Horse in the Middle Ages are different in size, build and breed from modern horses, and on average smaller. They are also more important to society than their modern counterparts, which are important for war, agriculture, and transportation.
As a result, certain types of horses are developed, many of which lack a modern counterpart. While the understanding of horse breeds and modern equestrianism is crucial to any analysis of medieval horses, researchers also need to consider documentaries (both written and pictorial) and archaeological evidence.
The horses of the Middle Ages were rarely distinguished from breeds, but by using. This causes them to be described, for example, as "chargers" (war horses), "palfreys", horse-drawn carriages or horses. References are also given to their place of origin, such as "Spanish horses," but whether this is called a breed or some is unknown. Another difficulty that arises during the study of medieval documents or literature is the flexibility of medieval languages, in which some words can be used for one thing (or, conversely, some objects are referred by one word). Words like 'courser' and 'charger' are used interchangeably (even in one document), and where an epic speaks disparagingly, others praise their skills and speed.
Significant technological advances in equestrian equipment, often introduced from other cultures, allow for significant changes in warfare and agriculture. In particular, improved designs for densely packed saddles as well as the arrival of stirrups, horseshoe and horses are significant advances in medieval society.
As a result, the assumptions and theories developed by historians are not definitive, and the debate still rages on many issues, such as breeding or horse sizes, and some sources should be consulted to understand the breadth of the subject.
Video Horses in the Middle Ages
Breeding
During the decline of the Roman Empire and the Early Middle Ages, many quality breeding stocks developed during the classical period were lost due to uncontrollable marriages and had to be rebuilt over the following centuries. In the west, this may be in part due to British and Scandinavian dependence on infantry-based wars, where horses are only used for riding and chasing.
However, there are exceptions; in the 7th century, a Merovingian kingdom still had at least one active Roman horse breeding center. Spain also retained many quality horses, in part due to the historic reputation of the area as a horse breeding ground, and partly due to cultural influences associated with the Islamic conquest of the Iberian peninsula between the 8th and 15th centuries.
The origins of medieval war horses are unclear, although it is believed they have some Barb and Arab blood through Spanish Jennet, a pioneer for modern Friesian and Andalusian horses. It is also possible that other sources of oriental bloodstocks come from so-called Nisaean breeds (probably similar to Turkoman horses) of Iran and Anatolia, another type of oriental horse brought back from the Crusades. "Spanish" horses, whatever their breeding, are the most expensive. In fact, in Germany the word
Because of the importance of breeding for successful warfare has been realized, the planned breeding program is on the rise. Many changes occurred because of the influence of Islamic culture through the Crusades and the invasion of the Moors in Spain; the Arabs kept an extensive lineage of Barb and their Arabian horses through oral tradition. Some of the earliest written genealogies in European history were recorded by the Carthusian monks, who were among those who kept Spanish Jennet. Because they can read and write, thus keeping a careful record, the monks are given the responsibility for breeding horses by certain noble members, especially in Spain. In England, the common source of war horse is a wild forest horse, which is captured annually by horse ranchers, including the Cistercians, for use as a horse, or a light cavalry; one of its kind is the Fallen Horse, which has the same offspring as the Friesian horse.
It is also difficult to trace what happened to the destructive bloodline when this type seemed to disappear from records during the 17th century. Many modern descendants claim to have links to the medieval "big horse", with some historians considering breeds such as Percheron, Belgium, and Suffolk Punch possibly descendants of destroyers. However, other historians discount this theory, since historical records show that medieval war horse was a 'type' different from modern horse designs. Such a theory would suggest that war horses are crossed once again with "cold-blooded" working horses, for war horses, and especially destroyers, are renowned for their warm-blooded nature.
Type of horse
Throughout the period, horses are rarely considered breeds, but are defined by type : by describing their purpose or their physical attributes. Many definitions are incorrect, or interchangeable. Before about the 13th century, some genealogies were written. Thus, many of the terms for horses in the Middle Ages did not refer to breeds as we know them today, but rather describe the appearance or purpose.
