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Editor's Notes

Welcome to this very late edition of the December Newsletter!   very kindly surprised me with a Christmas gift of a Premium membership, so I thought I might surprise y'all with a Christmas newsletter, too!  I'll be celebrating her awesomeness a bit with the Orbits this Letter, because even though she knew I am a horrible beastie, she still gave me a very generous gift.  She has some talented art too, so everyone go give her a Christmas pageview and fave for me, will y'a?  

Plus, I've gone and added yet another new section called Just Hanging Out, an easy-go-lucky feature of characters and horses just, well, just hanging out!  Then there is the new Stampies collection, featuring stamps for supporting all of your fave HaRPG stuff.  AND, I have epicness planned for the new year, like a new kind of interview and a new feature I've been bugged to the death to include.  It will be awesome!  But, until then, have a happy New Year and very Merry Christmas!

Also, I mentioned last Letter that I was hanging out at the HorseArt-RPG's chat.  Due to school and trimming 3 pairs of horse hooves, my Sundays have been seriously booked.  So, I've decided I'll simply have Chat whenever I can and will make sure to send an announcement out when I do.  Here be the official Chat blog.  I'll see you around!

And, since we are on the topic of HorseArt-RPG, I realize that I have neglected registering horses and breeds lately.  However, since I shall be through with school in two more days (as of this writing), I will get a cracking and burn through those Notes like crazy.  Do be patient just a bit longer; as soon as we are all free of finals and Christmas gifts, we're going on a rampage.



.:. of Dry Gulch Ranch

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Table of Contents

- Editor's Notes - Featured Stallions - A Stallion's Orbit - Featured Mares - A Mare's Orbit - Everyday Happenings - Featured Geldings - A Gelding's Orbit - The Working Horse - A Working Horse Orbit - Group of Epicness - Guest Writer – "Discovery" by Anonymous - Featured Foals - A Foal's Orbit - Featured Breedings - The Matchmaking Corner - Featured Equine Breeds - Just Hanging Out - Upcoming Shows - RPG Stable Interview – featuring EliteWarHorse - Horses Market - Equine Icons by MissDudette - Stable Articles - Stable Spotlight - Editor's Choice - Cool Stuff - Stampies - Contributors/Affiliates - Creative Story – "The Bond" by NewAgeStables

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Featured Stallions
Only our favorite lads!



:thumb272193183: :thumb273009966: :thumb253464655: :thumb252580121: :thumb270828300: :thumb268265299: :thumb274056451:

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A Stallion's Orbit
That special stud of the month.



:thumb272648298: Ravensport's Dane's Jackaar 19 is one handsome devil of a Greek god.  Over 17 hands, pure black and a bit scarred from dragon hunting, he's simply made of pure win.  Being a pure Nordanner, he has gorgeous action, luscious fur and a devil of a personality (which he needs, he fights dragons!), and I especially love his roached mane.  Being fairly brand new, he has yet to win any shows, but I expect his Baroque/fantasy heritage will easily handle that.  Keep on eye this lad, he's going places!

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Featured Mares
Sugar, Spice and everything Nice.



:thumb271670800: :thumb148097037: :thumb267247798: :thumb259529479: :thumb216560715:

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A Mare's Orbit
Happenings of a lucky lady.



:thumb263912727: A cute little grey Arabian from Ravensport's natural stable, this cutie has substance with elegance, plus dapples!  Dane's Joyfull Sin is by Witch's Sin and out of BaliroAdmin's very first horse Dane's Happy Landing, she has some serious lineage and color.  She's foaled several babies, including Dane's Brigadore (check out that star!), Tenebo Shahidah (who's entered a few competitions all ready) and many more.  Joy also has Finest in HARPG-AHA, keep an eye on her in the show-ring!

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Everyday Happenings
The going-ons of the HaRPG world.

Brought to you by MissDudette



's , PLEASE HELP SAVE A HORSE IN NEED IF YOU CAN!Whew...
Alright, so, some of you may remember that I took on a gorgeous loan horse for this academic year (and intended for it to be longer) called Joey. After a few months of trial and error, new saddles and physio and dentists and vet visits we sent him for some back x-rays to diagnose the source of his back pain. He has unfortunately got kissing spine in 3 vertabrae in his spine. I was unable to insure him for his back pain as he was experiencing it when I took him on and so myself and his owner are in a position where we can't afford the surgery and rehab on our own. Giving him on would be so risky as if he is continually ridden without treatment it will become more painful and he could become dangerous or even start hating people, and when I know how much he loves people now and how much he enjoys being ridden when the pain isn't bothering him, I can't stand the thought of that happening.
If you would perhaps reconsider autobuying that 300 point design and want to point that
Here's a poor lad who really needs help. This lease pony named Joey was diagnosed with an odd spine disease and owner VictoriousEndeavours is in dire need of funds for an expensive surgery that should cure him.  If you can help with donating, or making art or just spreading the word around, it would be greatly appreciated by the both of them.  We at HARPG-Newsletter wish her all the luck and send her our prayers.

