The early Middle Ages in Scotland were a time when the concept of distinct horse breeds, as we understand them today, was not yet established. Instead, horses were primarily categorized by their type, defined by their purpose or physical characteristics. This period, as depicted in Rowena Kinread’s novel “The Scots of Dalriada,” saw a strong emphasis on selective breeding and rigorous training, particularly for horses destined for warfare.
The Evolution of Horse “Types” and Selective Breeding
While modern society recognizes breeds like the Clydesdale, Haflinger, or Lipizzaner, historical records from the early Middle Ages indicate a different approach to equine development. Breeders focused on selective breeding, aiming to enhance specific traits rather than adhering to strict bloodlines. The destrier, or war horse, for instance, was bred for strength, speed, and agility. Horses that had proven their mettle in battle were favored for breeding, ensuring the continuation of desirable military attributes.
Horses of this era were generally smaller than their modern counterparts, with the average height ranging from 12 to 14 hands (approximately 48 to 56 inches or 122 to 142 cm). The destrier was described as “tall and majestic and with great strength,” often referred to as the “great horse” due to its imposing size and reputation by medieval standards. In “The Scots of Dalriada,” the height of a destrier is noted as 14.2 hands, which would have been exceptionally tall for the period.
The Art of Horse Training: Preparing for Combat
Beyond selective breeding, training played a crucial role in preparing horses for the rigors of medieval life, especially for warfare. Kings and knights relied on skilled trainers, as they often lacked the time to personally train their mounts. A destrier required a minimum of two years of comprehensive training to overcome its natural instincts and adapt to the chaotic environment of combat. This included desensitizing the horse to noise, the sight and smell of blood, smoke, fire, and sudden movements.
War horses, particularly destriers, were significantly more expensive than ordinary riding horses, with their value varying widely across historical sources. Some destriers were valued at seven times the price of a common horse, while others commanded prices up to seven hundred times as much. For example, in 1298, the Bohemian king Wenzel II rode a horse valued at “one thousand marks.” Conversely, a 1265 French ordinance limited a squire’s expenditure on a rouncey to twenty marks. Knights were expected to possess at least one war horse, alongside riding and packhorses, with some later medieval records indicating knights bringing as many as twenty-four horses on campaigns, though five was perhaps a more standard number.
Diverse Horse Types in the Middle Ages
The medieval period featured a variety of horse types, each suited for different purposes:
- Palfreys: These were well-bred riding horses, often as valuable as destriers, favored by nobles and high-ranking knights for riding, hunting, and ceremonial occasions. Their smooth gait (ambling) made them ideal for covering long distances comfortably.
- Cart horses or Packhorses: These horses were used for transporting goods and materials.
- Coursers: Preferred for intense battles, coursers were light, fast, and strong, making them valuable though less costly than destriers. They were also frequently used for hunting.
- Rouncey: A more versatile horse, the rouncey could serve as a riding horse or be trained for war. It was commonly used by squires, men-at-arms, and less affluent knights. Wealthier knights might maintain rounceys for their retinues. In 1327 England, rounceys were specifically requested for swift pursuit rather than destriers. While sometimes used as pack horses, they were not employed as cart horses.
- Jennet: Originating from Spain and bred from Barb and Arabian stock, the jennet was a small horse known for its quiet and dependable nature, making it popular for ladies’ riding. It also served as a cavalry horse for the Spanish.
- Hobby: Developed in Ireland from Spanish or Libyan bloodstock, the hobby was a lightweight, agile horse, typically 13 to 14 hands high. This type was favored for skirmishing and ridden by light cavalry known as Hobelars. Hobbies played a significant role in the Wars of Scottish Independence, with Edward I of England attempting to restrict their export to Scotland. Robert the Bruce effectively utilized the hobby for his guerrilla warfare and mounted raids, covering impressive distances of 60 to 70 miles daily.
About “The Scots of Dalriada”
Rowena Kinread’s novel, “The Scots of Dalriada,” delves into this rich historical context, with one of the protagonists, Fergus, finding refuge in a horse breeding and training center on the Isle of Aran. The story follows three brothers, Fergus, Loarn, and Angus, Princes of Dalriada, who are forced into exile by their half-brother and a druidess. Their fates diverge as Fergus falls in love with a Scottish princess, Loarn battles the Picts, and Angus designs longboats. The narrative weaves a tale of love, treachery, deceit, and murder, exploring the brothers’ quest for power and their efforts to outride their adversaries. The novel highlights Fergus Mór, recognized as the first King of Scotland, whose lineage connects to the rulers of Scotland and England up to the present day.
Rowena Kinread, the author, has a deep interest in history and discovered her own family roots in Ireland with the Dalriada clan. Her debut novel, “The Missionary,” focused on the life of St. Patrick, receiving critical acclaim from major publications. “The Scots of Dalriada” continues her exploration of historical narratives, focusing on the founder of Scotland.
