Editing Horse (section)

==Culture==
Horses are highly valued by most cultures in [[Westeros]] and [[Essos]].

===Westeros===
In the [[Seven Kingdoms]], a [[knight]] is expected to be able to afford armor and a warhorse.{{Ref|SSM|1045}}

====North====
[[File:Dimitri Bielak Northern Courser.JPG|thumb|350px|A courser of the [[north]], by Dimitri Bielak © Fantasy Flight Games]]
While [[northern cavalry]] ride warhorses, the [[Northern mountain clans|hill clans]] prefer garrons.{{Ref|ADWD|41}}{{Ref|ADWD|42}}

====Beyond the Wall====
The [[Night's Watch]] and the [[free folk]] employ sure-footed little garrons [[beyond the Wall]].{{Ref|ACOK|68}}{{Ref|AFFC|5}}{{Ref|ADWD|58}} Some [[knight]]s ride destriers, although most [[ranger]]s prefer garrons.{{Ref|AGOT|0}}

====Dorne====
Dorne is famed by its valued [[sand steed]]s, beautiful and valued horses.{{Ref|ASOS|38}}

====Iron Islands====
[[File:Zach Graves Isle Garron.JPG|thumb|350px|A garron of the [[Iron Islands]], by Zach Graves © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Horses are barely used in the [[Iron Islands]], not only due to their basic island geography, but also because the isles are too sparse to provide them good grazing, and too rocky for easy travel even on the same island. Most ironborn are indifferent riders at best. The few horses that are encountered in the Iron Islands tend to be either garrons (bred to be sure-footed on rocky terrain) or "shaggy [[Harlaw]] ponies" (apparently bred to survive on meager grazing). Even drays are not as common as ox-pulled carts.{{Ref|ACOK|24}}

===Essos===
Horse archers are more common in [[Essos]] than in Westeros.{{Ref|SSM|1174}}

====Qohor====
The [[Qohor]]ik are said to sacrifice horses, bullocks, and calves to the [[Black Goat]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|8|2|3}}

====Volantis====
[[Volantis|Volantene]] [[chariot]]s are pulled by teams of four horses.{{Ref|TWOIAF|8|2|6}}

====Dothraki====
[[File:Khal drogo by reneaigner.jpg|thumb|[[Dothraki]], by Rene Aigner ©]]
The [[Dothraki]] measure wealth largely by the possession of horses, and spend most of their lives riding them. The horse is in the heart of the lives of Dothraki, who are sometimes called "[[horselord]]s". For Dothraki the horse is a mount and an inspiration for all craft. They worship a [[horse god]].{{Ref|AGOT|68}}

The nomadic lifestyle, as well as many cultural taboos are directly associated with the horse. The Dothraki fear the ocean, as their horses cannot drink salt water.{{Ref|AGOT|54}} Persons unable to ride are looked down upon in Dothraki culture, and riding capability is associated with social prestige.{{Ref|AGOT|68}}

At the death of a Dothraki, his horse is slaughtered and later sacrificed on the funeral pyre of his master.{{Ref|AGOT|64}} The Dothraki consume almost exclusively horse meat, which they prefer to beef and pork,{{Ref|agot|31}} and to it they attribute many properties, especially for pregnant women. They drink a low alcohol beverage derived from [[Fermented milk|fermented mare's milk]].{{Ref|agot|46}} The Dothraki consider boats to be wooden horses.{{Ref|AGOT|54}}