Miraculous Merchants

The Stablehand

Stablehand

are vital for your medieval fantasy worlds. While yes, you can go try and tame wild horses, they still need constant care. Major cities, farms and important estates would typically house a

Stablehand

to look after their horses.

The

Stablehand

is responsible for keeping horses well fed and comfortable so they can rest easy and get their owners safely to their destination. A tired horse is not lifting anything after all.

Did you know, you can purchase clothing from The Stablehand shop found in The Marketplace?
Horses bought from the Stablehand can be used in combat
(pets in combat are currently in beta testing)

Horses play an important role in Braitheldean culture. The people have a deep love and respect for the equine, and as a result,

Stablehand

s are easy to come by.

The following is an extract from Riders of Braitheld by Amana Falvian
From their earliest days as nomads, Braitheldean's had learned to tame and train horses. Once roaming the plains wild, horses were soon found to be a welcome addition to the nomadic lifestyle. As early Braitheldean's used to be largely hunting people, they soon learned that horses enabled them to cover vast amounts of territory. In the beginning, horses were small and used to carry small loads for those early Braitheldean's who migrated across the realm.

The Pelosian Horse: Braitheld's Own

A horse revered by Paladins and cataphracts. Large horses that can grow up to 17 hands tall! They are powerful, built for carrying armoured knights on their back. They are fierce, courageous creatures who can withstand a line of opponents to break through an enemy formation. The bond between the knight and their war horse is strong.

The Work of a Stablehand

The regular tasks of a

Stablehand

:

• Feeding horses: Provide horses with appropriate food such as hay and oats, and ensure they have fresh water daily.
• Cleaning stalls: Remove manure and soiled bedding from stalls to maintain a clean, healthy environment.
• Grooming horses: Brush horses’ coats, clean their hooves, and remove dirt or debris to keep them comfortable and healthy.
• Health checks: Inspect horses regularly for cuts, injuries, or signs of illness and report any problems.
• Saddling and bridling: Fit saddles, bridles, and other tack correctly to prepare horses for riding or work.
• Maintaining equipment: Clean, repair, and organize harnesses, saddles, and other gear to ensure they are in good condition.
• Assisting farriers: Hold horses steady during shoeing and help with minor hoof care tasks when needed.
• Exercising horses: Walk or exercise horses not in regular use to maintain their fitness and temperament.
• Cleaning vehicles: Wash and repair carts, wagons, and other horse-drawn equipment to keep them operational.
• Preparing for events: Ready horses for travel, hunting, battle, or work by ensuring they are properly equipped and fit.
• Traveling with horses: Accompany masters on journeys or military campaigns to care for horses on the road.
• Managing horse teams: Oversee groups of horses, especially on larger estates, ensuring each animal’s needs are met.
• Stable upkeep: Keep the stable area tidy, organized, and safe for both horses and people.

Would you consider being a stablehand?
Have you interacted with the Stablehand?