Winter Derby - Wednesday, Jan 16 at 9:30pm /servertime

[Kiralynn]

Join us on Wednesday, January 16 at 9:30pm /servertime (EST) for the Winter Derby, a horse race and mounted fashion contest. Race through the winter landscape on a standard (+62%) horse or goat, testing your skills on the cliffs and ruins of Thorin’s Gate. Take the stage with your best equestrian outfit. Compete for fame, gold, and 1,600 Turbine Points. Meet at the top of the stairs outside Thorin’s Hall. To register, contact Kiralynn with your horse's name and breed before the event begins. Click here to review the race route. Click here to read the race rules. Click here for the current rider standings.

[Kiralynn]

Hello!

The horse race and fashion contest are tonight! Meet on the stairs out front of Thorin's Hall. The race course is challenging and a lot of fun to ride. The horse show doesn't have a theme, so wear anything that will earn the audience votes. Don't forget to bring those hand-held cosmetic items to give your outfit that extra bit of flair!

I need a few judges to patrol the race course and make sure nobody cheats. It's an easy but very important job. If any of you are willing to volunteer, I will be sincerely grateful.

[Kiralynn]

The second annual Winter Derby was held at Thorin’s Hall on Wednesday, January 16th. A sizable crowd turned out to watch the race and horse show, despite the snowy weather and temperatures that dropped sharply as the sun went down. Eight riders registered for the horse race, but the real attraction was the fashion contest with fourteen entrants.



The eight riders registered for the race included three newcomers — Aalloria with bay Barbossa, Daeleg with grey Stewball, Freystar with Rohan steed Windfoot, Galzagar with smoky black Edguy, Gelthranhad with horse of the Gap Jewel, Kikilaa with winged herald pony Mogli, Limilniel with Brew-fest goat Lady Cabra, and Nisael with chestnut Huckleberry.

Daeleg with Snowball, Freystar with Fir, and Kikilaa with Shooting Star had entered a previous race. Limilniel had taken second place in the Rivendell Challenge. Aaloria, Galzagar, Gelthranhad and Nisael were new to the Windy Acres racing circuit. The bookies had a difficult time setting odds and anyone winning a trifecta was destined for great wealth. Racing fans gathered near the braziers to await the start of the race.



The Winter Derby race course is especially challenging for inexperienced riders. The course begins with a gallop down the stairs in front of Thorin’s Hall. Riders must rein in fresh horses full of energy and the urge to race ahead of the competition. A sprained leg this early in the race would be devastating. Next, the riders pass through Frerin’s Court and test their endurance on the long, steep road up to the Refuge of Edhelion. A swift horse can gain an advantage here but the smart rider holds him back. The ruins test their ability to turn sharply and make an unexpected jump over obstacles around a blind corner. The most dangerous length of the race comes next – a charge down twisting and turning stairs cut into the sheer cliffs leading down to Silver Deep Mine. On the back stretch, riders must guide their horses across an ice lake and return through Frerin’s Court. The final yards of the race force the horses to climb the stairs back to Thorin’s Hall with whatever energy they have left. Injuries are a common occurrence at this event.



Fireworks filled the air as riders crossed the finish line. Nisael brought Huckleberry in first, evoking wild cheers from a crowd that loves to see a longshot win. Kikilaa topped the stairs next on her pony, securing her first scoring finish of the season. Lady Cabra demonstrated the stamina of goats and brought Limilniel in for third place. Freystar’s steed suffered an injury but bravely limped back to Thorin’s Hall. Aalloria and her bay pony became lost and returned a short while later. Nisael went home with favor of the Valar (1,600 Turbine Points) while the other winners rode home with small sacks of gold.

The first horse show of 2013 began with the display of several exquisite outfits. The host called fourteen constants to the stage — Aalloria, Craicwyth, Emylot, Freystar, Galzagar, Gloif, Kikilaa, Kyrian, Limilniel, Nitrodin, Rioria, Syrie, Talorrian and Tuiliel. After each had a turn to show off their wardrobes, votes poured in from an appreciative audience. Many votes were cast for Gloif, Galzagar, Kikilaa, Kyrian, Limilniel and Talorrian. Click here to view the entries.

After the tally, an honorable mention was awarded to Talorrian, wearing a crimson robe on a steed of the Horse Lords. Third place was awarded to Galzagar, wearing studded leather armor on a matching war steed. Second place went to Kikilaa, sporting a green robe, flamboyant hat and sparkler on her winged herald pony. After much anticipation, first place was won by Kyrian, wearing a fur-trimmed crimson robe on a spotted war steed. All three winners were given gold coins as a reward for earning the audience votes.



Thanks to Byrcha, Craicwyth, Emylot, Kyrian and Lhinnthel who served as race course judges. These events would not be possible without volunteers.

The next event sponsored by Windy Acres Ranch is the second annual Firefoot Sprint, scheduled for Wednesday, February 13 at 9:30pm (/servertime, Eastern US). The event will be hosted at Kiralynn’s home, located at 1 Twinfall Path, Imrath Ivrin, Falathlorn homesteads. A talent show will take place after the horse race. Talent show contestants must entertain the crowd to earn their votes. The horse race will require several laps around the homesteads. War steeds will be allowed to participate.

We’ll see you at the races!