Reflection

Breeding picture between my stallion Vivace and *Rajial's amazing mare Esplode! I've loved Esplode for so long, I'm very excited.

Not really anything unusual to say about this...took forever, some good things, some bad things...I certainly will be learning how to draw grass properly after this! This looks so fake, it embarrasses me. The only other thing I would have liked is for the horse's shading to look a little more natural. The technique I usually use is really only suitable for cartoon styles, so I should experiment with something more like I did in Chase's Conformation picture ([link]). I am really happy with how both of their manes and tails turned out though, I think these are my best manes yet. My apologies if the poses are little boring though.

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Vivace pricked his ears excitedly when he caught Esplode’s scent and raised his head high to catch a glimpse of her over the fence. “Whoa,” Shannon soothed him with a laugh. “Take it easy, boy.” She rubbed the stallion’s muscular neck, but despite her words she too could not help admiring the bright bay mare.

Esplode was in fine form, her coat gleaming in the dazzling sunlight and her dark tail streaming with each movement. Her eyes were alert and her nostrils flared as she noticed her admirer. Curiously she flicked her tail a few times, watching him warily as she tried to judge his character.

At a signal to the grooms Shannon lead Vivace to the fence and Esplode’s handler did the same. The two big Thoroughbreds sniffed each other delicately but there was no sign of aggression between them, so the gate was opened and Vivace released into the pasture. Everyone stood back but still kept a close eye out in case either horse became irritated.

Both horses paused, Esplode surveying her strange surroundings and Vivace keeping watch over her. Apparently she found the wide sweep of soft grass to her taste, for she raised her tail and trotted toward the center of the field with a long, easy stride. Vivace followed her lead, nickering softly and arching his neck to attract her attention.

He knew she would not like to be pressed and instead politely waited for her to notice him in his usual manner. Instead of responding however, the bay mare pretended not to notice him and waited to see what do would about it. Vivace tossed his head in disappointment and followed, arching his neck down to his chest and lifting his forelegs high. When he got too close however, Esplode raised a hind leg threateningly and forced him to stand back, all the while watching him from the corner of her eye.

The horses’ handlers watched in dismay as she rebuffed his ever approach, but Vivace was not deterred. He gave her some space and settled down to graze with a watchful eye. Slowly she calmed and joined him, beginning to enjoy to beautiful day and the stallion’s company. Vivace swelled with pride for the fine mare beside him, and everyone began to have hopes of a wonderful foal the next spring.


Okay, I really have a hard time writing about a breeding picture. That may just sound really silly, but at least I tried.

Vivace [link] and artwork (c) by me, Copperdragon
Esplode [link] (c) by
Esplode referenced from [link] (c) by
Vivace referenced from [link] (c) by