"Gerrup" by Yukimi Mills

A gerrup is a creature used by the Mnolinian Elves and Syro humans in the nation of Zav as mounts and hauling mounts. They're used for pulling down trees, carrying heavy loads (they're much stronger than horses) and for hunting the giant predators of the land, pekrdams (basically horse-sized wolves whose body parts can be used in medicines.)

Their paws make running along the uneven terrain more feasible, and their build enables them a little more flexibility (although not much; the bulk in their muscles weighs them down.)

Despite their enormous size, gerrups in general have a gentle personality, although some can be as stubborn as mules. They can live on an herbivore-ish diet if they have to, but they prefer small birds and rabbits.

Mounting these giants isn't easy. They're trained to kneel at a command, since the length of the stirrup doesn't reach far enough (for good reason. It would be difficult to keep on the saddle otherwise.) Due to the sometimes slow method of mounting, the rider would have his legs "buckled" to the stirrup strip, just below the knee.

Part of my project for my website. This will be in the section for Domestic/Beasts of Burdens (eventually, when I get it done. >.> )

Gerrup/art © Yukimi Mills