Tiger-horses ( Equus ferus tigris ) are a rare breed of horse unique to Antellonia. Though physiologically they are very close to the common domestic horse, they possess a wide range of tiger-like features, the most notable of which is their coat, but also includes a longer, feline tail, better vision, and a more aggressive temperament. Unlike other horses they are solitary creatures, and though completely vegetarian in diet they have been known to hunt down and kill animals— particularly large predators. They are also marginally more intelligent than common horses, making them impossible to train or ride.

Tiger-horses stand between 15 1/2 an 16 hands at the withers, and in the wild usually live between 15 and 20 years. Mares will display the high neck crest as well as stallions, and have been known to be even more aggressive—especially when in foal. They are long-coupled, with shorter legs, powerful shoulders, and a unique slinking walk (not unlike a tiger).

Tiger-horses are believed to be the result of a wizard's experiment when he tried to breed the compatibility of a horse into a tiger—and things went a little wrong. Tiger-horses a now found in many light forested areas, especially ones where there are wild tigers. Tigers are the only predators tiger-horses will not try to trample on site, and the tigers know better than to bother them.

But what really happened… was that I wanted to paint a tiger, but preferred to draw a horse. Thus— the tiger-horse was born!

Incidentally, if you ever happen to meet a tiger-horse, the best thing to do is not make eye contact and hold very, very still, and it will probably ignore you. If it doesn't… remember it is still a horse, and will respond to a well-placed sugar cube the way most horses will. Probably.

Watercolor on 12"x9" cold press watercolor paper. Art © myself, though I don't know about the tiger-horse concept. I certainly came up with it on my own, but I wouldn't be surprise if someone else has.
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