Owning a horse: What might it have been like to own a medieval horse?

A knight and his horse were a perfect partnership, the dominating force on the battlefield for many hundreds of years. How did this perfect partnership come to be and how did a knight work with his horse to cement their place in history? Jason shares his own experiences with horses - knights must have had similar relationships with their own steeds.
• Executive Producer: Jason Kingsley OBE
• Executive Producer: Chris Kingsley
• Senior Producer: Brian Jenkins
• Producer: Edward Linley
• Director: Dominic Read
• Presenter: Jason Kingsley OBE
• Director of Photography: Ed Mash
• Camera: Jo Taylor
• Stills Photography and Continuity: Kasumi
• Associate Producer: James Howard
• Audio: Frank Newman
• Sound Design: Nick D. Brewer
• Music licensed from PremiumBeat
• Additional Camera: Darren Cook
• Additional Camera: Neil Phillips
• Additional Sound: Elizabeth Carlyon
Special Thanks:
• Chris Payton
• Ed Savage
Facebook: modernhistorytv/
Twitter: @ModernHistoryTV
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[@Elvistek]

This channel.. is an example of how people should use youtube for the right things... History Channel should learn from this channel... the content here is just AMAZING

[@Jbsutt]

History channel is too worried about aliens to be that down to earth and real.

[@Elvistek]

@@Jbsutt and pawn stars

[@deborahcox-mp5ul]

To Sir Jason,

[@Nautical_Parsnip]

Ghost is such a kind horse and a very handsome lad.

[@emillyhale7557]

He's gorgeous and magnificent. 🥰😁

[@sharonr2121]

Emilly Hale, hallo! Although this is unrelated to the topic of your comment, God loves you, and He died for you as Jesus Christ! Please turn entirely to Him while you still can, because time is running out, but don’t be afraid! Have a good day!

[@carolzilko4700]

As a teenage cowgirl on the border in Arizona, I was blessed to have an amazing teacher who was an expert in 'Military style' riding. Being a cowgirl was fun, but the education he gave me changed everything I knew about horses and about training them. It transformed my concept of a horse's mind; I gained a new respect for their keen intuitiveness and ability to communicate and act as a team with their rider. You don't see this particular style anymore, which is a shame, because it's a joy to watch a horse and rider perfectly perform as a single unit. I think the closest you can come to it is in the Olympic events. Thank you so much for this episode. It's nice to know some things are not forgotten.

[@michaelb1761]

If you haven't already, watch the movie "Buck" about Buck Branaman. He is very much into understanding horses and training people how to work with a horse. A well done movie about an interesting man with an interesting history.

[@carolzilko4700]

Michael Burgess, my best friend from my cowgirl days brought me that movie when it came out on DVD. She was excited for me to see it, as there were many things Buck teaches that I myself had been taught in the early 70s, by my wonderful, amazing teacher. It IS truly a great movie, and Buck is a great man. I'm glad people listen to him, horses need all the help they can get in communicating with humans.

[@Bigrlboi1]

Carol Zilko Come to my horse capital of the world here in Kentucky! You will see everything you want to learn and see about horses. We’ve had the equestrian festival where everyone has come from places like Finland, Texas, Arkansas and as far as Egypt to compete in the competitions and festivities and showing their horses! It’s so awesome to see the different horses and learn about them and even getting to ride or pet them too! Kentucky is the place you would like to go to see the beautiful horses and learn more about them.

[@JaneDoe-ci3gj]

Carol Zilko how wonderful to have experienced that!🐴 So cool!😎

[@ChristophersMum]

Have you ever heard of Ferdinand Hempfling?...he is a master of horse training...his approach is quite unique...and a joy to watch.

[@horseenthusiast1250]

This man is so gentle with his animals...as a crazy horse person and history nerd myself, I deeply appreciate his dedication.

[@CodyandSteveDownUnder]

well said

[@SpikeyNorman47]

How does this not have thousands of views? I just found this channel today. Subscribed, liked and tuning in for the rest of these videos!

[@ModernKnight]

Thank you! Glad you're enjoying them!

[@georget5874]

yeh thinking the same thing!

[@kris4783]

He deserves more views for sure...