One of the most famous of medieval horses is the destroyer, famous and admired for his ability in war. It is well trained, and is required to be strong, fast and lively. A 14th century writer describes them as "high and great and with great power". In contemporary sources, destroyers are often referred to as "big horses" because of their size and reputation. Being subjective terms, it does not provide definite information about the actual height or weight, but because the average horse at that time was 12 to 14 hands (48 to 56 inches, 122 to 142 cm), the "big horse" by medieval standards may seem small to our modern eyes. Destriers are valuable to knights and warriors, but they are not very common, and seem to be best suited to horsemen.
Coursers are generally preferred for hard combat because they are light, fast and strong. They are valuable, but not as destructive. They are also often used for hunting.
A horse with a more general purpose is rouncey (also rounsey ), which can be kept as a horse or trained for battle. It is usually used by guards, armed men or poorer knights. A rich knight will continue to pursue his entourage. Sometimes the nature of war is expected to dictate the choice of the horse; when a call for war was sent out in England, in 1327, he openly asked for rounceys, for a quick pursuit, rather than a hindrance. Rounceys is sometimes used as a packing horse (but never as a horse cart).
Well-bred Palfrey, who can match the fated price, is popular among the nobles and knights who are very tall for riding, hunting, and ceremonial. Ambling is a desirable trait in a palfrey, because the smooth gait allows the rider to travel a great distance quickly in relative comfort. Other horse types include jennet, a horse that was first raised in Spain from Barb and an Arab bloodstock. Their calm and reliable nature, as well as size, make them popular like horseback riding for women; However, they are also used as a cavalry horse by the Spaniards.
His hobby is a light horse, about 13-14 hands (52 to 56 inches, 132 to 142 cm), developed in Ireland from Spanish bloodstock or Libyan (Barb). This fast and lively horse type is popular for skirmishing, and is often driven by a light cavalry known as Hobelars . The hobby was used successfully by both sides during the Scottish War of Independence, with Edward I of England trying to gain profit by preventing the export of Irish horses to Scotland. Robert Bruce employs a hobby for guerrilla warfare and attacks, covering 60 to 70 miles (97 to 113 km) per day.
Maps Horses in the Middle Ages
Horses in battle
While light cavalry has been used in warfare for centuries, the medieval era witnessed the emergence of heavy cavalry, especially the European knights. Historians are unsure when the use of heavy cavalry in the form of surprise troops was first installed, but this technique was widespread in the mid-12th century. The heavy cavalry charge itself is not an ordinary occurrence in warfare. The betting battle was avoided whenever possible, with most offensive wars in the early Middle Ages taking on a form of siege, or a quick attack called chevauchÃÆ' Â © es, with light armed soldiers on fast horses and their heavily war horses with safe in the cage. A betting fight is sometimes inevitable, but rarely fights in a land suitable for heavy cavalry. While the riders that were installed remained effective for the initial attack, by the 14th century, it was common for knights to descend to fight. Horses were sent back, and kept ready to catch up. In the late Middle Ages (approx. 1300-1550), major battles became more common, possibly due to the success of infantry tactics and alteration of armaments. However, because such tactics caused knights to stray, the role of war horse also changed. In the 17th century, medieval chargers had become a thing of the past, replaced by lighter, uncoated horses. Throughout the period, light horses, or piercings , are used for scouts and reconnaissance; they also provide a defense screen for troops lined up. Big teams that use horses, or oxen, are used to pull heavy heavy cannons. The other horses pulled carts and brought supplies to the army.
Tournament
Tournaments and hastiludes began in the 11th century both as a sport and to provide training for combat. Usually taking close-up shapes, the participants used horses, armor and weapons of war. Jousting sport grew out of the tournament and, in the 15th century, the art of tilt became very sophisticated. In the process, the procession and specialization became less warlike, perhaps because of the knight's changing role in the war.
