Post by Arthur on Nov 20, 2010 8:50:02 GMT -6
HORSES
Destrier - This is a rare horse type that is bred for war. This warhorse is always of the Heavy Horse Group. Warhorse breeds could also be used for draft, but those trained in war would be too valuable for such a use. The Destrier has a slower pace than that of light horses and extended travel on one would take a little longer. Many times, a lighter horse would be used for travel riding with the Destrier in tow so it would be fresher for battle. Upkeep (feed and care) for this horse is intensive and expensive. The price to purchase one of these trained warhorses would be extremely high.
((Historically, heavy warhorses contained such breeds as the Brabant or Belgian, the Jutland, the Noriker and the Boulonais.))
Charger/Courser - The Charger is the most common type of warhorse. Belonging to the Light Horse Group as this type does, does not necessarily mean that it is a small horse, they are usually as tall as and sometimes taller than the heavy Destrier. These horses are bred and trained for war and are in excellent physical shape for combat. These horses are faster than the Destrier and even though they lack the Destrier's great strength, they are still very powerful steeds. Upkeep is intensive and expensive. The price to purchase one of these trained warhorses would be extremely high.
((Historically, this type would have included the Friesian and the Rottaler or Bavarian Warmblood.))
Palfrey - The Palfrey is a normal riding horse. It is of the Light Horse Group. This is the most common type of riding horse and is rarely trained for combat. They can be used for war. Quality of Palferys is greatly varied. A horse not specifically trained for combat would be hard to control in such a situation. Palfreys can also be trained to pull carts and wagons. Upkeep is more economical than a warhorse, but can be expensive, especially in winter.
((Historical breeds would include the Arabian, the Welsh Cob, the Andalusian, the Cleveland Bay and the Irish Draft.))
Draft or Farm Horse - This horse type could be either from the Light or the Heavy Horse Group. Many riding horses were also used for draft, such as the Brabant, the Cleveland Bay and the Irish Draft, but not all draft horses were used extensively for riding, such as the Shire. Draft horses pull plows, carts, wagons and anything else that needs pulled. These horses would not be useful in war or combat, they would spook easily and generally not be easy to manage in such a situation.
Pony - The pony type comprises ponies that are sturdy and nimble. They are mostly used for pack animals but some of the larger breeds are ridden. Upkeep is economical.
((Historically, the Welsh Mountain Pony, the Shetland and the Landais would be in this type.))
Riding/War Pony - This pony type is made up of the larger breeds of ponies that can be used for riding. Smallish races or nomads whose society revolves around smaller horses, like the Mongols, use this type. Upkeep is economical, but can be more expensive for larger breeds. These ponies can be trained for war. ((Historically, this type might contain the Norwegian Fjord, the Highland and the Icelandic Horse.))