[@BenediktLohmann]

62 K now :)

[@daveh3997]

@Targaryen Dynasty 5 January 2020: 105,954 views, 407K subscribers. People are catching on.

[@agentwash1]

One of the horses I used to ride did dressage whenever he was bored. We'd be in the riding school and suddenly I'd be going sideways and the horse would be thoroughly enjoying himself.

[@2862Gunny]

Best Boy out of a field of three. That’s some subtle self deprecating humor right there.

[@jemmadavies3226]

Love your videos but I was disappointed that you didn’t answer the question!

[@Darkayne666]

yeah it feels like there is information missing xD

[@JaneDoe-ci3gj]

I love how gentle you are with your horses! You seem to know your stuff and you seem to have such a great bond!🐴💞

[@Ganpignanus]

very interesting. my own horse was born wild. he was rescued. he's just amazing. i'm continuing his training and observing your series with particular interest in the eqine side. i too am surprised more males are not into horses/riding. there is so much to gain from a kind, respectful bond with your best friend/horse. so much added to ones life.

[@byecameron]

this has become one of my favorite history series on the internet. Thank you so much for your hard work and authenticity. Television could learn a lot from you!

[@rogerhwerner6997]

I agree. Watching horses and riders is fascinating. And yes, when I was riding 70 to 100 per week, I knew my horse's mood. I knew beforehand how the horse would behave. They had good and not so good days. And yes, it takes about 5 minutes to know if someone knows how to ride.

[@PpAirO5]

You just rose as a person by 10 fold 😌 Great respect for you and the fact that you love and care for animals.

[@michaeljacksonearthangel5849]

I recall a quote that goes, "You don't move a horse with your body. You move a horse with your Energy." 💝🐴

[@HughLlewellyn]

I was born horse-happy I think. I began drawing horses when I was two. My parents let me have riding lessons when I was four. By the time I was a pre-teen, I began working off riding time at a livery stable that rented out horses. The Silver Brumby was one of my all time favorite books, along with the Black Stallion series. I didn't own my own horse till I was 28, when I bought an unhandled 3 year old Arabian gelding at an auction. I trained him in dressage, but we did pleasure showing, trail classes, driving, and I rode him over the fields and forests of Wisconsin. One of the things I did with him was fun-jousting. He was the love of my life till he passed at age 27. I'm really enjoying this channel. I came for the horsey stuff, but the other things are very interesting too because I'm also a lover of the medieval and fantasy.

[@Phil_Cleaver]

It might be of interest that the author of the Silver Brumby series, Elyne Mitchell, was the daughter of Harry Chauvel. Chauvel was the commander of the ANZAC light horse, and associated with the battle of Beersheba (WWI) considered to be one of the last great cavalry charges.

[@ccityplanner1217]

In my family we have a tradition that the first-born is always given one introductory riding lesson whether they request it or not. It is wherefore my mother's dressing table has a photograph of 4-year-old me bestriding a pony. To my recollection I enjoyed it, but not quite enough to want to take it further. I thought I had quickly forgotten everything I'd learnt. Years later I downloaded & read "Horseback Riding for Dummies", the instructions wherein seemed completely intuitive. What I'd learnt that day must've committed itself to the bottom of my memory, despite having been taught to me in only one lesson.

[@NumHeut]

I loved the scene in the "medieval saddle"-video where you saddled your mare and ahowed her eye. That scene showed me that you really love your Animals, care for them and listen to what they say. Only a person who is able to communicate with his horse would cut a video like that. Just perfect! ❤

[@lyn-ne]

This channel is really helping me with medieval times. You see, I've always been interested in this time period. Me and my friend are currently making our friends/classmates in medieval times. So this is helpful because i know what they look like, what they did, etc. Thanks Modern History TV!

[@ModernKnight]

Our pleasure, glad we can help.

[@marisahokefazi2949]

This was one of my favorite of your videos, Jason, because of what you were saying about your life and how you've always been around horses. It has been such a pleasure to see your videos and listen to you over the past couple of years.

[@lunatickgeo]

So what was it like to own a medieval horse? Was it comparable to a modern person owning a car? How much of a person's wealth is tied to his horse? What was the upkeep like? These were the questions I was hoping this video would answer.