The horses are specially bred for the wooden horses, and heavier armor is developed. However, this does not necessarily lead to much larger horses. Interpreters at Royal Armories, Leeds, reinvented horseback, using specially bred horses and replica armor. Their horses accurately represent medieval mountains, which are built in a compact and not too high.
Type of war horse
The most famous horse of the medieval era of Europe was the conqueror, known for bringing knights into war. However, most of the knights and those on horseback rode the little horses known as coursers and rounceys. (Generic common name for medieval war horse is chargers, that can be interchangeable with other terms). In Spain, jennet is used as a light riding horse.
Male horses are often used as war horses in Europe because of their natural aggression and hot-blooded tendencies. A 13th century work illustrates the barrier of "biting and kicking" on the battlefield, and, in the heat of battle, war horses are often seen fighting each other. However, the use of horses by European warriors can not be ignored from literary references. Mares was a war horse favored by the Moors, the invaders of Islam who attacked various European countries from 700 AD to the 15th century. They were also favored by the Mongols.
War horses are more expensive than ordinary horses, and destroy the most precious, but the numbers vary greatly from one source to another. Destroyers are rated starting from seven times the price of ordinary horses up to 700 times. The Bohemian king, Wenzel II, rode a horse "worth a thousand marks" in 1298. At the other extreme, a French rule of 1265 ruled that a bodyguard could not spend more than twenty marks on a lantern. Knights are expected to have at least one war horse (as well as horseback riding and horse), with some notes from the Middle Ages showing knights carrying twenty-four horses on a campaign. Five horses may be standard.
War horse size
There is a dispute in medieval circles over the size of war horses, with some famous historians claiming the size of 17 to 18 hands (68 to 72 inches, 173 to 183 cm), as big as a modern Shire horse. However, there are practical reasons for this dispute. An analysis of the armor's armor at the Royal Armouries shows the equipment originally worn by 15 to 16 hand horses (60 to 64 inches, 152 to 163 cm), or about the size and build of a modern field hunter or an equestrian horse. Research conducted at the London Museum, using literary, pictorial and archaeological sources, supports military horses from 14 to 15 hands (56 to 60 inches, 142 to 152 cm), distinguished from equestrian horses by strength and skill, not size. This average does not seem to vary greatly in the medieval period. Horses appear to have been selectively bred for larger sizes from the 9th and 10th centuries, and in the 11th century the average horse of war may be 14.2 to 15 hands (58 to 60 inches, 147 to 152 cm) , a measure verified by Norman's horseshoe research and horse drawings at Bayeux Tapestry. The analysis of horse transport indicating a 13th century barrier is a burly build, and no more than 15 to 15.2 hands (60 to 62 inches, 152 to 157 cm). Three centuries later, the war was not significantly greater; Royal Armories uses 15.2 hands (62 inch, 157 cm) Lithuanian Heavy Draught mare as a model for sculptures featuring various armor horses of the 15th and 16th centuries, because of its very fitting shape.
Perhaps one of the reasons for the widespread belief that medieval war horse should be the concept of this type of horse is the assumption, still held by many, that the heavy medieval armor. In fact, even the toughest tournament armor (for the knight) weighs a little over  £ 90 (41 kg), and the armor field is 40 to 70 pounds (18 to 32 kg); barding, or horse armor, rarely weighed more than 70 pounds (32 kg). Letting the weight of riders and other equipment, horses can carry about 30% of their weight; so such a load can be carried by a heavy horse in the range of 1,200 to 1,300 (540 to 590 kg), and draft horses are not necessary.
Although a large horse is not required to carry an armored knight, it is held by some historians that a large horse is desirable to increase the power of a spear attack. However, practical experiments by re-enactors indicate that the weight and strength of the rider are more relevant than the size of the mount, and a little weight of the horse is translated to the spear.
