Palfrey
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A palfrey is a type of horse that was highly valued as a riding horse in the Middle Ages. It was a lighter-weight horse, usually a smooth gaited one that could amble, suitable for riding over long dis
A medieval painting of a palfrey
The palfrey was considered an appropriate mount for women
Image of a palfrey in ambling gait
Destrier
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The destrier is the best-known war horse of the Middle Ages. It carried knights in battles, tournaments, and jousts. It was described by contemporary sources as the Great Horse, due to its significanc
Palfrey
…Icelandic tölt. A palfrey usually was the most expensive and highly bred type of riding horse during the Middle Ages, sometimes equalling the knight's destrier in price. Consequently, it was popular with nobles, ladies, and highly ranked knights for riding, hunting, and ceremonial use. Knights would ride…
Mounted on a destrier, Richard Marshal unseats an opponent during a skirmish.
Caparisoned horses competing in a joust from the Codex Manesse