Training (sage ability)

Enables the character to train worthy horses for use in combat.

Before a horse can be trained for war, it must be judged upon its mass and its strength. Warhorses are trained from animals that have been bred for greater weight and courage. Of these, only 6 in 16 will be strong enough. Therefore it is important when selecting a horse for training that the horse be examined. Most warhorses were bred to be of a certain weight and strength, to ensure that good stock was available.

Inherent in the study of training horse is the ability to make the animal manageable by characters in the midst of battle, so that the horse does not easily shy from conflict, is less likely to break when charging or is otherwise able to support a combatant in full armour with weapons.

A horse that has been trained to be a warhorse will nevertheless have a morale of 9 at the start of its association with battle. Like any other "follower," it must make its morale checks if it is injured or otherwise challenged on the battlefield. A horse with an excellent morale will be a dangerous mount when employed in charges and melee, as it is unlikely to break before the hit.

See Horseback Riding