[@BobanOrlovic]

I know a few old people who live in medieval conditions alone in the mountains, and they all have their horses stay in fields until they bring them behind the fence for the night. They eat grass by themselves for the most part, except the winter when they need hay. And if you're by a river you don't have to give them water either. And horseshoes are only for horses that ride on streets or drag wagons, hopefully there's a dirt road for the horses, then the heels take care of themselves.They often have plenty of extra horses just doing nothing. Natural selection is really the only medical care needed. Most of the prestige of owning a horse comes from owning one in a city, or owning a race horse, which is when a lot of labor (and therefore money) is actually needed to own one. But for a peasant with land, it wasn't a big deal, it's like a dog that you don't even have to feed most of the time.

[@BobanOrlovic]

Keep in mind also that many abandoned domesticated horses survive in the winter as well with no care whatsoever

[@Pyrela]

Horses were usually at least decently expensive. It will vary depending on time and place, but suffice to say it wasn't the cheapest thing in the world. Of course, like cars, the price would depend on the quality of horse and that can vary quite a bit. Someone who is rich will have a lot of money sunk into horses and a lot into things like saddles, barding, etc. Not just because they could, but they kind of *had* to. Just like with a lot of other things it was because it was expected of them to have a high standard for everything.

[@kiray007]

I'm 40 and still have all The Silver Brumby books from my childhood! I brought them with me from Australia to the UK and keep them in my office.

[@mrfonzie3044]

loving the series so far very well done.

[@pjatkins568]

I found this channel a couple of days ago and man this is what I have been missing out on all my life I subscribed pls make more vids

[@betsysmall3576]

Thanks for the background! You have an extroardinary relationship with your horses!!

[@MaxSafeheaD]

I had no idea I'd find this SO interesting!

[@Dyesnipa]

how do people dislike these videos... I watch a lot of youtube and I hardly ever feel the need the leave a like but this gentleman and his team making these videos earn it.

[@joycehazlerig1957]

Oh my goodness! I read the Silver Brumby! When I was 11 my aunt let me have it when I found it in her bookshelf! I just found out there were more books!

[@janetmackinnon3411]

Fascinating. You help so many of us to learn...thank you.

[@Granatapfelfan]

This is amazing, thank you very much for uploading this great content!

[@deejayk5939]

Love all your programs! Interesting and so true, rode for 30 years

[@citizensnid3490]

Aah this is lovely. Horses 🐎are lovely noble creatures

[@Em-fy2db]

I’ve just come across your channel today and watched nearly all your videos today! I’m so glad I came across your channel, ive always wandered about the lives of medieval knights and particularly their horses! Thankyou for making these amazing videos with the worlds most amazing animals

[@dmshchep]

This is a great channel and a great series. A lot more people should watch this.

[@hannahuy5220]

Nothing like a happy backround music while he talks about war tactics

[@dreezthehunter7006]

Watching all of your other videos in this series, it has been very obvious you pay attention to your animals constantly. They notice too, and I enjoy it. Ty ; )

[@TheLostLemurian]

How is this just a KZbin channel! The production quality is amazing. I legitimately thought this was a documentary someone had taken from TV at first.

[@SamK-qz2gt]

Another nice video Warlord! Thanks for showing us how well your knight grooms and understands horses.

[@Aznaveh]

Wow!! Wow!! great videos. It is a long time I am watching KZbin videos. I don't know why I didn't find this channel earlier. Marvelous. All of them.

[@mariannejensen349]

Thauwra? My real love for horses, I drew them even in kindergarden, but a deeper love for horses grew stronger and bigger, with the story about Black Beauty, told on a tape and a book to look in, see if I could read along. These three pieces of classical music. Black Beauty was one of the stories of the Ladybird series and one of my favorite tales to listen to as a child, because the voice telling the story, was bright, soft and very nice to listen to. Later again, I fell the love for horses grow even more, also with the animated version of the Silver Brumbay series. I went to a local sort of a sparetime club where they had horses, or mostly ponies. Especially one, had a beautiful way of putting his legs in canter, that I simply just fell in love with it. Learning about the horses, made me realize how expressive they actually are, even without saying a single word. The world of horses has taught me a lot.

