Horseland
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HorseLand is a online virtual pet game where players create and raise horses and dogs. Begun 1994 by a 14 year old girl in the United States, HorseLand, has grown to now have over 2.5 million users who play from all over the world. Most of the players are girls from age 10 to 22, although a number of older women and men play the game.
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[edit] Gameplay
In the game people create virtual horses that they can take care of, breed and compete with other players in shows. A major goal of the players is to have a horse with the highest points. The game also has attributes of a social network. Players often create layouts on their home pages, can chat with other players and can create lists of "stable buddies". In 2004 virtual dogs were added to the game. There are two sections of the game.
In 2006, a Junior version of the gamed aimed at children less than 13 years old was launched. The junior part of the game is easy to learn and play and features characters from the Horseland cartoon. The regular part of the game has more complex play and more ability to customize your horse and home page. Players can start playing in the Junior game and upgrade to the regular game if they are over 13. If they are under 13 they needs their parent's permission to upgrade. Upgrading their account gets them many new priviledges. You can now make horse or dog shows, which in a new source of income and sell 'horse-tickets and dog-tickets' both which sell for $500,000+.
[edit] Neopets distinction
HorseLand is often compared to Neopets. Unlike Neopets, HorseLand virtual pets are based on real animals species and breeds. Actual animal characteristics are featured to give the game realism. Players often model their virtual pets on real pets they own. Furthermore, HorseLand virtual pets can breed and produce offspring. Animals that come from long lines of pure bred animals are prized by players. Some players have worked for years to build up long lines of pure bred animals. Also, Neopets currency focuses around playing games that earn you money, whereas the HorseLand economy is based upon the buying, selling, breeding, and training of your pets by entering them in "shows".
[edit] Controversy
The addition of new animal types has been controversial. Some players still believe that new animal types like dogs and wolves don't belong in a game called HorseLand. Others want to add other common pets like ferrets and cats. Recently, a non-offical Horseland club has emerged called 'Bringing Cats to Horseland Club.' There have been multiple outcries about this, and so far the Horseland staff has not added cats to the game.
As in any community web site there are players who try to steal other peoples accounts. Often they trick new players into giving away their passwords. If this happens it is usually impossible for Horseland to return the account to the original owners.
There are moderators in the game who will ban people who are known to be abusing their acounts by posting inappropriate materials or stealing other accounts.
[edit] Animated series
HorseLand is also the name to the animated series based on the website. Produced by DIC Entertainment, the series premiered on September 16, 2006 as part of CBSs new Saturday morning cartoon block, KOL's Saturday Morning Secret Slumber Party on CBS. Concurrent with the series, the Horseland website has been updated to compliment the series by launching "a new Junior version of the game."
[edit] Characters, Horses and Symbols
| Human Character | Horse | Horse's Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Alma | Button | Green Clover |
| Bailey | Aztec | Blue Lightning Bolt |
| Chloe | Chili | Lavander Diamond |
| Molly | Calypso | Pink Heart |
| Sarah | Scarlet | Red Crown |
| Will | Jimber | Black Star |
| Zoey | Pepper | Turquoise Moon |
[edit] Other animals
- Angora (a cat)
- Teeny (a pig)
- Shep (a dog)
[edit] List of HorseLand episodes
- Fire, Fire Burning Bright
- Written by Eric Lewald and Julia Lewald
- Executive Story Editor Phil Harnage
- Win Some, Lose Some
- You Can't Judge a Girl by her Limo
- Cry Wolf
- Fast Friends
