Warhorses: How did a medieval knight and his horse work as a team on the battlefield?

[@Evan-rj9xy]

As someone's who has ridden horses a good bit, may I just point out that those maneuvers he was making are not at all trivial. It takes a lot of hard work, patience and trust to be able to move your horse like that.

[@jasonkingsley2762]

Thanks for the kind feedback!

[@catalinadicocco9431]

Dressage looks cooler now that we know it was used in battle, haha. And yes, it takes lots of years and hard work (from both ridder and horse) to achieve those moves. Loved to watch it!

[@kristinemicule9748]

That was not the purpose

[@clwest3538]

The narrator at a Spanish Riding School show said all their moves were specifically to prepare the horses for battle and what each move was used for - very informative and beautiful (from my point of view).As someone who had ridden horses a little bit, I would like to get my darn horse to stand still for mounting - but perhaps I should train more in the Saracen method? (LOL)

[@carolinemascaux5993]

Evan Has 0iiuuzdrszfdtuzftr

[@Nautical_Parsnip]

If the zombie apocalypse happens, I’m sticking with this guy.

[@teresahiggs4896]

Or with his horses!

[@rileyernst9086]

I guess there would be position vacant for a banner bearer. XD

[@tanyagarcia3721]

Me too. He knows to survive

[@gurjotsingh8934]

You're DOOMED

[@mistersandwich0034]

@@rileyernst9086or a man at-arms

[@jeffwebster402]

This is outstanding horsemanship and clearly the results of hundreds of hours of repetitive work. What is being shown are a whole series of acts, moves and stillness totally unnatural for a horse. That means the animal has been treated well and implicitly trusts his rider. Simply outstanding.

[@MaterDolorumOraProNobis]

Jeff Webster It really is. If you’ve been around horses much you recognize it pretty easily. I’ve been on a horse on an extreme slope at 9000 feet with his four feet on a single rock and he was totally relaxed and confidant and I’ve also been on horses in the middle of a riding arena and someone walks in with a plastic grocery bag and they lose their mind! This horse and rider have developed some trust.

[@shimmeringchimps3842]

I often wonder what horses like Warlord are thinking when they're standing still and humans are just chattering away moving things around. Like, are the horses bored? Do they wish humans would just be quiet? Lol

[@theworldoverheavan560]

@@shimmeringchimps3842 lol

[@gunnar6674]

@@shimmeringchimps3842 Maybe they're a bit like when we carry a cat around on our shoulder or something like that.

[@wms72]

@@shimmeringchimps3842 In my experience, horses like to listen to us talking calmly

[@EnLaMatrix1]

**In an alternate universe** Warlord: This is how to use your human turret effectively

[@u.v.s.5583]

Very true. This aspect of horse life that the horse uses the human to protect itself and provide food and shelter in the winter etc etc is too often ignored.

[@armphonse]

Jason honestly underplays how incredibly well trained Warlord is Horses are extremely skittish animals by nature (something as simple as your jacket flapping in the wind or a bird swooping past can make a horse spook) So to have Warlord stand so calmly as he’s moving the spear around his head and even tapping his neck is so amazing You’ve an incredible bond with your animals and would love so much to see how you trained them to be so desensitised

[@virglibrsaglove]

I know, I feel really bad now. I watched a video of them recently showing a woodland. I asked in the comments if Warlord was young and still being trained because he has so much energy and beautiful movement. I had no idea that he is trained like this. I hope I didn't offend. He's just so beautiful, I wanted to know more about him.

[@bbgamegodpnw]

I've always wondered if let's say you have a horse that survived battles with you. If they start to enjoy it lol 😆

[@kenpowolf1987]

I can back up this comment too. I've ridden horses for years, even the calmest one I had would still spook sometimes if he saw someone on a bicycle. They're very unpredictable creatures and you really need good trust and understanding with the horse to do the maneuvers shown in the video, I can't begin to imagine the many hours of work put into this.

[@SxSxG666]

I was not aware that I was interested in how to train a medieval battle horse until tonight. Thank you for your superb videos.