[@marklayton5374]

I can’t tell you how much I love this fantastic channel. Thank you so much for keeping my spirits up on these dark nights. Wonderful man and a wonderful channel.

[@ModernKnight]

Our pleasure!

[@HD-xd2jh]

I absolutely love your videos! I often went to Medieval Times which is a dinner theater/reenactment in the U.S., I always had a good time watching them joust. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to your next video.

[@georgekostaras]

Jason I was having a rought day, and your video allowed me to have a moment of peace. Thanks for the content

[@ModernKnight]

our pleasure. I hope tomorrow is better for you.

[@Leto85]

Brilliant! Such important information in so little time. I never thought about that experienced riders would see horses that way, but it sounds so obvious now I know it.

[@LittleBargainNook]

So awesome! Horses are such amazing creatures. I grew up on a farm and was lucky to have horses and learned how to ride at a young age and went on into showing in my teen years. I’m absolutely fascinated by history and Medieval history and can’t thank you enough for delving deep into the horses of that period.

[@caitlynw.2524]

Subscribed love the modern history channel

[@ERBarratt]

I would give a huge amount to have anything like the life you've built.

[@jodavey7832]

Silver Brumby series is still my favourite now at 60!

[@maryannsilva4160]

Thank you for the information about your history.

[@huwcollingbourne7152]

This channel is a wonderful discovery. An absolute gem. I am in awe (and more than slightly jealous) of Jason Kingsley. Zoologist, businessman, publisher, game developer, film maker - and Mediaeval Knight in his "spare time". Marvellous and inspirational. Keep at it!

[@ModernKnight]

Thanks for your kind words and support!

[@deusexrockina]

I just found your channel! Charming and informitive!

[@jordanslater-cuthbertson4183]

Wow. I wish I could learn about horses from this guy. Guess I'll keep watching his videos! 😀

[@qww760]

I am so fascinated by this channel❤

[@cclarke9301]

Wonderful channel! I hope you continue !

[@ModernKnight]

We will!

[@msstroh]

Love it!

[@Kratos_God_of_50_BMG]

Your steeds are absolutely amazing by the way! Fantastic choices Jason 😉

[@ModernKnight]

Thank you kindly!

[@LadyAislinn]

I am so glad I found your interesting channel! I feel I am at home =) greetings from Austria!

[@driesvandenbergh]

This channel should be picked up by the recommendation algorithm of KZbin! Wonderfull mix of storytelling nonfiction. Very educating. Keep it up!

[@ModernKnight]

Thanks.

[@EmeraldVideosNL]

Interesting idea. Now if dressage actually was about Knights and nobles maneuvering their horses on a field of battle, I would love watching it!!

[@laurawillits176]

Really enjoying the channel, thanks. Sending a link to my sister who rides.

[@jacksonhstudios4421]

I love these videos.

[@Malfurful]

I love your videos! Please keep on going with this great content. Greetings from Germany :)

[@ModernKnight]

Thanks, and we will keep doing them.

[@shellshocked7620]

I used to love the Silver Brumby series too! Funny to hear it mentioned here.

[@Mizzle420420]

This is an awesome channel, i dont know how I got here but I'm happy I did

[@ModernKnight]

Thanks!

[@jasonbrody6706]

I wish I studied those subjects, I plunged into engineering and kind of hate it to be honest.

[@trentroth6717]

I am a male that rides horses in the united states and I am in highschool and I am one of two boys that rides horses the second is my brother. Love riding and do mounted archery and practice jousting. Live your videos by the way.

[@ModernKnight]

excellent, keep it going!

[@angelorumharps3771]

I LOVE this!

[@Conorp77]

Why does this guy not get all his money and make a kick ass medieval video game, like Kingdom Come but not as clunky and set in Britain? Perfection

[@alfonsgoffin]

What a beautiful animal. Thanks for your super videos. Greetings From Alfons

[@wisedupearly3998]

I have subscribed and enjoy the details. It seems that high born knights had 2-3 horses. The costs and inputs needed to keep a stable of horses in the medieval era are of extreme interest to me. How much time would be needed to practice every day? The vikings switched readily from long boats to horses. I wonder if they had access to Roman texts on calvary tactics. William the Conqueror used his calvary as an integrated part of the army but Frankish knights seem wedded to individual action for individual glory. Key man might be Rollo, The sacker of Rouen.

