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Ryshadium are a subspecies or breed of horse on [[Roshar]]. They are often referred to as “the third shard” in addition to a [[Shardblade]] and [[Shardplate]]{{book ref|sa3| 10}}.
They are genetically distinct from other horses though they are still capable of mating with them{{wob ref |5|Odessycon|2016}}.
The Ryshadium likely descended from horses that were brought to Roshar when humans first arrived{{book ref|sa3| 113}}.
== Appearance ==
Ryshadium are larger than other breeds of horse. It is noted that Dalinar's Ryshadium [[Gallant]] is two hands taller than an ordinary horse{{book ref |sa1| 12}}.
Ryshadium have been seen to have multiple coat colors including, black{{book ref |sa1| 12}}, and white{{book ref |sa1|13}}. Additionally they can have both light or dark eyes which have rectangular pupils{{book ref |sa3| 10}}{{book ref |sa2| 81}}.
Unlike ordinary horses Ryshadium have stone hooves and thus do not require shoes{{book ref |sa3| 10}}. This is likely an adaptation they have developed for life on Roshar.
== Abilities ==
Ryshadium are significantly stronger than other warhorses. They can carry a shardbearer in full plate demonstrating their enhanced strength and endurance.They are also faster than other horse breeds{{book ref |sa1| 13}} {{book ref |sa1|56}}. They are strong enough to withstand a shardbearer jumping into their saddle without any injury to themselves{{book ref | sa1| 13}} an action that would break most ordinary horses backs{{book ref |sa3| 26}}.
Ryshadium also have a higher level of sentience than other animals(a benefit of their spren bond), nearing sapience{{au ref|rosharan}}.
== Behavior ==
Ryshadium exhibit many behaviors that are unique to the breed. They posses a certain level of sentience{{au ref |rosharan}}. It is unclear the exact degree of sentience they posses however there are multiple times throughout the series when a Ryshadium appears to understand it’s rider.
In battle Ryshadium will hold their ground even in circumstances when other horses would flee, either through training or their natural abilities{{book ref |sa1| 13}}.
It is indicated that Ryshadium are difficult to train, when Dalinar laments this fact in The Way of Kings {{book ref| sa1| 18}}. This is likely due to the fact that they cannot be ridden unless they choose a rider first{{book ref |sa3| 10}}.
The intelligence and understanding of the Ryshadium can be seen in their relationships with their riders. Riders often carry on conversations with Ryshadium and the horses will seemingly answer either through body language or sounds such as snorts{{book ref|sa1|15}} {{book ref |sa3|10}} {{book ref|sa2|26}}.
== Choosing a Rider ==
Ryshadium are known for choosing and obeying only a particular rider{{book ref|sa1|12}}. Dalinar describes the experience of having a Ryshadium accept him as a rider as “indescribable”{{book ref|sa1|15}}. It is indicated that one must be “worthy” to be chosen by a Ryshadium, what the measure of worthiness is however remains unclear{{book ref|sa2|81}}.
Riders often communicate with their Ryshadium as if they have full or partial understanding of what their rider is saying{{book ref|sa1|15}} furthermore they do respond with body language and sounds indicating that this is true{{book ref| sa1| 15}}.
While Ryshadium are useful in battle Shardbearers will sometimes fight unmounted so that they do not endanger their Ryshadium in close attacks{{book ref| sa1|56}} {{book ref|sa1|68}}. Ryshadium are loyal to their riders, and will risk their lives to find and aid them. This is demonstrated when Dalinar's Ryshadium Gallant runs to look for him during the battle at the tower {{book ref|sa1|68}}.
Though Ryshadium choose their rider they will allow others to ride them as they are needed, in one instance Ryshadium were used to carry three wounded men from the battlefield {{book ref|sa1|68}}.
'''Known Riders'''
*[[Dalinar]] with [[Gallant]]{{book ref|sa1|15}}
*[[Adolin]] with [[Sureblood]]{{book ref|sa1|13}}
*[[Hatham]] with unnamed Ryshadium{{book ref|sa2|29}}
*[[Kalanor]] with unnamed Ryshadium{{book ref|sa3|26}}
== Spren Bond ==
In the Rosharan essay by Khriss it is stated that there is a symbiotic relationship between spren and Ryshadium {{au ref|rosharan}}. Some of the benefits to Ryshadium are clear(strength, self awareness), it is unclear what the spren receive from the Ryshadium. Ryshadium are – like humans – a non-native species to Roshar that has developed a spren bond{{wob ref|12|Idaho Falls signing |2018}}.
== Theories and speculation ==
It has been theorized that [[musicspren]] bond the Ryshadium, as they have been seen around the Ryshadium even when there is no music playing{{book ref|sa3|26}}.
== Trivia ==
* Ryshadium is a word also used in the ''[[Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians (series)|Alcatraz]]'' series; [[Radrian Blackburn]] asks [[Leavenworth Smedry]] how to bypass the Sentinel's Glass of Ryshadium during the torture.{{book ref|a1|16}}
== Quotes ==
:''“They pick their rider son. We fixate on Shards, but any man - courageous or coward - can bond a Blade. Not so here, on this ground. Only the worthy win here . . .”''{{book ref|sa2|81}}
Dalinar to Adolin at some point prior to the beginning of [[The Way of Kings]].
== Notes ==
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