Further evidence for 14-16 (56-64 inches (140-160 cm) hands) war horse is that it is a matter of pride for a knight to be able to vault into his horse with a complete armor, without touching the stirrups. It appears not of vanity, but the necessity: if it is not written during a battle, a warrior will remain vulnerable if unable to mount on his own. In fact, of course, a knight who is wounded or tired may find it difficult, and rely on a vigilant bodyguard to help him. Incidentally, the knight armor serves his advantage in the fall. With his long hair twisted on his head to form a chewy cushion under his padded linen hood, and his helmet laid on top, he had a head protection no different from a modern bike or a horseback helmet.
Transportation
Throughout the Middle Ages it was a habit for people of all classes and backgrounds to travel, often extensively. Upper class households and royal palaces moved between manor and plantation; diplomacy demands, wars and crusades bring humans to distant countries; the pastor travels between the church, the monastery and forms a messenger to Rome; people from all classes go on a pilgrimage, or travel to find work; others travel as a hobby. Most people make small trips on foot and hire horses for longer trips. For the upscale, the journey is accompanied by many splendor and displays, with fine horses, great companions and a magnificent convoy to showcase their wealth and to ensure personal comfort. For example, in 1445, the British royal household contained 60 horses in the king's cage and 186 were kept for "wagons" (carriages) and trains.
During most of the Middle Ages, there were no interconnected road and bridge systems. Although some Europeans still have the remains of Roman roads built before the collapse of the Roman Empire, most have long fallen into disrepair. Because of the need to ride long distances over uncertain roads, the horses shown are preferred, and the most common horse riding horse has greater value if they can perform one of four smooth but not massive blows that collectively known as > amble instead of the louder trot.
Artificial trains, for land travel, and barges, for river and canal trips, are the most common form of long haul haul, though horse-wheeled vehicles are used for shorter journeys. In areas with good roads, regular operator services are established among the major cities. However, since the medieval streets are generally very poor, the carriages for human passengers are rare. When the road was allowed, early carriages were developed from freight cars. The train ride became more comfortable at the end of the 14th century with the introduction of the branlant train, which has a rope suspension.
Travel speed varies greatly. Large flocks can be slowed by the presence of slow wagons and ladders, or by waiters and servants on foot, and rarely can cover more than fifteen to twenty miles a day. Small companies installed can travel 30 miles a day. However, there are exceptions: stop just for horse change in the middle of the road, Richard II of England once manage 70 miles between Daventry and Westminster overnight.
For breeding purposes, war and travel, it is also necessary to transport the horses themselves. For this purpose, boats are adapted and constructed for use as horse transportation. William of Normandy's invasion of England in 1066 required the transfer of more than 2,000 horses from Normandy. Similarly, when traveling to France in 1285-6, Edward I of England carried over 1000 horses across the English Channel to provide transportation to the royalty.
Horseback
Horseback riding was used by various people during the Middle Ages, and varied greatly in quality, size and nursery. Knights and noblemen continue riding horses on their chariots, saving their war horses for battle. The names of horses refer to type horses, not offspring. Many horses are named by regions where they or their immediate ancestors are eaten. For example, in Germany, Hungarian horses are usually used for riding. Individual horses are often portrayed with gait ('trotters' or 'amblers'), by their coloring, or by the name of their breeder.
The best riding horses are known as palfreys; Other equestrian horses are often called hackneys , in which the modern term "hack" originated. Women sometimes ride a palfreys or a quiet little horse known as jennet.
Utilize and package horse
Various working horses were used throughout the Middle Ages. Horse packages (or "horse sumpter") carry equipment and things. Ordinary riding horses, often called "hackneys", can be used as a horse horse packer. The horse draws trains for trade and transport of goods, on farms, or as part of a military campaign. These design horses are smaller than their modern counterparts; The pictorial and archaeological evidence shows that they are fat but short, about 13-14 hands (52 to 56 inches, 132 to 142 cm), and are able to draw a 500 to 600 pound (230-270 kg) load per horse. Four wheeled carts and wheelbarrows are more common in cities, such as London and, depending on vehicle type and weight, usually drawn by a team of two, three or four horses tied together. Beginning in the 12th century, in England the use of oxen to pull the train was gradually replaced by the use of horses, a process extended to the 13th century. This change occurs because horse-drawn transportation moves goods faster and larger than the method of transport drawn by cows.