[@carlosspiceyweiner740]

This is square 47, you may want to start at square one. This is niche stuff, you need a very solid foundation in order to do this kind of stuff.

[@ewout2763]

Good username

[@AnthonySforza]

Hahaha, I know, right?

[@trevorpeters4358]

Ya now I want a war mule now..

[@gavinmcgraw]

As an Infantryman, I smile every time Jason refers to "the Foot." It seems almost a term of endearment. I can also imagine medieval infantry training to fight against "the Horse." Certainly as a category of soldier, but also as an enormous weapon in itself, able to not only offend the men on the ground but also disrupt the whole formation. Potentially more dangerous than the man on top swinging a pointy around.

[@ModernKnight]

Oh yes, very much a term of endearment. Infantry are essential and keeping them on good terms seems very sensible!

[@RafaelCosta-oi3be]

The part about the relationship between a knight and his warhorse is completely true. Leon Gautier wrote a lot about it in his book "On Chivalry", there was even an occurrence of a knight completely ignoring the most beautiful maiden on the realm, because of how infatuated he was with his horse.

[@wms72]

That's weird

[@someonerandom130]

@@wms72 I mean if I was a knight who trained and grow up with my horse of course of course I would have attachment value to it no?

[@marthapackard8649]

Just like Dudley Doright

[@gregkosinski2303]

Did he make love on it?

[@palomamelo1012]

Really?? that's amazing.

[@adriantween584]

This show is incredible. I started watching what I thought was a simple piece about medieval food and now I am completely engrossed in this series. I don't want to stop watching, it's too interesting :)

[@TrekkieGrrrl]

Same here

[@TheLostLemurian]

Same! The medieval food video is what drew me in too. Now I'm hooked. :)

[@kodingkrusader2765]

First it was food. Then fashion. Now horse training. I never cared about this kind of stuff. I just wabted to see a video about what the roman legion ate and then this dude was recommended for his food vids and its kind of snowballed over the last few days. Hes an excellent host for this topic

[@sandrastevens4418]

I am blown away by your horsemanship using a simple snaffle and no saddle. Your horse doesn't seem bothered by the weapons. This takes a lot of training and patience.

[@lorellejustice3848]

He is clearly in a saddle

[@kevinmorley3399]

A true bond between horse & rider. Its a real pleasure to watch.

[@user-el9os9pk7x]

These videos have given me much more thought and appreciation to when I read things like how Alexander the Great tamed Bucephalus at a young age. A horse that Philip considered broken... and how brave and what spirit Bucephalus must have had to have carried Alexander through all of those battles... to why Alexander threatened to massacre an entire group of people if they did not return his horse after they stole Bucephalus... and finally, why he was devastated by his dear horse dying and naming a city after him... the only other creature who received similar treatment was his dog, Peritas. Poor humans around Alexander had zero cities named after them... although Hephaestion did receive the most expensive funeral in recorded history x.X

[@ModernKnight]

based on his love of two animal companions, he was a decent chap. ambitious of course, but also kind.

[@nDn1984]

Basically, in a nutshell, horses are awesome.

[@TheCrimsonIdol987]

Word, homie. Dogs and horses are my favorites, for me personally. :)

[@shepardcommander5174]

@@TheCrimsonIdol987 humans best companions 🙌

[@anthonyjennis3332]

can we please elevate Jason to a KBE ? he really needs to be officially recognized as a Knight

[@joew.3354]

Yes!

[@allim.5941]

How would u do that? Would he still be called “Sir Jason”

[@scarletpimpernelagain9124]

Alli M. He’s not a Sir irl yet, he would need to be made a Knight by the Queen, then he’d be Sir Jason. Kingsley which sounds pretty good. Given some of the dingbats who get it, it would be perfectly logical for him to be given the KBE, preferably in the upcoming New Years Honours list.

[@TheDeadPirateBob]

Shall we start a petition?

[@zakadams762]

This would please me greatly to see

[@hannah-rebeccaeichler3961]

The horsemanship displayed here is incredibly admirable.

