Dive into the rich history of medieval horse breeding and its crucial role in warfare, as explored in Rowena Kinread’s novel, “The Scots of Dalriada.” This article sheds light on the types of horses, their selective breeding, and the rigorous training that transformed them into formidable assets on the battlefield.
Medieval Horse Breeding: Beyond Modern Breeds
In the early Middle Ages, the concept of horse breeds as we understand them today—like the Clydesdale or Lipizzaner—was virtually non-existent. Instead, horses were primarily defined by their type, a classification based on their purpose or physical attributes. Selective breeding was the norm, focusing on specific bloodlines rather than broad breed categories.
The Destrier: The “Great Horse” of Warfare
The destrier, or war horse, was bred for strength, speed, and agility. Horses that had proven their mettle in combat were favored for breeding, ensuring the continuation of desirable traits. These horses, while referred to as “great horses” due to their size and reputation, were generally smaller than modern horses, averaging between 12 to 14 hands high. A destrier described as 14.2 hands in medieval texts would have been exceptionally tall for the era.
Training was as vital as breeding. It took at least two years to fully train a destrier, instilling in them the ability to withstand the chaos of combat, including loud noises, the sight of blood, smoke, and fire, overriding their natural instinct to flee. This intensive training made war horses, especially destriers, significantly more expensive than ordinary riding horses, with prices varying widely across historical sources. A knight was expected to own at least one war horse, often accompanied by several riding and packhorses.
Diverse Horse Types in the Middle Ages
Beyond the destrier, several other horse types served various roles:
- Palfreys: These were well-bred riding horses, often as valuable as destriers, favored by nobles for riding, hunting, and ceremonial occasions. Their smooth gait made them ideal for long-distance travel.
- Cart Horses or Packhorses: These were utilitarian horses used for transportation and hauling.
- Coursers: Preferred for intense battles, coursers were light, fast, and strong, making them valuable for combat and hunting, though less costly than destriers.
- Rouncey: A versatile, general-purpose horse, the rouncey could be used for riding or war. They were commonly ridden by squires, men-at-arms, and less affluent knights. Their speed made them suitable for swift pursuits.
- Jennet: A small horse originating from Spain, known for its quiet and dependable nature, popular with ladies for riding and also used by Spanish cavalry.
- Hobby: A lightweight horse from Ireland, quick and agile, favored for skirmishing and light cavalry. The hobby played a significant role in the Wars of Scottish Independence, with Edward I of England attempting to deny their export to Scotland, while Robert the Bruce utilized them effectively for guerrilla warfare.
“The Scots of Dalriada”: A Glimpse into History
Rowena Kinread’s novel, “The Scots of Dalriada,” features Fergus, who hides at a horse breeding and training center on Aran. The novel’s exploration of these historical studs highlights the importance of horses in the early Middle Ages, a period rich with tales of [knight horse breeds] and their contributions to historical events. The narrative of Fergus, Loarn, and Angus, princes of Dalriada forced into exile, underscores the role of these magnificent animals in their struggle for power and survival.
The story emphasizes that the brothers must “attempt to outride their adversaries by gaining power themselves.” This theme resonates with the historical significance of strategic horse use, as seen in the varied roles of [war horse breeds] and [military horse breeds] throughout history.
Conclusion
The world of medieval horses was one of specialized types, rigorous training, and selective breeding, all contributing to their vital role in warfare and daily life. “The Scots of Dalriada” offers a compelling narrative that brings this fascinating aspect of history to life, reminding us of the enduring connection between humans and these powerful animals, from [medieval horse breeds] to the [battle horse breeds] that shaped historical outcomes.
