/** Added For Pinterest Account Below */

In medieval times, the success of a battle often relied on the strength and training of the horses used.

Warhorses, as they were called, were specially trained to withstand the chaos of battle and carry armored knights into combat. In this article, we will explore how warhorses were trained and used in medieval battles.

freeze frame g1d5ab708b 640

“The mounted knight was only as good as his warhorse, and the best knights knew how to train and condition their mounts for battle.”

Richard W. Kaeuper, Professor of History at the University of Rochester

Choosing the Right Breed

The first step in training a warhorse was selecting the right breed. Horses were chosen for their size, strength, and temperament.

horse g5dfaffb2a 640

The most common breeds used in medieval warfare were the destrier, courser, and rouncey. These breeds were known for their speed, agility, and power.

armour gbbd9192e1 640

Training the Warhorse

Once the horse was selected, the training process began. The horse would first be desensitized to loud noises and sudden movements. This was important, as the horse would be exposed to these things in battle.

Then, the horse was trained to move in unison with the rider. This involved teaching the horse to respond to subtle cues from the rider, such as pressure from the legs or reins.

Armour

As the horse’s training progressed, it was introduced to armor. The armor would be gradually added in pieces, allowing the horse to adjust to the added weight and restricted movement. Eventually, the horse would be fully armored, able to withstand blows from weapons and carry the weight of the knight.

armour g252962d06 640


“The warhorse was not just a tool of the knight, but a symbol of his power and prestige on the battlefield.” – John France, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History at Swansea University

Kelly DeVries, Professor of History at Loyola University Maryland

Warhorses in Battle

In battle, the warhorse was used primarily for charging the enemy lines. The horse and rider would build up speed, then crash into the enemy, causing chaos and disruption. The horse’s armor protected it from enemy attacks, and its size and strength were used to knock down enemy soldiers.

Battle of Castillon
The Battle of Castillon was an important battle in the 100 years war between England and France


“The warhorse was a valuable asset for the medieval knight, and its training and care were essential to his success in battle.”

Kelly DeVries, Professor of History at Loyola University Maryland

Warhorses were also trained to perform specific maneuvers in battle, such as the “passage.” This involved the horse moving laterally, allowing the knight to strike enemies on either side of the horse.

It’s important to note that warhorses were not invincible. They were still susceptible to injury and fatigue, and many horses did not survive the rigors of battle. Despite this, warhorses were a vital part of medieval warfare, and their training and use played a significant role in the outcome of battles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the training and use of warhorses in medieval battles was a complex and fascinating process. From selecting the right breed to gradually introducing armor, warhorses were trained to withstand the chaos of battle and carry knights into combat.

Their size, strength, and agility were used to charge enemy lines and perform specific maneuvers. While warhorses were not invincible, they were a vital part of medieval warfare and helped to shape the outcome of battles.

Discover the Different Types of Horses Utilized by Medieval Knights, Each Possessing Its Own Distinctive Traits and Serving Specific Purposes!

Destrier
The destrier was a powerful, heavily built horse that was specifically bred for battle. It was the most expensive and prestigious type of warhorse, and was typically ridden by knights.

Courser
The courser was a lighter and faster horse than the destrier. It was used for scouting, skirmishing, and other tasks that required speed and agility.

Palfrey
The palfrey was a comfortable riding horse that was often used by nobles and ladies for leisurely travel. It was also used by knights for non-combat purposes, such as transportation.

Rouncy
The rouncy was a common horse that was used by soldiers and commoners. It was not as well-trained or well-equipped as other warhorses, but it was still a valuable asset in battle.

Charger
The charger was a horse that was trained specifically for the use of the lance in tournaments. It was bred to be fast, agile, and powerful, and was typically ridden by knights in jousting competitions.


“The bond between knight and warhorse was one of mutual trust and respect, developed through hours of training and shared experiences on the battlefield.”

Matthew Strickland, Professor of Medieval History at the University of Glasgow

Great Books about the Medieval Warhorse

“The Medieval Warhorse: From Byzantium to the Crusades” by Ann Hyland
This comprehensive book covers the history of warhorses from the Byzantine Empire to the end of the Crusades. It includes detailed information on the breeding, training, and use of warhorses in battle.

“Knights and Warhorses: Military Service and the English Aristocracy under Edward III” by Andrew Ayton
This book focuses on the role of warhorses in medieval English warfare during the reign of Edward III. It examines the impact of warhorse breeding and training on the English aristocracy.

“The Horse in the Middle Ages” by Ann Hyland
This book provides an overview of the history of horses in the Middle Ages, including their use in warfare. It covers the breeding, training, and care of warhorses and their role in medieval society.

“The Medieval Horse and Its Equipment, c.1150-1450” by John Clark
This book is a detailed study of medieval horse equipment, including saddles, bridles, and armor. It includes information on the design and construction of warhorse equipment and its use in battle.

“The Horse, the Wheel, and Language: How Bronze-Age Riders from the Eurasian Steppes Shaped the Modern World” by David W. Anthony
This book explores the role of horses in the development of early human societies. It covers the domestication of horses, their use in warfare, and the spread of the Indo-European language family.