[@rapturesrevenge]

Sir, I applaud your horsemanship and devotion to history. Your videos are superbly done and I have hungrily devoured the education you are providing. As a horseman, horse enthusiast, and eternal student of history, I humbly thank you for this excellent series you have put together.

[@tompecorini3264]

Takes a lot of skill to train a horse to that level. Extreme talent and hard work.

[@u.v.s.5583]

Yep. I don't believe in talent, it takes good heart, education and hard work.

[@BSG0005]

Your horse trusts you so much! He’s so calm just knowing he’s with you! You have an amazing life!

[@arnabsen8633]

In India we have a temple dedicated to a war horse named Chetak who was horse of Maharana Pratap , the legendary king of chitore who single handedly fought Mughals. The horse himself became legend for his service to Pratap and he sacrified his life in Haldighati battle field while saving senseless Rana Partap on his back from impossible battle situation.

[@-----------g-]

💩 In the 🚽

[@scarlet8078]

That's super cool to know. Thanks for sharing :)

[@giovannimannelli2158]

@Johannes Liechtenauer Why?Because Mughals were muslims?

[@theworldoverheavan560]

@@-----------g- lol

[@ulfricstormcloak8241]

@@giovannimannelli2158 That's one of many reasons.Its not unusual for Kings to fight for power and conquest.

[@gameoftanks6503]

I don’t ride dressage regularly, and ride more western, but teaching a horse to move like this is good for any discipline. I always get my horses to be super flexible and bendable, as well as yield to my leg whichever direction I want. It’s always good to have a responsive animal, in case of some sort of accident. I.e. tack breaking, loud noises, loose horse, something else. Also, putting a good and responsive stop should be the first thing taught to a horse. Especially stopping without reins. I’ve seen way too many accidents from people not being able to stop, and thinking the solution is a bigger and harsher bit, but it’s not!

[@thebesttastingbleach6915]

As an animal lover, I love what you're doing with your horse. Keep taking great care of him as you are. He is beautiful

[@treeross]

That horse is regal as hell. He knows he's fabulous.

[@rileyernst9086]

As always interesting and informative. I think the horse's combat effectiveness itself would be an interesting topic to discuss. I've read certain accounts(from much later than the medieval period) of warhorses that have done extraordinary things. A horse is large and powerful, in close quarters the guy on top is only half the equation, even if he has a pointy stick(I am exaggerating a bit because everyone has an idea of what weapons do. Not so much a raging warhorse, in a lot of fantasy/historical fiction horses seem to have attributed much less agency than they should, 'seen as a way of transport, or fighting for the warrior' even with trained warhorses. Not a couple hundred kilo beast that has been trained for war and probably shares the same level of fighting spirit as the human on it's back. Miles/Christian Cameron counters this nicely in his work, where his destriers are in my opinion as formidable (and well loved by their knights) as they should be. There was one account that always comes to mind (I can't remember where i read it and I kick myself for that every time. I wish I could give a reference I really do) which was a memoir of a French officer in Napoleon's army(I think he was an infantry officer). He was reasonably poor and bought this very ill tempered horse cheaply(It bit everyone that came near, and not softly so I guess the seller was happy to be rid of it). Anyway he was on campaign in Russia in winter and became temporarily paralyzed, by the concussive shock of a cannonball passing very near his head(I think this is what happened) and was quickly set upon by several Russian infantrymen including an officer on foot. They first tried to capture him, someone went for the reins (I remember this bit much better as it is not something you forget.) and the horse bit them very hard on the face and tore the skin off part of the first guy's face debilitating him. They bayoneted, shot and the officer slashed at the horse with his sabre whilst it killed and maimed them, viciously kicking , biting and trampling. (As I said, a particularly vicious horse, not an account I'd forget). The horse won the fight by itself, the rider effectively being unable to move throughout the encounter, but witnessing it unfold around him, and help not arriving until the Russian infantry were repulsed. Thanks to the freezing cold the horse did not bleed to death and actually survived to make a full recovery, much to the joy and pleasure of its rider.