's
Nileiris's Troll Island Stable is starting a new riding academy for training the youngfolk, and is in need of riding ponies.  She is perfectly willing to buy your eligible horses with epic gorgeous art.  Send her a Note with links and info to possible horsies!

's
An interesting little side story on what can happen when training goes wrong, Will and his Mustang take a nasty tumble during jumping exercises.  Will the Mustang ever jump again?  Can Will's broken and dislocated arm heal correctly?  Give abosz007 a watch to see if these two pull through!

_{Have a storyline or roleplay you want featured here?  Send us at HARPG-Newsletter a Note with the links to the art and/or stories and we'll see about getting it up!}

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Featured Geldings
For he is often the first to give us wings.



:thumb275621600: :thumb263699013: :thumb270107854:

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A Gelding's Orbit
A gelding's career and family history.



:thumb265252001: A vicious thing from SilmesDragonStable's grounds, this hellsteed Viren is one spooky creature.  This little beastie eats human flesh, has soulless eyes and a very interesting white tail.  He makes me think that he could be a Native American horse for dead warriors...  Despite his incredible viciousness, this guy grabbed a 3rd place in halter; if he keeps this up, he just might be a gelding to contend with!

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The Working Horse
You wan'na win?  You got'ta work!

Brought to you by NewAgeStables

These are the horses who are making their mark through showing, whether it be under saddle, on the track, or in hand. Horses, donkeys, and mules are welcome in this feature. They are at least two years of age, do not have any offspring and are not open for breeding at this time. These equines are competing to make their mark in the HARPG world and while they might not be the prettiest, they are certainly the best athletes.

Returning Next Month!

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A Working Horse Orbit
It's good to get some recognition, you know?

Brought to you by NewAgeStables

Returning Next Month!

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Group of Epicness
Because this Group is epic!





Founder: LucasBinx

Co-founders: None

What's it about? DeviantART's very own Arabian Horse Association, this group is supremely dedicated to natural Arabians in the stable RPG world.

How do I join? You have to be a HorseArt-RPG member, have a naturally colored and a purebred Arabian.

How do I contribute? Well, I think you should Note the Group for this kind of helping out, go here.

Any wow factors with this group? For one, it has over 200 members, and pretty much any natural Arab I find tends to be registered with this lovely group.  Plus, it has a great system for leveling up your Arab.

Why do you, Editor-in-Chief, like this Group?  I like the 30 point measure for getting your horse to the highest level of Finest.  If you really want that Arabian to have that title, you really need to show him some serious love with your tablet, brush or pencil.

Any cons you can find with this Group?  Not that I can find, rules are clearly set out and the gallery is nicely organized for awesome Arab viewing.  The only thing I would like to see would be a little viewing folder for double or triple Finest horses, because so many Arabs are already the single Finest (but this is a cosmetic issue, so I shan't lower my rating).

Editor-in-Chief's Rating for this Group: out of

_{Want to suggest a Group? Or see yours here?  Just send it in through Note or comment to HARPG-Newsletter and it just might get featured!}

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Guest Writer – "Discovery"

Brought to you by Anonymous



One HARPGer's Discovery on Art, the Rules, and Why Sometimes, They're Not Such A Bad Thing!

I joined the HARPG in early 2009. I had been drawing horses since I was three years old, about 18 years at the time, and had just gotten my first tablet, a Bamboo Fun Pad. It was amazing. My first two pieces came from sketches I'd done with references, but otherwise, works that were entirely mine. I was so proud of those; there were a lot of problems and faults and things I didn't like, but I had managed to make two pencil sketches into gorgeous digital renditions that others seemed to like. I got critique, and tried to improve.

The Horse Art Role Playing Game, HARPG for short, is allllll about the art- and while art has many vast and broad definitions, the one used by the HARPG is anything you make yourself for your characters. In other words, your work. It doesn't matter if you photomanip, sketch, paint digitally, sculpt, or repaint sculptures. The ONLY two things forbidden are Tracing and Linearts.

Tracing is a whole other story, but let me just say that tracing is not necessarily theft. It is still against the rules, but it is not theft.

Linearts are the second thing forbidden to use by HARPGers. Previously, I made almost everything by myself- if I could do it, I did. I did use photo backgrounds a lot, and forgot to give credit a lot. Now, I make almost everything by myself. I've been here two years, going on three, and have learned so much from this community. However, Linearts had been the one thing I never used, unless I was creating adoptions- because they were fast and easy, and… being lazy, I wanted fast and easy so I could get back to 'real' works I made by myself.