Agriculture
The Romans had used a two-field rotational agricultural system, but since the 8th century, the three-field system became more common. One field will be planted with winter crops, the second with spring crops, and the third fallow. This allows a large number of spring crops of wheat to be planted, which provides food for horses. Another advancement during the Middle Ages was the development of heavy mouldboard plows, which allowed dense and heavy soils to be worked on easily; this technology requires the use of a larger team of design animals including oxen and horses, as well as the adoption of larger fields. Particularly after the 12th century, increased use of horse collars and the use of horse shoe shoes allows horsepower to be directed more efficiently. Horse teams are usually four horses, or maybe six, compared to eight cows, and fewer numbers compensate for the fact that horses need to be fed grain on grassland, unlike cattle. Horse speed improvements also allow more land to be hijacked in one day, with eight teams of average half-acre hijackers a day, but the horse team averages one full acre per day.
For agricultural work, such as plowing and torturing, design horses used for this purpose are called affrus (or stott ), which are usually smaller and cheaper than horse carts.. While oxen are traditionally used as animal workers on farms, horses are beginning to be used in larger quantities after the development of a horse collar. Ox and horse are sometimes used together. The transition from ox to horse to agricultural work is documented in the source of the image (eg, the 11th century Bayeux tapestry depicts horses that work), and also evident from the change from the Roman two-field rotation plant system into three field systems, animal feed crops (especially wheat, barley and beans). Horses are also used for cultivating plants; they are used to turn the wheels at the factory (like milling corn), and transport the crops to the market. The change in the horse team also means a change in the plow, because the horse is more suited to the wheel plow, unlike the ox.
Equestrian equipments and technological innovation
The development of horseman technology runs at the same pace as the development of breeding and the utilization of horses. Changes in warfare during the early Middle Ages to heavy cavalry, both deposited and dependent on the arrival of stirrups, sturdy saddles, and horseshoe from other cultures.
The nailed horseshoe development enables a longer and faster ride for horseback, especially in wetlands in northern Europe, and is useful for campaigns on various terrains. By providing protection and support, the nailed horse shoes also improve the efficiency of the horse team. Although Romans have developed "hipposandal" iron that resembles boots, there is much debate about the true origins of the nailed horseshoe, though it seems to have originated from Europe. There is little evidence of spikes before AD 500 or 600, although there is speculation that Gallic Celtic is the first to nail in metal horse shoes. The earliest written records of iron horse boots are a reference to "iron crescent moon and their nails" in the cavalry equipment list from AD 910. Additional archaeological evidence indicates they were used in Siberia during the 9th and 10th centuries, and has spread to Byzantium shortly thereafter; in the 11th century, horseshoes were used in Europe. By the time the Crusades began in 1096, horseshoe was widespread and often mentioned in written sources.
Horseracing technology
The saddle with the solid tree provides a cushioned surface to protect the horse from the weight of the rider. The Romans are credited with the discovery of dense twitching, probably as early as the 1st century BC, and it was widespread in the 2nd century. The early medieval Sadel resembled the Roman "four horn" saddle, and was used without stirrups. The development of solid saddle trees is significant; it lifts the rider on the horse's back, and distributes the rider's weight, reducing the pound per square inch done on one of the horse's backs, greatly enhancing the comfort of the horse and extending its useful life. Horses can carry more weight when distributed in sturdy saddle trees. It also allows more seats to wake up to provide safer riders in the saddle. From the 12th century, the more saddle warriors became more common, providing additional protection and security. The cantle built of solid-activated saddles allows the horseman to use the spear more effectively.