[@suchstyleandswag]

The way the horse moves at the beginning along with him is so satisfying. It's actually my first time not only seeing it in a film.

[@alizzyb]

Heartwarming moment @ 7:40 People also knew that if you take care of your horse then it will take care of you - a general rule of thumb when directly dependent on any animal, really. ^^

[@jilllogan1288]

The bond you share with Warlord and all your horses is something that only comes with love, patience, and time. It's a pleasure to watch you interact with them and demonstrate what you can do together, thank you.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

I know I’m quite late to the party, but you were talking about not swinging your sword overhand & another reason occurred to me not to do that. If you’re wearing plate armor, the only areas that are not well protected are your underarm & joints. Swinging the murder stroke keeps the plate protecting your frontal area. An overhand swing opens your underarm up to arrows, sword thrusts etc..

[@edi9892]

Also good luck hitting your target when you ride with 30 km/h... It's much easier to aim with the point or simply keep the blade at neck height and let the impact do the rest...

[@ModernKnight]

I can hit a cabbage sized target st full gallop with a decent sword swing, pretty much every time. There are loads of different reasons for different sword movements. Maybe I’ll do a video about my thoughts on them.

[@edi9892]

@@ModernKnight Good idea. Since you already have the means, a little demonstration would be nice too.

[@virglibrsaglove]

I just love this channel. What I learned today is that some horses like their shnoots squeezed. Warlord seemed to love it. Like when I squish my kitties' faces, (gently), and they purr.

[@haffoc]

At the Battle of Bannockburn, Henry de Bohun, an English knight riding in the van of the invading army, spotted Robert Bruce in the process of deploying his spearmen for the coming battle. De Bohun charged toward Bruce, leveling his lance. Bruce calmly awaited the charge and at the right moment caused his horse to "nimbly swerve aside," and then struck down de Bohun with an axe, in the words of one writer. Seems to me Bruce had the horse do a side pass. I've always thought from this story that Bruce was quite a horseman. Thoughts, anyone?

[@criminokrimino5846]

It takes a lot of skill and time spent working with the horse to get a rapid and confident response like that in such a chaotic moment. I think to call him a good horseman based on that wouldn't be a stretch, but we weren't there so I suppose we can't know if he used something like a harsh spur to get the horse to go to the side. It sounds like it was a controlled movement, though, if he was still able to get the finishing blow.

[@GorinRedspear]

Shame of the broken axe...

[@u.v.s.5583]

It really depends. Was the horse on the aids the whole time, did he respond to the slight touch of calf in the direction and rhythm suggested by the rider? Then that was horsemanship. However: Not every sideways disobedience is a half pass. (de Kunffy)

[@marylarsen2288]

These videos are making me appreciate horses a lot. They really have helped shape human history.

[@PpAirO5]

This is definately one of the best channels on KZbin 😌

[@s.leemccauley7302]

Both cutting horses and polo ponies use many of the same moves. Cow ponies do to. Especially in the mountains if the west US. The horse cavalry used these moves too. It is cool this guy is presenting all of this information. I appreciate it.

[@chrisgear3724]

Warlord is such a beautiful animal and l've fallen in love with him ! (And horses aren't really my thing!) But he is magnificent!.. Chris from Western Australia.

[@Aree2098]

Hats off to you Sir Incredible horsemanship and impressive historical knowledge, bravo

[@ModernKnight]

Many thanks!

[@lexifeldmann5353]

oh I like it when they talk about the Bayeux tapestry. Its one of my favorite historical objects.

[@richardturner6981]

Warlord has the dark eyes and Ghost has the light color eyes. Thanks, now i know the difference. They're both very beautiful horses. I wish i could afford a horse 🐎. I'm a dog man and i love my Beagle/Dachshund Gigi very much.