Lineart is a strange territory… Especially these days with so many people commissioning it, or so many others just doing it for the enjoyment of it and then allowing others to color it, provided credit is given. Lineart is still art, BUT, in the HARPG you have to look at it differently.

Horse ART RPG is all about growing as an artist. You don't have to be perfect- that you tried, and that you are growing, is all that matters. If all you get from one piece is that you need to make your horse's eyes a little bigger or a little smaller in order to be photorealistic, or if you get that developing your own style means exaggerating the things you're doing 'wrong, photorealistically' then that's great! That means you've either decided to be photorealistic, a hard thing to be, OR that you've become a true artist with your own style- the hardest thing to be!

Which is why Lineart is forbidden.

Lineart doesn't encourage you to make your own work. You are coloring in someone else's. For fun, that's fine, but the HARPG strives to help us grow as artists. Growing might not be fun for everyone, but as having been there I can tell you I am glad I chose the harder route! Lineart doesn't let you see what you might improve upon. Coloring is not art. A three year old with a jumbo crayon and the fine motor skills required can color… Coloring is only half of doing your own work, and growing.

The HARPG is not about doing it halfway- it's for going all the way! All these side registries, like HARPG-AHA, H-E-W-A, Iberian-Registry, HARPG-Dressage, HARPG-URAssociation, PtHA-HARPG and ATAodA aim for the same thing- excellence.

If you're not going to try for excellence, then why bother? If you're not going to take a risk and make a leap, do everything yourself and see what you get, then why bother? I know I want to be able to say I did more than just color something. I know I want more than to just be able to say, 'I did the lines for this.' I want to do both, do both well, and learn to do them better next time.

Using a lineart is the easy way out. It's also lazy. If you can't be bothered to try, that is lazy. If I hadn't bothered to go to college and try, even though I failed out once already, I would be lazy. Now I'm back, and everything I do, I do all the way. I actually had a mate tell me the other day to quit being an overachiever; I didn't need to take the third test, because my grades are so awesome, but I chose to, because I am serious about my grades, and I wanted my professor to know that. (I made an A on my third test too, by the way; and I now have a letter of recommendation form that professor!)

And, for people who make designs, and give them away more or less for free (draw it and it's yours!), using a lineart to try to adopt is insulting. You are basically telling that person that you don't take them seriously as an artist; they took time to make these designs, and you want one, but you can't be bothered to try and make it the very best thing you ever made… You don't take their design seriously.

I have trouble giving mine away. I LOVE designing, and if I could, I'd keep all of mine. But, I like to give them away and see others enjoying them more than I probably would have been able to. I love when people put in a bid and I can't tell if there was any reference, because the work is totally original, no lineart or photo parts used. Hand drawn, specifically for this design. That character they just made out of my design? That is going to get a lot of love and I know it!

Using lineart isn't a bad thing. It can be really fun sometimes, especially when awesome artists share their work. However. You should know that, having used linearts before for fun, and having made my own stuff before, both decent and bad, I feel like I got so much more out of my own work, wherein I did every little pixel or line by myself. I am proud to display my work, even if it isn't as good, or even if it was hard, or even if I didn't have fun doing it. I still get to feel a sense of personal accomplishment because I did that, all by myself.

It's taken me two years to stop saying, 'I think it's silly how strict they are on linearts, really!' to start seeing why they say it, and start saying myself, 'No linearts may be used in this adoption.'

So, in the future, I know I'll be thinking about it, but, I just wanted to share this…

Why are you using lineart, what do you get out of it, and do you think you'd get more satisfaction in one year's time of using NO linearts and improving your own work?

In fact, I challenge EVERYONE to try this. For a whole year, don't use linearts. I'm going to start making new lines for EVERY figure I do. Every single one. I'm going to use my own sketches for EVERYTHING I draw- no more stock for me! I'm going to try to do things without references, or use fewer than I currently do (about 1 to 2 pieces per work on average). Until Christmas of December 2012, I am going to grow.

And Christmas, December 2012, I am going to pull together one work from each month showing my 'best', and how it has changed and gotten better! I guarantee you guys it will be real growth. And I dare you all to do the same.

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Featured Foals
Long-legged balls of fuzziness.



:thumb275231291: :thumb258645426: :thumb270031900: :thumb275615653:

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A Foal's Orbit
One fuzzy baby's future.



 An epic little fuzzy-wuzzy named Azalea and hailing from LucasBinx's Lilium Stables, this little gal has some serious blood in her.  Her dad is Miraj, a double HARPG-AHA Finest, and her mum is a flaxen-carrier from Willowglen Downs, so this gal has some epic genetics and show-stopping power.  She's only got 4 more points to HARPG-AHA's Finest, and I love her creamy mane and tail.  Keep an eye on this little beauty, she's churning up a storm!

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Featured Breedings
Love is in the air!