Under the saddle, caparison or saddle is sometimes worn; this can be decorated or embroidered with heraldic colors and arms. The war horse can be equipped with additional blankets, blankets and armor collectively referred to as barding; this can be for decorative or protective purposes. The earliest form of horse armor, usually limited to the tournament, consists of pieces of soft leather, covered by a trapper (cloth decorated), which is not too heavy. Armor and armor are also sometimes used; there are literary references to the horse armor ("iron blanket") that began at the end of the 12th century.
Solid trees allow the effective use of stirrups. Sanggurdi was developed in China and is widely used there by 477 AD. In the 7th century, mainly because of the colonizers of Central Asia, like the Avar tribe, stirrups arrived in Europe, and European riders had adopted them in the 8th century. Among other advantages, stirrups provide greater balance and support for riders, allowing knights to use swords more efficiently without falling, especially against infantry.
Increased use of stirrups from the 8th century on the stability and security support of soldiers in the saddle during combat. This may have led to the use of larger shock tactics, although the spears could be used effectively without stirrups. In particular, Charles Martel recognized the military potential of stirrups, and distributed lands confiscated to his followers on condition that they served him by fighting in a new way.
A theory known as The Great Stirrup Controversy suggests that the advantage in warfare derived from the use of stirrups led to the birth of feudalism itself. However, other scholars disputed this statement, suggesting that the stirrups provide little advantage in a surprise battle, which is particularly useful for allowing the rider to lean farther left and right over the saddle during a fight, and only reduce the risk of falling. Therefore, he argues, they are not an excuse to move from infantry to cavalry in medieval military, or the reason for the emergence of feudalism.
There are various headgear that is used to control the horse, especially bridles with various design bits. Many of the bits used during the Middle Ages resembled bradoons, snaffle bits and curb bits are still common today. However, they are often decorated with a larger degree: beet or calf rings often covered with large and ornamental "bosses". Some designs are also more extreme and heavier than those used today. Curb edges are known during the classical period, but are generally not used during the Middle Ages until the mid-14th century. Some of the bite-style snaffle used during the Middle Ages had lower cheeks extended, by way of half-modern cheeks or full cheek pieces. Until the end of the 13th century, bridles generally had a pair of controls; after this period it became more common for knights to use two sets of controls, similar to modern double defiance, and often at least one set was decorated.
Spurs are usually used throughout the period, mainly by knights, with whom they are regularly linked. A young man is said to have "won the spurs" when he reached the knighthood. Rich knights and riders often wear decorated spurs and filigre. Attached to the heel of a rider with a strap, the spurs can be used to push the horse to move forward quickly or direct the lateral movement. The early spurs had short calves or "necks", placing the rowel relatively close to the rider's heel; Further developments in the spur long-neck shape, making it easier to touch the horse with a little movement of the foot on the rider.
Harness technology
Significant developments that increase the importance and use of horses in harness, especially for plowing and other agricultural work, are horse collars. Horse collars were found in China during the 5th century, arriving in Europe during the 9th century, and spreading throughout Europe in the 12th century. This allows horses to pull a greater load than they can when installing a vehicle using a hug or breastcollar used in the past. The yoke is designed for oxen and is not suitable for horse anatomy, it takes horses to pull with their shoulders instead of using their rear strength. Tied in such a way, the horse team can draw no more than 500 kg. Chest-style shields that have flat straps on the neck and chest of animals, although useful to attract light vehicles, are of little use for heavy work. These ropes suppress the sterno-cephalicus muscle of the horse and the horse trachea, which restricts breathing and reduces the power of attracting the horse. Two horses harnessed with a limited breastcollar harness to attract a combined total of about 1,100 pounds (500 kg). Instead, the horse's collar rests on the horse's shoulders and does not obstruct breathing. This allows a horse to use its full strength, by pushing forward with its back to the collar rather than pulling with his shoulder. With a horse collar, horses can provide work effort of 50% more weight per second than an ox, as horses can move at greater speed, and have greater endurance and the ability to work longer in an hour. day. A horse with a more efficient collar can draw a weight of about 1,500 pounds (680 kg).