[@bugrilyus]

Ghost is more muscular and have a beautiful white hair, too

[@Jasonslittlesister1]

Wow! Amazing!❤ Have ridden from my youth until childbirth. Wish I could learn how to ride like this here in Germany (but after the pregnancy & some mental health issues in the last years I sadly gained too much weight to ride). I always admired the horse riding styles in medieval films, or fantasy like LOFTR. Your training reminded me of Eomers fighting in the movies. Oh the glorious Rohirrim... This here looks much like the working equitation lectures of Spain to me. It's such a wonderful and much more *instinctual* way to ride a horse. More about being able to move, being flexible and being in sync together- than doing things like it's been told by lectures and rules in books, judged by professionals. The way your eyes are focusing us with the help of the camera- and your wonderful friend moved his legs forward and backwards at the same time! Your focus never shifted away from your audience! And it all looks natural and light footed! Very very impressive. You can tell that he's a good and handsome boy and that he loves to do these things with and for you. It's so harmonic and seems so flawless. This medieval riding style seems to be about what's being useful while riding, not about how it may look like or if your feet are frozen in an exact position, like it's been taught in our modern times. The sight of you two riding like this warmed my heart to the core and brought back an old cherished memory of mine... I will never forget: It was a Friday afternoon, at the end of our weekly riding class. I was cantering, standing high up in the stirrs, just for fun. The last minutes of my riding lessons were on and I was lucky that day and content because I got to ride my beloved favorite horse, a black gelding, owned by our riding stable. It felt so good, it was so nice to finally let him relax, to just BE with him like this, be free after the one hour exercise before. No prying eyes upon us. There was someone else in the way. It was a decision of maybe two seconds: "I don't want to slow down now. Let's just get around them. Come on, boy!" So I just thought about riding around the other rider, shifted my weight, my legs around, gave my boy a sign with the reigns- and we did a turn around the 'obstacle' on our way before coming back to the other side. My riding teacher called out, completely astonished: "What the heck are you doing?!" I slowed down to a trot and said apologetic: "I'm sorry! I just wanted to get to the other side. What did I do wrong?" She stared at me with wide eyes. (Because of a problem with my Achilles tendons from childhood on I have never been one of her best riding students, more the opposite to be honest. She always had a tendency to ignore me most of the time during our lessons, maybe thinking that I was a lost cause in riding anyway and will never become someone who can do competitions or reach the goal of 'riding by the book'.) In that moment though she looked right into my eyes and I think she saw that I told her the truth. "You just rid a flying canter leg change. Twice." I gaped at her, mouth hanging open. "Just like that?" Yes. I did. Her 'lost cause' did a high dressage task. Just like that. Without thinking too much of it. It's been nearly thirteen years now since that day (and that my son was born). Maybe I'll never get back on a horse back, but that memory is mine alone and nobody can take it away from me. Your presentation in this video reminded me of this special day so many years ago, so a THANK You for doing this!🐎❤

[@dmshchep]

This is an amazingly underrated channel. I hope more people will find this. You guys need to seriously think about some form of marketing - the content is amazing! How come I never heard of you?

[@hildaelson4203]

As a classically trained rider, I had to idea dressage evolved from battle manoeuvring! Now it makes sense. Amazing to know.

[@ModernKnight]

think about riding with one hand on the reins and a sword in the other, now imagine many of the movements, and you realise what you could do on the battlefield.

[@paddycampbell576]

Really interesting series, Jason. Got home from work this morning and watched all episodes. Thanks for putting it together.

[@jasonkingsley2762]

Thanks, they're fun to do and the team around me are great to work with.

[@rosycarpuntley2557]

Love seeing your relationship with the horses. They clearly view you as “family.”

[@iamthedarklord1314]

I have see tons of your videos Ser and I have to say the way you depict your honesty about these topics, your inherent enthuasiasm and love for the animals involved warms my heart. Please keep it up. People like to see the truth and honesty.

[@PSDuck216]

Thanks for bringing back memories from training for a medieval tournament. The acquainting the horse to the sword, the spear/lance... memories renewed themselves. I remember getting aquatinted with the horse. Walking around him, and as I get near the the flank, I hear “Watch out, he sometimes kicks!” Oh, yeah, interesting time indeed! Kudos for the presentation. Well done. Cheers!

