Silver says that, in Riddle’s first year, he “seemed to struggle to bond with the horse he was assigned in (their) club.”
Riddle says that he and Vorpal, his horse in the Equestrian Club, “have built up a relationship of trust, though it has been a difficult road getting there,” explaining that Vorpal was assigned to him soon after he joined the club as a form of hazing:
“Vorpal was a very proud horse, though —very finicky about who could ride it. It kept refusing to accept anyone other than a highly capable club leader who graduated three years ago. For a while after I joined, I couldn’t even get a saddle on it, much less ride on its back. It was proud and temperamental. I felt my share of frustration at not being up to the task…but now when I come to the stables, it nuzzles me eagerly like it’s been waiting for me to visit.”
Riddle says he still remembers “the delight (he) felt when it accepted (him) as its rider” and, later, learned that assigning Vorpal to him in the first place “was the upperclassmen’s way of hazing (him).”
Riddle says, “They were hoping I’d cry about how hard that horse was to handle and withdraw from the club,” and when Rook asks why they would do so Riddle explains, “From what I hear, it was me chiding an upperclassman every time he skipped practice or stable cleaning duty. That hardly seems worthy of a grudge, considering what I said was entirely appropriate.”
Riddle says he is proud to have won Vorpal over and “Furthermore, it proves that not even petty hazing can be considered a hindrance to me.”
Riddle says, “One should treat horses with respect and as equal partners,” and it seems he might be kinder than usual when he tending to horses. Riddle explains, “They’re sensitive creatures. It’s only natural that I be mindful of them.”
In a voice line Riddle says, “There’s a lot to be mindful of when brushing horses. How much pressure to apply, the material of the brush……each horse has their own entirely different preferences.”
Riddle also refers to Equestrian competitions, saying that he will be taking part in show jumping at an upcoming tournament and is confident in his skill and precision when clearing obstacles. Silver says, “Riddle rarely makes mistakes in competitions. Since he places great importance on basic training, each of his movements is refined,” and Sebek says, “Riddle-senpai often achieves excellent results in equestrian competitions. He executes each technique with great precision; there is much to be learned from him.”
Riddle says that he was able to choose the destination for a long ride with the Equestrian Club on his birthday and he “chose a scenic lakeshore. It was nice and serene there.”
Azul gets Riddle a lamp with scent diffuser for his birthday, providing him with three different scented oils to choose from. Riddle describes one of the scents as “a bit overly stimulating…But it reminds me of the feeling I get when galloping through the woods and fields on horseback. I don’t mind it. I do feel refreshed, actually. This might be good for when I want something to lift my spirits.”
Later in the conversation Azul tells Riddle, “You’re very observant, even when doing club activities, I see. Not to mention strict…” and Riddle says, “I often end up looking after others, even in the Equestrian Club.”
Riddle fetches Vorpal for Riddle during the Lantern Event and Riddle says that Silver is “about the only one capable of leading this moody horse aside from (himself).”
Silver says, “This horse and Riddle have done quite well at equestrian competitions” and tells Riddle, “I’m sure that together, you and Vorpal can surmount any obstacles.”
Riddle’s equestrian skills come into play during the Eternity Float event: Riddle and Rook get into a horse-drawn carriage, but the horse refuses to walk. Riddle explains to Rook, “In my experience in the Equestrian Club, it’s hardly uncommon for horses to ignore the commands of their riders. A horse can be obedient with people most of the time, only to change their tune the moment a new rider sits astride them.”
After the coachman gets down from his seat to check on the horse it begins to gallop through the city streets without Rook and Riddle inside the carriage, but Riddle cautions against forcing the horse to a stop with magic, as “the strain on the horse will be too rough. Horses’ legs are delicate and prone to injury….”
Riddle climbs into the coachman’s seat and steers the horse onto a course that without pedestrians but fails to slow the horse down by its reins alone. As they approach a ravine Riddle chooses to jump it (“If I make the fullest use of the knowledge I’ve cultivated in my club and some magic to bolster the carriage…!”), urging the horse to gallop faster and using magic to levitate them. Once they have safely landed Riddle says, “I’m glad the horse is safe,” and, “It seems receptive to my directions. Let’s return to the coachman and rejoin the others,” so he possibly drove the horse and carriage back to their coachman on his own.
