The Rhy'Kheer or (more commonly known) Raker is one of several strains of
southern-bred horses from the borderlands south of the Inland sea. While
they are a breed that possesses every color a horse can be, the dappled
grey is a favorite one amongst their breeders.
What can be said of these horses? They are not fast like Moabs, nor are they fiery-tempered as Kesslers are wont to be. They do not jump well, and they are indifferent at long distances. They are not huge slabs of muscle and bulk like New Forest horses either. Aside from being quite average-seeming in breed and temperament, they would simply be quite unremarkable as a breed of horse which averages 13-14 hands at most, slightly larger than what we consider as a serviceable pony size.
So why are they noteworthy indeed? Simply this, Rakers are smart. They are quite smarter than a horse should be. They take to complex training as a church knight does to a banquet table -- quiet intense dignity and focused purpose. They are a dream to train and ride. A Raker can train up to quite amazing amounts of ability in half the time another breed will need. They are capable of any quadruped type of evolution: two-legged walking, jumping from either position, airs above ground, and they are supremely confident with a trained rider upon them. It would seem that their intellect does them credit despite their average physical abilities. They are excellent horses for carriage and ladies' mounts as well. They also seem to be escape artists, and can easily leave the most secure-seeming paddock for a bit of "fun". Sepheras the Articulate was reknowned for the number of tricks his Raker Sapphire was able to perform -- counting, fetching named objects and even bowing to nobility!
They are favored by some of the southern potentates as riding mounts, as they seem very attuned to their riders, and will negotiate the most dificult obstacles with aplomb in the pursuit of their duty. They are regarded as rather large family members in some of the southern estates. Several attempts have been made to crossbreed this type with sturdier blood without any lasting success. More's the pity as the few half-Raker throws are quite good blends of speed and intellect.