[@marycavender7136]

Wow this is another side to the battle of which makes things come alive and much more detailed. I can appreciate this more so!🐴🐎🎭👍🤔❗

[@angelaalioto6045]

I love this! He is so clear in his explanation ..he lives in a world I love.

[@a_921]

I love to see the bond between rider and horse here. Also huge upvote for being so clear on the importance of gradually and gently training the horse to accept/ not be scared by unexpected events and bumps. I once rode a therapy horse who was skittish. It was early spring, and some snow fell off the roof of the building. Off goes the horse at full gallop, then rears. Threw me straight off. Luckily I was prepared the next time it happened and (just barely) managed to cling on.

[@mazzalnx]

Wow. The camerawork and demonstration is absolutely on point. These definitely do not look like trivial maneuvers (and someone did point out they are not) -- 40 seconds in and, as someone who experienced the development of combat and FPS games throughout the 80s and 90s, the honing of the ability to "strafe" (move sideways) immediately striked me very strongly as something that would be vital in combat and sport and did also have a very rough start in its digital counterpart, specially when it came to translating these movements to the budding keyboard/mice/controllers used as a medium (here, conveying your intentions to the horse). Needless to say, if you are unable to skillfully strafe and keep your visual focus on a target in modern competitive gaming, you are basically out of the competition entirely. Apologies if the connection seems out of place, but it never ceases to amaze me how certain seemingly unrelated topics can somehow have such deep similarities. Until 1996~99 it was common fare (if not the absolute default) for shooting games to have only very crude forwards/backwards/"turn your head" controls, and at best a "switch" whereby you'd sacrifice your ability to turn in order to strafe, and vice-versa... Some games didn't even *have* a strafe function... I see it as similar to a rider who has only learned forward/backwards communication with his horse, challenging a rider who has put in the time and effort to learn and train movement in other axes/directions...

[@mycroftholmes8261]

I absolutely see the connection here - I guess you could say that your gaming avatar is very similar to the warhorse of a medieval knight. You tell the avatar / horse what to do with the keyboard / the aids, and the better and faster it reacts to your commands, the more likely it is that the two of you will survive the battle... Sorry if I get some words wrong, I'm not a gamer and English isn't my native language, but I do hope that you understand what I was trying to say 😊

[@fleetskipper1810]

mazzalnx You give a brilliant analogy. I would’ve never thought of it, but you are completely right.

[@beccae8685]

“Doesn’t need to be particularly thick - Because your just going to stab somebody with it.” The understatement LOL

[@crazycanuck2200]

Your videos make me so happy

[@ModernKnight]

thanks

[@Mikeztarp]

I don't know much about European swordfighting but I did kendo for a few years. And I noticed that even when Jason showed the "wrong" move, raising his sword overhead, he didn't make the common mistake of going too far back. The sword shouldn't be raised past that point, enough to keep your vision clear, at more or less a 45° with the floor. Excellent.

[@ModernKnight]

thanks for noticing that!

[@vorthora]

Jason, you and your horses are my idols,

[@Hi_Im_Akward]

I have to say, I've enjoyed the videos with your animals the absolute most. One of my new favorite channels.

[@ModernKnight]

Glad you like them!

[@jordanslater-cuthbertson4183]

Possibly the best video yet. (I'm watching in chronological order.) When he got the sword out, I was like, "YES!!"

[@Jadeserphant]

My compliments. That is a looooooot of hours of training. The horse never once flinched. He didn't shy,, or get frustrated with rapid fire changes in commands.. I rode for years and trained in multiple styles of riding........Western trail and reining, English both hunt seat and flat seat for gaited horses. I even, briefly trained under a Master who was trained at The Spanish riding School. Loved it,, but couldn't afford to continue.. Once, I tried to joust with a local SCA group. (For those who don't know they are the ones who often put on Renaissance Fairs) My mare and I were shortly barred. My girl figured if it was coming after me, she'd take a hunk out of it. That's great for a real war horse, not so great for exhibition.. lol

[@ModernKnight]

thanks. I find the more you know about horses the more training you know goes into them. Those that don't know simply see a horse moving!