:thumb266169527: :thumb256629599:

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The Matchmaking Corner
Like, what if?

Brought to you by MissDudette



X

JNFerrigno's Elquine and aliwababe's BoC Little Latte

CAN YOU NOT SEE THE EPICNESS?  That awesome cervine/equine cross and then this cute little Gypsy Vanner would make the loveliest little foals.  A foal would have great Dressage capabilities, or maybe he'd be a jumper of epic proportions!  Or, gosh, he could be an epic horse for Santa Claus!!  Can't you see Santa riding an antlered and silvery creature through the wilds giving gifts to all the animals?  This horse would be perfect for that.

_{Want to suggest a pair? Or just a single horse? Want to see your horse here?  Anything goes, simply submit your idea (with links) either in comment or note to HARPG-Newsletter!}

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Featured Equine Breeds
Equine breeds; Humankind's unique spin on God's horse.



:thumb269838525:  The rather epic Yuletiding Draft from Timber-Ridge are a neat fantasy-type breed from pretty much all over the world.  These cool cats have antlers and absolutely adore Christmas and St. Nick.  I love how Timber-Ridge explains how it is that these fellows pull Santa's sleigh and why they have pale green eyes.  I also very much like that they love peppermints and get all shimmery the closer it is to Christmas.  They don't have a group, but they are being kept together in a little studbook with the breedsheet.  Oh, and did I mention they're free to make for Christmas?

RasnovStables interesting new breed is the Fay-like Gytrash, a mysterious fantasy-type breed.  These creatures are more like fairies than horses, and can shape-shift into big dogs or goats and will eat meat.  I like that they have a unique inspiration base than what I've seen, and those flaming eyes add a big plus.  They're a tad bit tough to handle, being mostly feral, but being fairies there is some hope.  Plus, they're completely free to make, as a matter of fact, you get a free portrait of your new Gytrash!  Definitely check out these handsome devils.

:thumb271442308: The Ovis Equis, or Shony, is an interesting little play on sheep and horses put together from horselady36501.  They come with thick wooly hair, epic ram horns and stallions have impressive lion-like manes.  I love all the examples of markings and wool looks, but they do only grow to be 2 feet tall and cannot be ridden (unless by a very small child).  Still, they are neat little creatures with a major cute factor that just might amp up your stable's cute levels.  Check out the head Shony here.

Totally epicly awesome, the fantasy Unisas-type Epos is just cool.  They have neat markings, epic tails and can talk!  But I'm really amazed at ofcowardiceandkings' wonderful breedsheet; you get a feel of the horse's personalities, she really talked about the founders in a way that it reminds me of the thoroughness of Lord of the Rings, and the graphics are superb (and I love the narrator at the end!).  Plus, to add icing on the cake, these guys are pretty much free to make!  Just ask to get one.  So, if you're a fantasy nut like me, go trailer one of these cuties home already!

_{If you want your or someone's else's breed featured, send a Note to the HARPG-Newsletter titled Horse Breed Feature with links to the  breedsheet, breed registry (if possible) and breed history (if possible).  I'll feature otherworldly and realistic breeds!}

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Just Hanging Out
Being with your best friend in the whole wide world.



Living the Medieval dream with Ashvini, Sahar and Samantha at xKhamsinStables.

Enjoying a wintery wonderland with Obertaurers and staff from Jullelin.

Enjoying that awesome feeling of being with someone who loves you.  From Tattered-Dreams

Buddies riding through the wintery wilds of Russia, by abosz007.

Best friends bonding over reading and the summer sun.  Pixeled by orengel

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Upcoming Shows
Shows, shows and more shows!



:thumb270546520: 's It's Show Time, featuring: Dressage, Halter, Driving and Showjumping.
Register by December 25, Entries due January 1

:thumb270163482: 's DAHSA Winter Classic Premium, featuring: Several types of jumping classes.
Register not needed, Entries due January 1

:thumb257264799: 's A Long Time Ago, featuring: Costume parade.
Register not needed, Entries due January 31

Flying Feathers Light Show- Results! Winners posted! You guys made this so hard, all the entries were creative and fabulous!!!! Ribbons will be posted some time reasonably soon, otherwise note me about your prize if you won 1st-3rd or Judge's/Viewer's Choice
Halter:
1) sVa Braydan 82
2) GH Destiny in the Stars (aka Nova)
3) H.M.S. Meet the Ghost of Stephen Foster at the Hotel Paradise
4) BWS Bloody Russian Roulette
Open Show:
1) KhS Farahild 312
2) GH Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
3) IVS Burning Down The House
4) Karrionyte
5) EH Earendils Stern
6) Men Wear Pink
7) BWS Respect
8) ps Cordelia
9) MLA's Churchill
10)  EH Don´t Kiss and Tell and ES der Rote Zora
Judge's Choice:
Viewer's Choice:
We are holding a slightly different show this time. Again, the theme will be trying something new; this time, it is about lighting! Horses of all breeds, natural and unnatural, are welcome.
The show will be held outdoors and indoors from dusk to after sundown, and the weather will be inte 's Flying Feathers Light Show, featuring: Any sport or discipline, you choose; it's all about using light in your art!

