The Hoofers of Farden

Who are the Hoofers?

The Hoofers is a famous traveling horse show. When the Hoofers come to town it is always a great source of excitement for the local population. In a Hoofers' show, you might see not only dressage and other coordinated horse formations - commonly known as 'hoofing', but also a fair bit of acrobatics.

The Hoofers perform in a huge circle hemmed by a quick set-up fence usually in a common field they lease for the evening. They do not stay long in a place unless they find themselves in a more substantial urban center. Tents are erected for the more prominent and wealthy spectators.

The Hoofers' yearly circuit does not take them too far to the north, but they will go east to west and back again every year. The troupe counts more than 20 horses and 40 people in its midst. Most of the Hoofers families are clansmen from Clan Hoershal in the south of the region of Farden.

The Hoers are famous horse breeders and are very proud of their heritage. They are well known to have created several beautiful breeds of horses which the clan exports to all corners of Alven and the continent.

Origin

Like many forms of entertainment in Alven, the Hoofers troupe has a religious and spiritual origin. The horse goddess, Ria, is worshipped throughout the clanlands.

In the Alven pantheon, Ria is one of the nine Divine Hags, daughter of the celestial goddess Dona, and twin sister to Mara and Morgan. She is a symbol of strength and fertility. She is much venerated by clan warriors and no battle goes ahead without the proper rituals to her name.

Many centuries ago, the people of Clan Hoersman developed complex rituals to celebrate the goddess. The rituals included trained horses in various formations as well as tournaments where young male and female warriors would demonstrate their prowess on horseback - all to the glory of Ria.

Present Day and Fame

A century ago, the then Thane was so enamored by the spectacle - he had a strong love of horses - that he requested a show for the capitals' own celebrations of Ria, which are usually held in the month of Suntyme. The Hoofers troupe was then created and has not stopped traveling from one festival to another since then.

Other 'hoofing' troops have been created since then, and it is common that for every clan to have their own 'hoofers'. However, nothing compares to the skill and daring of the Farden troupe. The Hoofers of Farden are still asked to perform every Suntyme in the capital for the Thane and The Thane's Hall.










Fame