Mechanical horses (AngieYaz Sonic Underground reboot)

thumb|right|A mechanical horse.
Mechanical horses, also known as robotic steeds, mecha-steeds and robo-gallopers, are both characters and objects featured in the AngieYaz/RoseOfSharon reboot of the Sonic Underground television series. They are robotic steeds that were originally owned by the Hedgehog Dynasty. After Dr. Robotnik took over Mobius, they were claimed under his possession for 14 years, with him commissioning the manufacture of dozens more in his pollution-spewing factories. During Robotnik's rule and after the royal family reclaimed the throne, the horses were cared for in the stables in the royal palace.
Their first appearance is in Beginnings.
==History==
For centuries, the royal family and the aristocracy used mechanical horses as steeds to ride throughout the land—the lower classes, however, ride Pashas. They were first crafted in the 10th century CE on Mobius as a pre-carriage means to get around faster. Later, carriages were invented and the horses were to pull the carriages (controlled by a driver).
Mechanical horses can still be found on Mobius today. Robotnik had a very large horse (resembling a Shire horse crossbred with a Clydesdale), custom-built for his large body so his weight doesn't cause the horse to break apart and become damaged. After the Robotnik Empire fell, the royal family decided to keep Robotnik's old horse, the horse being given to the royal family by a former Robotnik loyalist. Sonic, after being crowned King of Mobius, acquired two horses; he named them Starburst and Roadster. Amy usually rides Starburst and Sonic usually rides Roadster.
Mechanical horses in Bronto's realm have a more robotic design. Their "eyes" are a red visor that flashes and their tail consists of several silver cords or wires.
Mechanical horses may also resemble Clydesdales, Nakotas, Chincoteagues and many more horse breeds.
===Middle Ages===
Mechanical horses in the Middle Ages differed in size, build and "breed" from the modern mechanical horse, and were, on average, smaller. They were also more central to society than their modern counterparts, being essential for war, agriculture, and transport.
Consequently, specific types of mechanical horse developed, many of which have no modern equivalent. While an understanding of modern horse breeds and equestrianism is vital for any analysis of the medieval horse, researchers also need to consider documentary (both written and pictorial) and archaeological evidence.
Mechanical horses in the Middle Ages were rarely differentiated by breed, but rather by use. This led them to be described, for example, as "chargers" (war horses), "palfreys" (riding horses), cart horses or packhorses. Reference is also given to their place of origin, such as "Espanan horses," but whether this referred to one style or several is unknown. Another difficulty arising during any study of medieval documents or literature is the flexibility of the medieval languages, where several words can be used for one thing (or, conversely, several objects are referred to by one word). Words such as 'courser' and 'charger' are used interchangeably (even within one document), and where one epic may speak disparagingly of a rouncey, another praises its skill and swiftness.
Significant technological advances in equestrian equipment, often introduced from other cultures, allowed for significant changes in both warfare and agriculture. In particular, improved designs for the horses themselves, the solid-treed saddle as well as the arrival of the stirrup, horseshoe and horse collar were significant advances in medieval society.
Consequently, the assumptions and theories developed by historians are not definitive, and debate still rages on many issues, such as the manufacture or size of the horse, and a number of sources must be consulted in order to understand the breadth of the subject.
==Movement==
All mechanical horses can be programmed to move with four basic gaits:
*the four-beat walk, which averages 6.4 kilometres per hour (4.0 mph);
*the two-beat trot or jog at 13 to 19 kilometres per hour (8.1 to 11.8 mph) (faster for harness racing horses);
*the canter or lope, a three-beat gait that is 19 to 24 kilometres per hour (12 to 15 mph);
*the gallop, which averages 40 to 48 kilometres per hour (25 to 30 mph), but the world record for a horse galloping over a short, sprint distance is 70.76 kilometres per hour (43.97 mph).
Besides these basic gaits, some mechanical horses can be programmed to perform a two-beat pace, instead of the trot. There also are several programmable four-beat 'ambling' gaits that are approximately the speed of a trot or pace, though smoother to ride. These include the lateral rack, running walk, and tölt as well as the diagonal fox trot. Ambling gaits are often genetic in some breeds, known collectively as gaited mechanicals. These horses replace the trot with one of the ambling gaits.
==Diet==
Mechanical horses are batterivores and electrivores with a digestive system adapted to a diet of batteries and electricity, consumed steadily throughout the day. Therefore, compared to other robots and other mechanical creatures, they have a relatively small "stomach" but very long "intestines". A 450-kilogram (990 lb) mechanical horse will get charged on 100 to 2000 kilowatts of electricity per day and, under normal use, drink 38 to 45 liters (8.4 to 9.9 imp gal; 10 to 12 MS gal) of oil.
==Behavior==
Mechanical horses are programmed with a strong fight-or-flight response. Their first reaction to a threat is to startle and usually flee, although they will stand their ground and defend themselves when flight is impossible or if they are threatened. They also tend to be curious; when startled, they will often hesitate an instant to ascertain the cause of their fright, and may not always flee from something that they perceive as non-threatening. Most light robot horse riding builds were developed for speed, agility, alertness and endurance; natural qualities that extend from their wild ancestors. However, through selective breeding, some builds of robot horses are quite docile, particularly certain draft mechanicals.
Mechanical horses are also social creatures that are able to form companionship attachments to their own species and to other animals, including Mobians. They are programmed to communicate in various ways, including vocalizations such as nickering or whinnying, mutual grooming, and body language. Many robot horses will become difficult to manage if they are isolated, but with training, they can learn to accept a Mobian as a companion, and thus be comfortable away from other mechanical horses.
Additionally, mechanical horses are known to be intelligent and trainable. They have a strong desire to please their owners and trainers, and are capable of learning complex maneuvers and responding to subtle cues from their riders. Many mechanical horses are used in competitive events such as racing, jumping, and dressage, where they demonstrate their athleticism, speed, and agility. They are also used for work and transportation, such as pulling carts and plows, and for recreational riding.
Overall, mechanical horses are fascinating and versatile creatures with a rich history and important role in Mobian society. Whether racing across the open plains, plowing fields, or carrying a rider through the city streets, they are a symbol of Mobian culture and a beloved part of many people's lives.
Category:AngieYaz Sonic Underground reboot
Category:Robots
Category:Horses
Category:Owner:Angie Y.