:thumb230405274: ' The Inspection @ NAS, featuring: Inspection/Conformation classes of all kinds.
Register by January 8, Entries due February 5

HMF Winter Dresage Festival - new class added!Hidden Moon Farm is hosting an all dressage winter festival, which will hopefully turn into a yearly event.
 
February 1, 2012 - - There are two weeks (14 days) until the close of this event! THERE WILL BE NO EXTENSIONS ON THIS EVENT!
Dec 2, 2011 - - New Freestyle Dressage Class added! Check it out, should be a blast!
Dec 2, 2011 - - Entries (and per-registered horses) can be found here http://fav.me/d3no9mf
Opening Date: December 1, 2011
Ending Date: February 14, 2012 at 11:59 Eastern Standard Time
**Extensions will not be given unless there is a damn good reason.
Classes
Low Level Dressage
Allowed moves/gaits: Walk, Trot, Canter, Circles, Figures of Eight, Crosses on the Diagonal
Intermediate Level Dressage
Allowed moves/gaits: Walk, Trot, Canter, Collections, Extensions, Flying Changes, Circles of varying size, Figures of Eight, Crosses on the Diagonal, Shoulder-in
High Level Dressage
Allowed moves/gaits: Walk, 's HMF Winter Dressage Festival, featuring: Dressage, Haute Ecole, Pas de Duex, Bareback, Sidesaddle, Freestyle and In Line.
Register not needed, Entries due February 14

_{If you have an upcoming or currently running horse show you'd like announced, send HARPG-Newsletter a Note (titled Horse Show) with a link to the competition.  I'll feature whatever contest you have, be it draft pulling, Eventing or pegasi races!}

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RPG Stable Interview



Featuring 's Matthew Hart of Trestalian Stables
Interview by 's Cora Vatican of Dry Gulch Ranch

Cora stepped off the bus into the sweltering heat. She was sure glad she had capris and a white blouse today. Now if only she had cut her thick hair before she came... As she walked through the cultivated lawn, she envied that gorgeous Southern home. It was just so grand! Before long, a tall dark-haired fellow met her. "Cora Vatican," she said as she shook his hand. "Matthew Hart, welcome to Trestalian Stables." Cora liked his smile.  As the two sat inside a lovely and air-conditioned parlor, Cora started up her interview, "Introduce yourself to the Letter; what's your name and what got you started in horses?"
"My name is Matthew Erin Hart, and it's all my wife's fault. I met my lovely wife, Sarah, when we were in graduate school together. I was getting a master's in Historical Economics and Sarah was getting a PhD in Equine Bloodlines and Documentation. We met in a history class, and before I knew it, I'd asked her on a date. Well, one thing led to another and we were married the day after we graduated. Sarah's parents owned a horse ranch in California, and let us have the place for a month for our honeymoon. I won't bore you with details, but by the end of that month I had learned to love these creatures as much as my wife did, and I wanted to own one. Soon after this, my wife and I moved to Austria so I could partner in a firm in Graz. During this time, we both learned more about horses and fell in love with the Baroque breeds, so vividly expressed in that part of the world. In our fifth year in Austria, the company I partnered in blossomed and went national, then regional, then international, giving huge returns. In a mutual agreement, my partner and I sold it for enormous profits and retired from the workforce. I wanted to live a quiet life with my wife and start a family, including some horses. We bought a Warlander stallion whose sire was from France named TrésTalien and after a bit of wordplay we founded Trestalian Stables."

"I see that everything has worked out for you rather well, then! Why did you choose this area for your stables?"
"Well, one reason was the climate. Yeah, I know it's hot, but you hit it in the worst time of the year; usually it's beautifully varied! The air here is especially clean, because we're not near any big cities, and the grass and vegetation is quite lush. Also, we're a huge distance away from the ocean, so we have four distinct seasons, which keeps us all healthy and gives us something new so the horses are never bored, and definitely helps with conditioning the animals. The winters can sometimes get pretty cold, and we can get some really powerful storms during the year, but overall it's a great location to work with horses."

"That's wonderful. We're lucky as well to have a 4 season area. What do you have to offer to our equine community?"
"We pride ourselves on having some of the best Baroque animals in the area, as well as one of the largest numbers of Friesians on one farm. We frequently have foals for sale or auction, and we also are a go-between for farms in Europe that want to sell horses at auction in the States. We held a very successful Gypsy Vanner auction here this year, for example. We also held a dressage competition last month with some great prizes and amazing entries! We love breeding requests, and also have the option of getting a foal from two of our horses."

