Defining Traits of the Tyree Breed
The tyree breed is a versatile one, but they were originally the result of a very harsh natural habitat. Each trait was acquired to create a horse that would be capable of surviving in the most rugged terrain with temperatures that swing significantly.
When drawing tyree, it is important that the breed traits are represented accurately. Please refer to each section below for a more detailed overview of each trait.
About the Tyree Tail
Length & General Guide
Please pay close attention to this tail length guide when drawing your tyree, and take note if they have longtail!
A good guide to go by is that the tailbone of a tyree without the longtail gene should not be able to touch the ground when straight down.
Carriage Guidelines
Tyree tails are heavy and not significantly flexible, so tyree tend to carry their tails in specific ways. They cannot physically reach their tail very high or bend it very sharply.
Bred for Balance
Tyree developed their specialized tails in order to assist with their balance when traversing rocky mountainous terrain. Because of their tail, they can maintain balance in areas where even mules and donkeys would fail.
Image work in progress
Fun Fact: Tyree tails don’t have long hair all the way down it’s length because the tail also assist with regulating body temperature during the summer!
Tyree Horns
Horn Structure
Bighorn vs Normal Horns
Bighorn vs Normal Horns
The horns begin behind the tyree’s ears twist downwards and away from the tyree’ face. They have a ridged structure.
Bighorn vs Normal Horns
Bighorn vs Normal Horns
Bighorn vs Normal Horns
Bighorn refers to tyree capable of growing horns that double back on themselves without becoming overgrown. Most tyree do not have this mutation.
Horn Growth
Bighorn vs Normal Horns
Horn Growth
Tyree horns are made of the same material as hooves, and grow the same way as hooves. If they become overgrown, they start to crack and break, causing pain for the horse.
Fun Fact: Tyree foals are born with fairy fingers on their horns as well as on their hooves to avoid injuring the mother! Their horns reach adult length by 1 year.
The Why Behind the Horns
Tyree use their horns as one of their most vital survival tools. From stripping plants for food, digging in icy snow even to in defense of themselves from challengers or predators, horns are vital to a wild tyree’s livelihood.
Image work in progress
Other Tyree Traits
General Ears & Mule Ears
General Ears & Mule Ears
General Ears & Mule Ears
Tyree ears are generally much wider near the base and very full of hair both inside and outside about halfway down the cheek. This is to prevent frostbite of the ears in the winter. Some tyree have a mutation that results in ears that are very long and tall, similar to that of a mule. This is more common for the tyree that live in hotter
Tyree ears are generally much wider near the base and very full of hair both inside and outside about halfway down the cheek. This is to prevent frostbite of the ears in the winter. Some tyree have a mutation that results in ears that are very long and tall, similar to that of a mule. This is more common for the tyree that live in hotter areas for better body temperature regulation.
Artwork above by Laurvetta
The Floof!
General Ears & Mule Ears
General Ears & Mule Ears
The tyree that come from the most extreme climates have developed a mutation known as floof. With this mutation, tyree keep their winter coat year round and it grows to longer lengths than it otherwise would. This can be all over the body or only in general areas like the feathers. Owners may choose to shave their tyree down, but many choose to keep their floofy horses.
Artwork above by Cosandk
Wolfmane
General Ears & Mule Ears
Wolfmane
Wolfmane is another mutation that is seen more often in tyree that live in the extreme cold climates in an attempt to maintain a good body temperature. In order to ride these tyree, many owners will shave down a saddle track in this mane so they don’t pull out hairs while riding, much like a track is often made for a bridle at the poll.
Artwork above by Laurvetta