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The Bonding
For a Rohirrim a horse is not simply a nameless animal used for
transportation but a dear companion, held in high regard and cared for lovingly. Most Rohirrim,
knowing the importance of their horses and that they may one day be saved by them, highly values the
companionship with their steeds and strive to form a deep bond. Thus, the choosing of a first or a
new horse for a Rohirrim is a matter of great importance. The man or woman who seeks a new steed
will be taken by an Eomaegister to a herd and approach the horses, singling no one out but waiting
for a sign of any kind or perhaps for one of the steeds to approach him.
Once the 'candidate' knows which horse he has chosen/been chosen by, this animal will be
singled out from the herd and it is up to the rider to convince his new mount that he is worthy. A
true Rohirrim would not use violence but skill to prove himself and gain the horse's acceptance.
Once this is obtained, a brief ceremony remains to seal horse and rider to each other. The
Eomaegister will make a small cut in the riders palm and upon the horse's neck, asking the former to
press his hand against his new steed's wound to allow their bloods to mingle. After that the
Eomaegister will cut a few strands from the horse's mane and rider's hair, braid these together and
tie about the rider's wrist.
The Releasing
When a horse dies, be it of injuries sustained in battle, due to an
accident or of old age or anything else, it is up to its rider to perform a last service for his
faithful companion. The circle of their braided-together strands of hair tied about the rider's arm
at the bonding will be cut to mark an end to the partnership and it will then be burned together
with the horse to symbolize that the rider staying behind gives up a part of himself as a gift for a
friend. If the horse's body cannot be retrieved and burned, only the circle of hair will be burned,
then symbolizing the whole act itself.
The Foaling Feast
In late spring each year, when the foals are born and the herd so
rejuvenated, a week-long celebration is always held. The place varies from year to year, and it is a
great honour as well as a great responsibility to be the Eomaegister(s) in whose region it takes
place. During the festivities all sorts of horse-related activities, often in the form of contests,
take place. Prices are awarded for the finest herds, the finest stallion, mare, yearling and foal
and both races and many other tests of riding skill are held. This is also a chance for those who
make saddles and bridles to sell more of their merchandize and even to have their work judged to
find the finest in the Mark. Finally it is the time of the year when all the Eomaegisters and their
superiors as well as their apprentices meet to discuss the past year, plan the coming one and
exchange horses to revitalize the herds.
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