"Ooooh, I do love Baroque breeds. I would love to photograph some of your top talent. What sort of staff members do you have working for you (if any) and why? In other words, what can future customers expect when they come to your stables?"
"Our general stable manager is Sheridan Coarsse, and honestly, we wouldn't be here without her. Our trainer, Herr Rikard, is a relative newcomer, and is already working wonders with the horses; we have two show riders that also train, and a… well, Aidan is a jockey by name, but, between us, he's the worst jockey this side of Sunday. However, he's good for us all and helps with conditioning the horses. Dr. Murton is our local vet with a specialty in equines, and she keeps all the animals on the farm healthy. She assists with all breedings, collections, births, and purchases TS is involved in. My wife Sarah and I deal with finances, shows, sales, breedings, purchases, etc. We here at TS are more friends than colleagues and strive to show our love for our friends, our horses, and our Creator to every person who visits!"

Cora smiled when she heard him mention the Lord, "Sounds like a good set of staff." she said. "What horse breeds does your stable work with and why?"
"We work with almost exclusively Baroque breeds; Lipizzaners, PREs, etc, but specializing in Friesians. Our personal goal is to become one of the biggest Friesian breeders in the horse RPG world. We love the classic forms of the horses, as well as the ancient arts of classical dressage and haute ecole. Baroque horses are naturally suited for disciplines like dressage and halter, where listening to the human and having a stunning appearance are key. We love Friesians especially; their warhorse appearance and noble, loving nature is an amazing mix found in no other breed. We usually will have one for sale at almost any time; otherwise we have a good stock of mares and stallions to choose from if you want one 'custom made!' We also combine PREs and Friesians to produce Warlanders, a beautiful and talented breed."

Cora's smile just got bigger and bigger, this farm worked in all her favorite breeds! "Are there any major accomplishments with your stables? Like, are there any big wins? What mark has your stables left in the equine world?"
"Our stables have had a few winners, although we've mostly 'made our mark' through breeding lines. We took third in Hazel-rah's Draghunt Competition with our Hano mare Athair last year, as well as Grand and Reserve Champion In Hand Halter with two Iberian mares, Leocadia and Allegretta, in the 2010 Baroque Winter Solstice hosted by JNFerrigno. Allegretta also took first in Conformation Halter in the same competition. Our premier stallion, Parmentoer, has been in a couple competitions, taking third and second, respectively; you'll probably be seeing more of him this winter. A few others of our horses have participated in events, but have not won anything major.  Our mark is made mostly through quality breeding lines. Here can be seen a link of all the documented TS foals. This list will be updated periodically. Most of our offspring have been crossbreeds, but now we're going to start focusing more on pure breeding."

"I am impressed that you keep your breedings in order! Not many people do." She wrote a bit in her book, making a note to snap photos of the premier horses. "What are your plans for your stable's future?"
"We're planning to continue breeding Baroque horses, but especially Friesians; we've got a few ideas for breeding lines, but you'll hear more about that in the future, so keep close watch! More short-term, we're going to sell a few of our horses to open up room for more Friesians, Warlanders, and (drumroll) a herd of some really colorful Gypsy Vanners! We realize that a high-quality stallion is essential to a breeding, but the real star of the show is the mare; hence, the majority of the new horses will be mares, so stallion owners, look out! Otherwise, we plan on entering more shows than last year if possible."

"Gypsy Vanners!" She laughed, "I've always loved those big fellows. Do you have any advice or inspiration for your fellow stable owners?
"Hmmm, good question ... Don't be too broad in your choice of breeds. Pick one breed, type, subgroup, sport, bloodline, color, size, etc. and basically stick with that. It's so much easier for other breeders to find what they're looking for that way, and then you'll be known as the authority on Overos, Akhal-Tekes, racehorses, Ponies, or whatever you choose! For example, a stable might focus on Warmbloods and specialize in European sport horses, and would have Friesians, Irish Draughts, Hanos, etc. (There are a lot of Etceteras in the horse world… ) Otherwise, you'll have one Hallowequine, a couple 'a Mustangs, a tobiano Gypsy Unicorn, and a blue sparkly Marwari before you know it and it just gets confusing and frustrating. Also, a well-planned and organized stable attracts watchers and breeders, even if your art isn't right up there with Toulouse Lautrec. It's still okay to have other horses besides your main focus (We, for example, have a Hano mare and used to have a Nazmei pegasus and Bernese Mtn. Horse besides the Baroque breeds) but a main breed, type, or discipline really helps you stay organized and ensures that all your horses will have adequate attention. Also, network till you're blue in the face. The "major breeders" out there are regular people just like you, and will generally be friendly and helpful if you have any questions or requests.

