GoodtimeswithScar, Cowboy AUs, and Horses
I'm a big horse guy, I love thinking about and messing with horses- and making AUs is no exception. When I got into the Life Series/Hermitcraft(-ish), I wanted to represent Scar's disability like many other AUs- and fandom interpretation- do.
I began to look more into parapalegic equestrianism, and found a treasure trove of valuable information to make any cowboy or horse-aligned AU all the more inclusive of Scar designs that use wheelchairs or canes (or any other steam-punky assistive devices I've seen).
This is an excellent situation where one really doesnt require a certian breed standard to be met in order for this AU to work. Any horse will do, with only maybe a temperment or height check to keep things in line. Horses can spook at wheelchairs, and, in a AU that has more steampunky elements, become nervous around the hissing steam of pipes and wires, so a calm horse (maybe an older one, or one that is incredibley well trained) is in order.
What comes to mind distinctly was a Tiktok I saw months ago about a trainer and their horse, who had been taught to bow so their rider with physical limitations did not have to throw a high leg or jump up to be able to ride. (Although with further research along the lines of actually teaching a horse to bow, I found an article where a poor woman had taught her horse so well every time the farrier would come and pick up her hoof she would go into a bow without cue.) A bowing horse- or maybe even one who lays down on command- is a helpful addition to Cowboy Scar's arsenal.
In another line, if he uses a wheelchair in your AU and is a bit of a traveler, look for a more endurance-aligned horse to be able to shoulder the weight of Scar's chair. An average horse can carry 20% percent of their body weight comfortably. I would look more towards wider, stronger horses- if they are, of course, available in your AU.
No matter your AU's Scar's opinion on horses- whether he loves or hates them- it is almost vital that his relationship with his horse is specifically special. He might not be all crazy for every horse out there, but it's good for him to have HIS horse, one who understands him without words, one who is connected to him by seemingly beyond souls. I'm talking SPECIAL SPECIAL.
This is a more indepth part, where there are differences between english and western and the type of AU you're going for can make the direct answer look more like a shopping mall of tack selection.
Whether your Scar is a gunslinging sheriff, a lonesome cowboy, or a snake oil salesman- His tack is probably always going to be westerned aligned, usually simple and rawhide. The issue with Western Saddles and a man in a wheelchair or using a cane- especially if he's toting around said wheelchair on whatever quirky adventure he's going on- is that they are BIG. They are CLUNKY. Part of them is made of WOOD for heaven's sake. I'm completely abled and I have trouble carrying them sometimes. A good solution to this problem is opting for a freer, bareback style of riding. Although requiring a good sense of balance, it can be assissted by a bareback pad, or even a saddle blanket simply draped over the back of his beloved partner in cowboy crime.
Now I know that sounds... weird. No, we're not turning Scar British- but along the style of English riding... Personally- he seems the more savvy owner type, a guy who admires horses from the sidelines, focused more on the economy of his gold-leafed stud barns. If he had to ride, it'd probably be one of thoser custom made english saddles, like the one this woman uses to ride:
He's too tall to be a jockey, but he has- like I said- a savvy buisnessman feel about him. He'd be an awesome owner... I think.
Admittedly, My knowledge is mostly cowboy-centric, and also most I had to say about, but in general I hope this is a good overview on horses and Scar. Thanks! I love Horse Racing- but that's a topic for another day.
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