[@Tokupukwawti]

Thank you for making videos like this. My approach to horse archery and combative maneuvers are based on a solid relationship with my equine partner, and I really appreciate the passion you speak with as you explain these topics.

[@ModernKnight]

Glad it was helpful!

[@galacticjuicedaddy1305]

This guy's taken LARPing to another level. Recently discovered this channel and I'm addicted. Keep it up!

[@gwenmarcus3389]

I love your videos. I love that you are figuring out the details as you go; learning by doing. Thank you so much.

[@lynz034]

Warlord is my fav! 😍He tries so hard. Would love to come and visit all your horses Jason. 🙂

[@JaneXemylixa]

My cat, who's sitting on the couch next to me, is watching you guys very intently :)

[@hilarylewis2424]

I wish I could work with him and train with this guy. ❤️ This dude and the horses.

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

And this is all still relevant - the New Orleans Police Department has a few barns full of horses for crowd control at Mardi Gras with these skill sets. There’s no swords or sheilds, but there’s unruly crowds, noise, physical contact the horses need to stay calm in. The cops ride in battle formations and can literally make those horses dance to a jazz band. Your average beat cop in NOLA may be honing the skills of medieval cavalry after hours, and we’re very proud of the horse police. Couldn’t have (literally) two million drunks on the street without them.

[@gunnar6674]

That training reminds me of the training that forestry horses and police horses get to ignore noises and movements.

[@ModernKnight]

Yes, it's very similar as far as I know. I'm trying to find a big ball like the police use to train horses to push.

[@LancetFencing]

thank you for referencing fencing and i thank you for the way you described the murder stroke it is almost the same as drawing the sword from the scabbard on ones side and going into first position or Prime. to protect ones self. its one of the most important reasons one carried the sword on ones side and NOT the back the consequence of leaving ones body open in the over hand swing from the horse would be the same if one tried to draw ones sword from ones back! thank you so much...subscribed sir

[@cactusc9519]

good boy warlord is being such a great horse rn

[@ciotolik]

Thank you so much for this video and the others. I'm a dressage rider and a writer, at the moment I'm editing my medieval novel and this insight is precious for me! Thank you! Smart, useful, original and even sweet.

[@bushibayushi]

Amazing bond.

[@ValkiriStudio]

I love this show, it's so interesting and informative!

[@xxlCortez]

Never realized how many small things one had to keep in mind while training a horse.

[@epicwalrus7183]

You have to keep books worth of info either in your head or close at hand at all times when training horses. It's a slow and complicated process but damn if it isn't worth it.

[@TheRainblossoms]

One day I want to start doing this myself. Mounted combat as a reenactor is an uncommon thing but it looks awesome and draws the crowds.

[@scarlet8078]

The reason it's uncommon is bc it's difficult. There are many good horsemen and women in the US/ UK/ etc but it's hard to find a horse that is both well trained and calm enough to perform for crowds and not spook during 'joust' type of demonstrations. My family has a horsefarm that breeds and trains American horses for cinema and sometimes there will be a horse with perfect markings that studios want to use, e.g., "medicine hat" or "leopard" appaloosas, but the horse does not take to the training for whatever reason. Horses are like people, all with different temperaments.

[@teresahiggs4896]

Absolutely beautiful! I completely agree, you develop a bond with the horse. I didn’t work wirh horses, but mules and donkeys. And It gets to where you can almost read each others minds. I don’t think there were many knights that regarded their nose like a soldier regards his tank or similar machine. And if your horse were killed on the battle field or died of some other cause, it wouldn’t be just the expense . It’s one thing to buy a battle trained horse ,yes the horse ought know how to do all the battle moves. But would you immediately go to battle on this horse? Basically trusting in its training and the horsem itself enough to,risk your life on it? It’s another thing to buy a battle trained horse , and then work with that horse, and establishing a bond so you trust the horse and the horse trusts you . Amd then you would trust it wirh your life. And it’s battle moves may have saved your life a few times. So you would be somewhat grateful.