Trestalian StablesSet on a beautiful 3000 acre plantation-style property with rolling hills, smooth meadow fields, and shady forests, Trestalian Stables is devoted to the training and well-being of its horses and people.
EDIT: We have a new member on our team! Please welcome Rikard Stefan Tranquillo Lafontaine. Known as Stefan to friends and Herr Rikard to everyone else, Stefan is one-half Austrian, one-quarter Italian, and one-quarter French. His father met his mother in Andalucia and they married and moved to Venice, where his father took up a position as trainer at the Spanish Riding School. Stefan was literally born in a stable and lived his entire life around Baroque horses, learning the intricacies of the animals mind and ways, swiftly becoming a great trainer in the Classical tradition. At 35, he married a German lady named Lise Fuhrmann, but she died of cancer four years later. Lonely and heartbroken, Stefan decided to leave Europe for a period of time to let his wounds heal. Trestalian S Trestalian Stables Foals and BreedingsHey there! I'm compiling a list of all the foals and breedings happening at Trestalian Stables, whether between our horses or requests in and out. I would really appreciate it if anyone reading this journal who has a Trestalian baby, whether from free breedings, requests, gifts, etc., would drop a comment on this journal with a link to the horse. This helps me keep track of what's going on with our bloodlines and crossbreeding, as well as lets me know who has what, where, and when. Beside the horses' thumbnails I'll list the TS parent(s). Thank you! (I'll be working on this list gradually, so have patience!)
Breedings in Progress:
Valliancourt X Staane to produce a foal for Kimba-The-Hedgehog
Foals from TS horses only:
TS Ligonier Father: Parmentoer Mother: Wren's Letter
TS Rapheo Father: TS Sandalio  Mother: Leocadia
Foals from breedings requested by TS:

_{If you wan'na be a candidate for either the Stable (your character's make-believe stable life) or Artist (YOUR real life as an artist) Interview, send a Note to HARPG-Newsletter titled accordingly!}

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Horses Market
Lovely beauties up for sale, looking for a good home!

Brought to you by CollidingStarsStable



Stallions


Supreme Stallion!


This amazing CL Harlequine Friesian immediately caught my eye. Baron is  from Carousel-Stables, and he's not only drop dead handsome with his markings and baroque build, but shows a lot of promise in the show world, mainly in dressage, halter and haute ecole type shows. He may not have been shown, but he is five years young and is bound to perform well given the right training. Won't you take this beaut of a boy home?

Mares


Supreme Mare!



This stunning mare is SS Lunar Eclipse from the Snow-shoe Equestrian Center, aka Snow-shoe. She is a beautiful grullo tobiano with great movements and jumping ability. Quoted from her reference sheet: "Luna is fairly fast, and strong in the field due to her size [standing at 17.1 h], and personality. Suitable for confident intermediate riders. Jumps comfortably up to 4'." With this much talent at six years old she could very well be a first class jumper or hunter horse. This kinda girl deserves a good home to be shown in!

Foals
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Supreme Foal!

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This little foal's sire is the famous Boogiman, an amazing four star rated horse in the H-I-E-F. Boogiman's record is 3/1/0 out of 8 judged shows, not placing below 6th. You'd be crazy not to want this little fuzz ball son of his in your stable! Please keep in mind this is a point auction, but the starting bid is only 10 !

Also check out HARPG-FindAHorse, HARPG-Sales and EAAS for more horsies up for grabs.

_{Have a horse up for sale?  Send us at HARPG-Newsletter a comment or note with links to the horses.  Make sure to have the rules or link-to-rules on the horses you send us!  Any questions, just send them to the Newsletter and CollidingStarsStable will take care of them.  Also, please no adoptables unless they come from horses with history!}

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Equine Icons
What every horse-bug bitten girl and boy knows and loves.

Brought to you by MissDudette





Book: Black Beauty
Author: Anna Sewell
Hero/Heroine's Name: Little Joe
Horse's Name: Black Beauty
Year Published: 1986
About the Book: This story is a classic for almost every child, especially horsebug-bitten children. Told through the eyes of a black horse; Black Beauty chronicles his life from foal to senior, telling about the human lives that touched and changed him. This particular edition of the book was illustrated by Susan Jeffers and has beautiful pen and ink illustrations. Also, because the publisher printed in in a large format especially for children, this publication has a lovely enduring quality. Head to your nearest bookstore to see and read this edition of Black Beauty!

_{Want to suggest a horsey icon? Know a book, poem, film or song about horses? Anything goes, simply submit your suggestion in the above format (with links) either in comment or note to HARPG-Newsletter.  You could see your choice and your writing here!}

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Stable Articles
Stud sheets and stable ads, all in one place!



:thumb254961424: :thumb179867368: :thumb179039207: :thumb187460089: :thumb265315944:

_{Would you like to see your stable ad or stud sheet here?  Send HARPG-Newsletter a Note titled Article with the links and we'll get them in!}

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Stable Spotlight
Stables are important, too!