During the Stitch event Riddle compares surfing to horseback riding. When Floyd says, “For all the unintended dives you took, you seem pretty chill,” Riddle responds, “I fell a lot, it’s true. But as long as I treated it like riding a horse, it wasn’t anything | couldn’t overcome.”
In a vignette we see Sebek approaching the Equestrian club about potentially becoming a member. Riddle explains,
“I understand that every dorm has its own customs and ways of thinking. However, the same is true for the Equestrian Club. If you intend to join us, you will need to adhere to our ideolog…What sets the Equestrian Club apart from others is chiefly our relationship with animals. Even the slightest error in judgment can invite a disastrous accident. This is a dangerous sport. Furthermore, the horses themselves are equally at risk, being prone to injury if mishandled. A horse requires the same delicate touch as, say, a croquet flamingo or a hedgehog. In this club, your upperclassmen’s word is law, and for your safety, you are obliged to obey. Do I make myself clear?”
Sebek vows to “obey any orders, within reason” and follows with, “However, I wish to see the other club members’ skills before I decide whether or not to join.”
Riddle invites him to judge for himself and mounts Vorpal. As Riddle rides Sebek exclaims, “He’s fast! And he can even clear a triple bar with ease-all while maintaining flawless posture.” Silver follows with, “Riddle Rosehearts has trained relentlessly to achieve perfect riding technique. He is even more skilled than I am in terms of his handling finesse. In fact, competing with him has helped me push many of my own skills to new heights.”
After Riddle’s demonstration Sebek declares, “1 am ready to submit my entry application immediately, sir!”
In another vignette we see a scene that was possibly from shortly after Sebek joined, where Ruggie introduces a group of first-years to the Equestrian club and, after scolding one for being too distracting, Sebek finds himself collared by Riddle.
Riddle says, “You may be new, but your membership has been officially approved, which means you will not do ANYTHING that brings disgrace to our club. Consider this a learning opportunity, Sebek. I’ll teach you how to behave toward those who are not in Diasomnia.”
Ruggie tells the potential new club members that, if they sign up, Riddle will “give (them) plenty of lessons on horseback riding AND proper manners. Fair warning, though-he can be a tad strict if you step out of line.”
The new students respond, “A TAD?! That was way beyond strict, if you ask me,” and, “The last thing I need is someone collaring me for a little sass.”
Riddle says that he assigned Equestrian Club members “front and center” for crowd control during the VDC, as he was “anticipating large crowds,” and, “I figured that if anyone would excel at diplomacy and customer service, it would be them.”
Directly before the arrival of CHARON at NRC Riddle observes, “The horses are rather agitated today.” Silver follows with, “Maybe a big storm’s coming. Animals can sense when something’s not right.”
After Idia’s overblot, when he suggests that he might not be returning to NRC, Riddle tells him that he will need to restore the stables and damaged fields. (Idia: “I’m pretty sure YOU burned those — you know what Never mind. I’m not going there.”)
At Lilia’s farewell party of Book 7 Riddle tells him that Silver and Sebek have told him of Lilia’s guidance, and, “I’d hoped to get a lesson in horsemanship from you if the opportunity presented itself…”
During the Eternity Float event Malleus decides to purchase horse tack for Silver and Sebek and goes to Riddle for advice, saying, “It seems they both hold your horsemanship in high regard.” Riddle responds, “They’re both quite good themselves, though I’d say I hold my own in their company.”
Riddle recommends that Malleus purchase a brush for Silver (“Silver mentioned wanting to put extra effort into hoof care for the next riding competition. In which case, he’d probably appreciate one of these brushes with stiff bristles suited for cleaning hooves”), and a thinning comb for Sebek (“Something to help smooth out his mount’s shaggy mane so he can braid it. It’s important to ensure the horse looks its best at competitions”).
Twisted Wonderland Reference Note 