[@ccityplanner1217]

The tactics used by cavalry in the middle ages were different to those used in antiquity because of the introduction of the stirrup. Its impact on cavalry tactics is roughly equivalent to that the introduction of firearms had on infantry tactics.

[@kaizen5023]

Good start sir, and I agree with comments below, we would like more details on the relationship between horse and rider, perhaps you can provide some examples and scenarios that the horse and rider will encounter and how they deal with them as a horse+rider team?

[@BigPanda096]

This guy should be running History Channel. Imagine, him and Lloyd running history Channel. People will actually learn something about history

[@IHateThisHandleSystem]

The Histiry Channel was a glorious thing back in the 1990's, ans so was The Learning Channel. Now they are both toxic garbage.

[@thinkngskeptic]

I don't think you answered the question of what it was like to own a medieval horse

[@GeertRinkel]

You're right. I don't doubt the quality of this series, but I noticed that here and there the titles of the videos are a bit misleading. If the title was "My experience riding horses and studying their behavior" I would be totally content, but to be honest I'm a bit disappointed after having different expectations.

[@Anglisc1682]

It was alright

[@leokim1458]

The way I understand it is that through his research he came to understand that most of the medieval ways are still present in modern days. Meaning that the symbiotic relation between the rider and his horse hasn't changed much. But I'd say that the answer is at 0:55. When he speaks about dressage he also explains how important it was to train the horse for war. In other words, to have a horse back then was similar to own a humvee nowadays.

[@leokim1458]

There are more in depth videos in his channel over that subject.

[@MGWorldwide]

UH OH BILLY BUMPY BEAR IS DISAPPOINTED

[@mikecheckpro]

Hello my name is Mike and I love these videos. Thanks

[@LizzieWestBathandBody]

Horses have always been a part of my life. I have been a groom I have been a racehorse owner I loved doing both sometimes when I watch your animals it does remind me of dressage. There is an amazing video out there blue hors matinee she was an amazing athlete unfortunately something happened in the pasture and she had to be put down but her video will live on forever if you ever want to see some fancy footwork watch that Mare amazing as are your animals! Thank you thank you so very much for your content you're one of my favorite content creators outside of DIY and Harry Potter you're the best thing out there. I seriously think the skills that you explain and breakdown will be needed in the near future sometimes the old things just work.

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Thank you.

[@barbarachurchill5304]

I was lucky enough to own an Irish thoroughbred in my younger days. He was a flea bitten Grey. I was thinking of him as I watched you groom your horse. Alas, no matter how long I groomed my horse he never gleamed the way my friend’s chestnut did after a few licks of the brush.

[@ModernKnight]

yes some colours clean up easily.

[@TrishJLCoe]

Dressage for the win! Competing on a Baroque Knabstrupper. ❤

[@Alayni01]

You're awesome!

[@hodub7984]

I already liked you channel but I love your horse videos!!!!!!!!

[@ZestySea]

Love your videos - enjoyed hearing your story. This video didn’t fit the title though, completely off topic

[@qessyhildreth2851]

Hi there...this is Qessy from U.S. I have a friesian/percheron cross.. 2 1/2 years old. He's coming along..I can get him now to start to obey me and tack up and put ft in stirrups. I have a trainer once a wk come to me and work with us. He'll let the trainer ride and whatever. But he wouldn't listen to me lol but he's coming along very well. It's a slow process with babies. And friesians. The breed itsself is sensitive. He's super smart and willing. A sweetheart of a boy at just under 17 hands. Lol I got a draft saddle for him. It's coming Monday. I'll see how that works. The saddle now is of course too small. Good for basic training but nothing more. I had to get a new one that fits.

[@willieearles3151]

I got a horse care ad for this video.