:thumb265315944: Featuring Timber Ridge Ranch, this western get-up has pretty much everything Western (except location ).  Timber-Ridge showcase's Miami Vice, a stunning Quarter horse stallion with flash and color times 1000.  I love this poster, too, it has great colors, inviting text and superb photos.  Plus, if you're not a fan of Western riding (you better be!), the Ranch handles the Dušana breed, a very neat water-loving mustang type, I think...  I don't know for sure because I can't for the life of me figure out where the breedsheet is.  Artist Timber-Ridge has also written a pretty cool Beginnings storyline for her imaginary world; already in it's 3rd chapter, this work is definitely for anyone needing some inspiration.  The ranch also boasts a Superior stallion in The-Stallion-Society and several 1st places.  All in all, this ranch is totally on the rise in dominating the Western circuit, I wish them all the luck and can't wait to see more!

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Editor's Choice
My favorite of the month!

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Cool Stuff
Permanent neatness I love!



Finding Stock Images: A guide by monochromexnight by

An interesting little guide on finding and crediting stock.  She has links to her resources, as well.  If you have questions on crediting, give this guide a looksie!

HARPG Trading Card Template by JourneytoRevenge by

A great little template for HaRPG artists who'd like to make their horses into trading cards (she'll soon make a template for non-HaRPG players).  I'd imagine you could make a whole bunch and print them off for awesome-sauceness.  It is possible you'll have to make your text layers once it's downloaded, though.  If you do make some cards up (and I certainly did), make sure to register them into the HARPG-TCG!

HARPG stables - overview - CLOSED by Nileiris by

A constantly updated map showcasing every single HaRPG registered stable in the dA world.  Simply send in a comment and link to get your stable listed!

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Stampies
Instant support for our fave HaRPG stuff!



:thumb243608743: :thumb244640674: :thumb243505649: Ambassador Fanstamp by Tigra1988 :thumb165513052:

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Contributors/Affiliates
Thank-yous and advertising.



Thanks to , , , and for their incredible articles and awesome helpfulness with the group.

Thanks to Anonymous for a great informative article.

Thanks to NewAgeStables for a gorgeous creative article.

Thank you to xKhamsinStables for suggesting the Just Hanging Out feature.

Thanks to all the artists who sent in links of other artist's work to be featured.

photo by PerchiesKisses



_{You guys have a complaint, suggestion, advertisement, opinion or feature for the Newsletter?  Send us at HARPG-Newsletter a Note or comment with your ideas and/or links.  We'd love to hear what you have to say.  After all, what's writing without an audience?}

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Creative Story – "The Bond"

Brought to you by NewAgeStables



Pitter patter; tick, tick, tick. Creeeeeaaaaak!

I lift my head at the sound of my gate being opened, and I see my girl coming closer, a halter and lead in her hand. Should I take her on a tour of my home? Yes! I lift my legs a two-beat motion and push myself in a circle, pausing at a pail of oats I had not noticed full before. My girl knows I will stop for my oats! I twitch a bit as she tosses the rope over my shoulders to form an impromptu snare and I dip my head obediently, allowing the cool blue nylon to slip over my nose and tie behind my ears.

My girl whispers soft words at me, her petite hands wrap in my mane and she places a second pail on its head, stands on it, and clambers over my back. This too, is a surprise, and I try to again pick up my two-beat motion. My girl pulls on my nose, though, and I stop. I whicker softly at her, turn my muzzle to sniff at her shiny new boots, but also smell at the rich fabric of her worn breeches. She nudges at my side with her heels and I walk out of the gate she has left open and she uses her lead to turn me this way and that. She stops me inside the three-sided shelter that has the silly part wall and a door to the left. I know she keeps my treats behind the door, and I also know that she keeps her seat for me and her silly piece of metal that goes in my mouth in there. I know I have to let her put the metal in my mouth, cinch up the seat, and then I can get my treats. I sigh audibly and my girl giggles at me. She pulls her hard cap over her braids and sticks her foot in the metal that falls off the side of her seat. My girl pulls herself up over me once again and nudges me with her heels and turns me this way and that with her lead.

We hack over the country side for several hours and the sun shines over top of us and I am happy because my girl is happy, and I can feel that in the carefree way she turns me in figure eights out in our pasture, and I can feel it in the way that she nudges me with her heels, but does not kick at me, nor does she lazily shove at me.

I am my girl's, and she is mine. I am her loyal pony companion and nothing can separate our happy souls today.

My girl gives me treats at the end of the day while she brushes my soft fur and she whispers silly things in my ears and she braids my tail.

We share secrets.

We share our lives.

We love each other, as that is the bond between young girls and their ponies.

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HaRPGers, play on!!!