Horse Dragons have equine-shaped bodies and hooves instead of claws, which allow them to be fast runners. They specialize in running takeoffs, which are quicker than taking off from a stand-still. Horse dragons are able to stalk their prey from the ground then quickly execute an aerial attack for the kill.

Dragons are highly-intelligent reptilian creatures that—from a human perspective, at least—appear to live forever. Many different varieties of dragon exist, each with their own unique qualities, habitats, and behavior. Adolescence in dragons is usually marked by the growth of a hatchling’s wings, although not all breeds of dragons grow wings and some breeds have other traits that indicate the beginning of maturation. In Galsreim, dragons and humans coexist peacefully.

Adonavad is the "stallion", or lead male, of the Dragon Rider's of the city of Olemach.  His high position has little to do with his actual skill and more to do with the fact that he is the possession of Tristan, the lead rider.  Since the horse dragons of Olemach are treated as little more than flying, sharp-toothed versions of the animals they resemble, Adonavad is considered a "good dragon" because he is obedient.  He rarely ever communicates with humans and does whatever Tristan tells him.