Persano

Another cousin to the Andalusians and Arabians, the Persano is a tricky horse to find information on! This Italian horse is considered critical in terms of how many are still in existence, which helps that make at least a little sense. (The rest is pure laziness by people going, “It’s effectively an Anglo-Arabian.”) This is an extra breed, so you will have to pay real-world funds in order to add it to your stable.

Because most compare it to the Anglo-Arabian, that’s the best knowledge we have for build. The bases of the breed were Andalusians, Arabians, Turkomans, and Mecklenburgers, which makes the Akhal-Teke another (though distant) cousin. They would be described as a less refined version of an Arabian, with a less dishy-look to the face. They would also be a bit taller, since most Anglo-Arabians are English Thoroughbred crosses. A cavalry horse even to this day, the Persano is noted as one of the few breeds able to survive the conditions of the Russian steppe, suggesting the breed is touch and capable of handling different climates.

The Persano was the primary mount used for the last successful cavalry charge in history, between Italy and Russia in 1942. After the second world war, only fifty horses remained within the government, though others remained with private owners. They are still utilized as cavalry horses within Italy, and an association is maintained for the breed. Its military history makes it well suited for the dressage ring while the breed’s endurance means it can handle the differing climates of Emerald with ease.

Breed Characteristics:
Persano are found in limited solid colors, such as bay, grey, chestnut (red coat with red mane), black, brown, and sorrel (red coat with blonde mane, again for our purposes, see above). No markings are prohibited.

Starting Stats: *
Speed:                    3                                              Discipline:        4
Endurance:         4                                               Agility:              3
Strength:             3

* Note, these numbers aren’t set in stone. They are Becca’s way of trying to reduce her knowledge/research of breeds and their particular skills and traits into numbers so when animators and programmers have to look at these horses, they can go, “Oh, this horse can’t turn worth beans but this one can on a dime, noted!”

Next week, we’ll take a small break from horse breeds and focus on our other furry friends. (Well, sometimes furry, some have feathers, you get the gist.)