[@Metalhammer1993]

" knight and his horse got together like eggs and bacon" i like your analogies (and i loved all the food episodes you did on the series, they brought me to your channel^^)

[@greenshp]

I just discovered your "medieval" series and I love it! I was wondering about two things: 1) Here in the American West, people who use ranch horses often prefer the hand-knotted/braided bridles - the theory being the knots put slight pressure on the horse's head which are calming - do you have thoughts on those and do you use them? 2) You were speaking about watching actors on horses. It is said that Alexander Dreymon of The Last Kingdom is excellent on a horse, and I wonder if you've seen that series and noticed his riding. Evidently he began riding bareback as a kid, and has for the past years been working with Levente Lejack (sp?) of Hungary.

[@ModernKnight]

I’ve not heard about knotted bridles before, so have no knowledge of their use. I’d be surprised if it had that effect, but maybe it does? Not seen Alexander ride, so again can’t comment.

[@LilyGazou]

Maybe the difference is neck reining versus a bit in the mouth with a hand on each rein as a way to communicate with the horse. With neck reining, both reins can be held in one hand, moved to left or right- leaving the other hand free to rope or to open a gate, etc. There are also bit -less bridles and bosals. It’s fascinating to see how good riders can partner with a horse. Thank you for mentioning that actor and the trainer- I’m going to look them up.

[@Galastel]

You should find the work of rejonedors quite interesting, in terms of how a man works with a horse. Some of it is showing off, but a great deal wouldn't be too far from the experience of a medieval knight, whether in battle or on a hunt, I imagine.

[@edwardsbarbara25]

What an interesting individual you are

[@devinm.6149]

I've seen a warhorse breed horse in person and it was huge, nearly double the size of an ordinary horse.

[@ModernKnight]

average western european medieval warhorse was a smallish horse by modern standards, but well muscled, and about 15hh to 15.2hh

[@devinm.6149]

@@ModernKnight I don't know where he was from originally, but I saw him someplace in the north east portion of America, he's dead now, but he was huge and white.

[@BobbyGeee]

Your description of yourself is a description of me.👍🏻😁

[@xXFeralArtsXx]

Horses and dogs are the animals that helped humans create civilization.

[@LeCharles07]

Oxen.

[@nelliberry9403]

What about cows, chickens, sheep, pigs and other cattle? What about elephants?

[@thecrazycatgentleman6188]

Cats helped too. I mean, not having to worry about your grain stores being raided regularly might be important in establishing a civilization

[@Mizzle420420]

Wow such beautiful horses, I love that brown or tan one with white spots, he/she is so cute I just wanna give it a smooch lol. Makes me wish I had a property to have a horse. Two of my aunts raise horses unfortunately quite far away, they are so cool to hang out with, I used to love just chilling with them and playing guitar for them. They really liked listening to the music they would all gather around while I played.

[@michaelb1761]

If you want to learn about horses and people in an entertaining way, watch the movie "Buck" one of the best movies I have ever seen, and definitely the best documentary.

[@LilyGazou]

Michael Burgess the book is even better👍🏼

[@midoridragon3105]

You should make a video about horse armor!

[@barbaravick5634]

I rode for many years and I love to evaluate actors riding. Elizabeth Taylor, brilliant Glenn Ford, extrodinary Kevin Costner, the absolute best ever! He is like a part of the horse.

[@kosio404]

I like a lot this videos where you explain about the medieval times, especially for the horses. But I din`t find a video explaining how much did it costed. I mean for example how much land did you need in order to feed the horse etc.

[@whitepony8443]

What the, you are also an Oxford guy that's pretty cool. The Oxford knight.

[@robsealsey5052]

No way! I actually got my start in pony club as well before i transitioned to Polocrosse.

[@CodyandSteveDownUnder]

a great video - wonderful horse connection and wow, the quality of the production is off the dial cobber ... don't reply, yer a busy man :)

[@ModernKnight]

cheers!

[@lauragarnham77]

I enjoyed the video and it was nice to hear about your background and how you got into what you do, but I think the video does not really fit the title or description - an upload error maybe?

[@wilmascholte7607]

Oh my goodness. You read the Silver Brumby series?! Thowra for the win(d)!

[@ModernKnight]

Bel Bel and Miri and his friend Storm

[@wilmascholte7607]

@@ModernKnight The last scene with Bel Bel always gets me. :(

[@username4441]

feels like a corporate training video.