Further improvements are managed by changing team settings; by riding one horse behind the other, rather than side by side, the weight can be distributed more evenly, and the attraction increases. The increase in horsepower is shown in the Troyes building account, which shows the stone carriers from a 50 mile (80 km) remote mine; wagons weighed, on average, 5,500 pounds (2,500 kg), of which 5,500 pounds (2,500 kg) of stones are regularly loaded, occasionally rising to 8,600 pounds (3,900 kg) - a significant increase from the burden of the Roman era.
Horse merchants and profession
Medieval elite horsemen are knights. Generally raised from middle and upper classes, knights are trained from childhood in the art of war and horse management. In most languages, the term for knight reflects its status as a horseman: French chevalier , Spanish caballero and German Ritter . The French word for horse-mastering - chevalerie - gives its name to the highest concept of knighthood: chivalry.
A large number of trades and positions appear to ensure proper horse management and care. In aristrokrat households, marshal is responsible for all aspects related to horses: care and management of all horses from the charger to the pack horse, as well as all the travel logistics. The position of marshal (literally "horse servant") is the highest in court circles and the king of marshal (like Earl Marshal in England) is also responsible for managing many military issues. Also present in large households is the police (or "stable count"), which is responsible for the protection and maintenance of order in the household and commander of the military component and, with marshals, can organize hastiludes and other courtesy events. In the lower social group, 'marshal' acts as a farrier. The highly skilled marshal is made and mounted horse shoes, nail care, and provides general animal care for horses; throughout the Middle Ages, there was a distinction between marshal and blacksmith, whose work was more limited.
A number of merchants deal with the provision of horses. Horse sellers (often called "horse coursers" in England) buy and sell horses, and often have a reputation as dishonest figures, responsible for the quick trade of stolen horses. Others, such as "stealing", offer horses for hire, and many form large companies on busy roads, often branding their horses to prevent theft.
Women and horses
It is not unusual for a girl to learn her father's trade and for a woman to share her husband's trade, as the whole family often helps run medieval shops and farms. Many guilds also accept widow membership, so they can continue their husbands business. Under this system, some women are trained in horse-related trades, and there are notes of women working as barriers and saddle makers. On farmland, where every hand is needed, excessive emphasis on the division of labor is impractical, and women often work with men (on their own farms or as paying assistants), leading horses and cattle, and managing their care.
Despite the difficulty of travel, it is a habit for many people, including women, to travel long distances. Upper-class wives often accompany their husbands in crusades or tournaments, and many women travel for social or family gatherings; both nuns and lay women will make the pilgrimage. When not on foot, women will usually travel on horseback or, if weak or weak, carried in carts or garbage. If roads are allowed, women sometimes ride early carriages developed from freight cars, drawn by three or four horses. After the discovery of a better suspension system, travel in the car becomes more comfortable. The noble women also ride horses for sport, accompanying men in activities that include hunting and flying.
Most of the medieval women rode horses. Although early seats such as saddles with handrails and footrests were available in the 13th century and allowed the noble ladies to ascend while wearing elaborate gowns, they were not universally adopted during the Middle Ages. This is largely due to the insecure seats they offer, which requires that the horse be commanded to be finely led by another handler. Sideaddle does not become practical for everyday riding until the 16th century horn development hits that allow a woman to tie her legs around the saddle and therefore use control to control her own horse. Even then, driving up the side remained a dangerous activity until the discovery of the second "horn jump" in the 19th century.
It is unknown for women to ride on war horses, and take their part in battle. Joan of Arc is probably the most famous female warrior of the medieval period, but there are many others, including the Matilda's Queen, armored and riding, leading troops against her cousin Stephen of Blois, and Stephen Matilda's wife from Boulogne on the 12th century. The 15th-century author Christine de Pizan counseled aristocratic women that they should "know the laws of weapons and all matters of war, always ready to command his people if necessary."
See also
- Horse transportation in the Middle Ages
- Domestication horse
Note
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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