Is your horse a: Courser, Palfrey, Rouncy or Hobby?

[Graureiter]

PS: What a lovely thread - best in ages. Well done, NeilM.

Graureiter (spelt right?) Love the pic. Is that you on board? You both look a trifle pensive - indeed, Cervantesque??!!

Yes, it's me riding.
It was Petrushka's last show. She is now retired.



My wife's Paint mare would be more of a Palfrey. Very easy on the rider, but quick and nimble when needed.

 

[Sussexbythesea]

I think the Welsh cob types were more Destriers according to Elizabeth Chadwick the coursers were finer types that were pre-thoroughbred. But I guess we are somewhat judging by what horses we have today - I think back then they were all generally shorter in height and variations on native types.

Trish C - he may be a knobber but he's a handsome knobber - I reckon a Palfrey or maybe a courser

 

[SusannaF]

As I understand it there weren't any vaguely "heavy" horses till the 14th C but I'd have to go back over my notes. I unearthed a vast trove of stuff on horse size, hay prices and military budgets the other month! Knowing me it'll take a year to digest it into readable form...

Roucey = runcey - runci, so the former archbishop of Canterbury was a "cob man"

 

[muffinmunsh]

Two Palfreys ...

 

[Puddock]

Have you been reading Game of Thrones etc., by any chance?

I became interested in these terms after I became enthralled with the series a few months back.

I've definitely got a destrier, but I think he may be a bit oversized...

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

My mare would be either a courser or a palfrey depending on the circumstances

My gelding would be the first version of hobby but not really sure which of the other terms Hes fast, agile with a mind of his own and a good sense of fun and turn of speed

 

[rockysmum]

Well my old boy would be most put out. You missed his classification altogether.

What best describes him would be the ancient term "three legged donkey"

 

[spookypony]

Hobby, I'm guessing: 14.1, Irish, and can spin on a dime when spooking at nothing much.

 

[tazzle]

very interesting and educational

Having looked at my welsh D ( there is certainly a range of type within the breed ) probably a rouncy ........ she is a 14.1 leg at each corner steady gal who can charge around if need be as well as pull a plough ( well carriage).

If I get it right the rouncy is the general all purpose medieval version of an all rounder family pone ?

 

[Wolfie]

Must admit when I have done research into medieval Hobby horse never came up. A Courser was also known as a Destrier. They were not overly tall, generally around 15hh- 16hh it is believed. Which would make sense as they were expensive to keep in hay. Also they were incredibly expensive to buy.
FDC

I think there is a difference in coursers and destriers. I think coursers were a lighter, speedier style of warhorse, whereas the destrier was the sort of epitome of a heavy warhorse to carry knights in jousts and stuff. I guess the horse you choose depends on whether it is heavy hand to hand or skirmishing battle.

 

[SusannaF]

I think there is a difference in coursers and destriers. I think coursers were a lighter, speedier style of warhorse, whereas the destrier was the sort of epitome of a heavy warhorse to carry knights in jousts and stuff. I guess the horse you choose depends on whether it is heavy hand to hand or skirmishing battle.

This is what I've read in military histories too.

 

[FanyDuChamp]

Here you go Neil, newly discovered proof that Ardennais were used by the Romans.
FDC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_QlH2eR2Hg

 

[Cadfael&Coffee]

courser

good topic, though randomly this came up in a lecture only last week lol

 

[SarahRicoh]

I have no idea what everyones going on about!! Am i being thick?!

 

[Cadfael&Coffee]

I have no idea what everyones going on about!! Am i being thick?!

we're basically looking at the different definitions of types of horse from the middle ages (usually according to job and type) and seeing which our own matches

there's a good link to explain the different types earlier on

 

[SarahRicoh]

I shall have a little look interesting thread!

 

[Orangehorse]

Interesting thread. Some of the ambler breeds went to the New World,i.e. america and the islands, which is why there are still several "gaited" breeds as they are, apparently, very, very comfortable to ride long distances. In Europe the trotters took over, partly because of the popularity of dressage and partly as richer people started to be taken round in carriages which looked smarter if they were trotting.

 

[Persephone]

How interesting!

I would say mine is a Courser!

 

[Queenbee]

Fany is a Courser, her breed, or one very similar but probably slightly taller, actually were used by knights. If you think about it they are very sturdy and strong enough to carry armour and knight.Also Julius Caesar used her breed.
No idea what Captain is probably a Palfrey, a pretty riding horse for ladies or clergy.
FDC

A coarser fany that's just rude!

Can someone explain the terms?

 

[Queenbee]

Ebony is a Palfrey, and i reckon ben will be a cross between that and a Destrier

 

[FairyLights]

one of mine is a courser the other a rouncey

 

[Echo Bravo]

Well I reckon I've 2 palfreys and an up and coming Destrier if I have it right they are the heavyweights that carried the knights in heavy armour, he's Clysdale x Welsh, but is going to be a big boyBut will start looking up Medieval History.

 

[NeilM]

Clydesdale x Welsh...now that IS a Celtic horse.


There's never a 'Like' button when you want one

 

[**Vanner**]

Think mine is technically a 'sumpter' or 'stott' but would like to think of him as a Destrier!