[@alicefreist318]

My sister and I trained our horses with nothing but a simpke, light snaffle and bareback pad (or bareback) ... plus time. Hours and hours astride, plus hours and hours just grooming and hanging out, being friends together, bonding. To accomplish the activities seen here takes dedication and care that is truly understated. What an amazing team! (We thought we were rich because we had horses. Turns out we were poor, and couldn't afford saddles!)

[@GodsSparrowSpeaks]

My gosh, the first person I’ve heard use “Good boy” other than myself! 😂 I usually get weird looks until they see my horse’s response. I do, however, live in the wild West LOL I’ve also seen very few who hold their fingers in their reins as you (and I also) do, few who hold feet positions as you do ...my grandfather taught me these same methods. He was invited to attend the Spanish Riding School when I was quite young, this may explain quite a bit. Quite an honor I am told. Beautiful relationship with your mount. Wonderful horsemanship. A joy to watch. Thank you so much!

[@JD57R]

All well done. These skills are way more advanced than most riders ever try.

[@SpikeyNorman47]

Wow. Never been a first viewer before. But your videos are very impressive! Warlord is a beautiful horse!

[@gwenroth9752]

i'm so glad that discovered this channel. i was kinda done with youtube but this channel just keeps on giving. i especially enjoy hearing your thoughts & theories on things

[@kurtmorauersr5041]

Jason, really enjoying your series on horses. I grew up on a horse farm and had a variety of breeds for different uses such as open jumping, roping, dressage, and pistol shooting. My sister taught one of her horses to kick a large ball into a goal by voice command. Most of our horses were trained for leg command and voice command for hands free riding. Looking forward to continued study through your series.

[@jessicalindsey2616]

Exceptional video. Amazing maneuvers with your horse.

[@natesturm448]

So killing a Knights horse would have emotionally charged the Knight with rage and sorrow. AKA you're screwed, you might have well just killed that Knight's son.

[@gerwantofrivera3725]

You may actaully read about the anger and sorrow in diaries of the polish nobility of the 17th century. The diary of Jan Chryzostom Pasek starts with a peom to his fallen horse.

[@natesturm448]

@@gerwantofrivera3725 Shit, I didn't even know about these diaries. Thanks.

[@Dantick09]

All the money, the time, and the notional investment gone and you to start with a new one. But I would guess knights went through a good amount of horses in a lifetime of battle.

[@leokim1458]

​@@the_gask6070 I'm not sure if I understand what you mean by "medieval warfare was low intensity". Would you care to explain in detail?

[@Mike-oz4cv]

@@leokim1458 I think he meant that there was very little actual fighting. Most of the deaths were caused by malnutrition, hypothermia, disease, infected wounds etc.

[@tempestsonata1102]

Sir Jason's stable must the most marvellous treasury on earth.

[@fuzywuzyboomboom1549]

Such amazing videos. I can't stop myself from watching and taking in all the knowledge.

[@RissaFirecat]

This is a good display of horsemanship! Sir, you have my admiration. This also makes sense with the airs above the ground, when in battle. You now have a new subscriber!

[@jacquelindavidson5014]

EXCELLENT job on this!!! I am working on a unit covering knights for my ENG IV / BRIT LIT and I tend to get carried away with explaining, especially when I'm including the rational of dressage and its importance pertaining to HISTORY!!! Thank you for quickly and concisely breaking down and explaining these elements!!! TOTALLY WISH YOU WOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE MARE I USED TO HAVE for jousting...but she was a bit crazy which may or may NOT have inhibited your sport!!! LOL (And...proxemics would have been an issue!!! Thank you again for doing this!!!

[@peac3mak3r87]

One of the most unique vids I have ever seen ❤❤❤❤❤ God Bless you and God Bless Warlord❤❤❤

[@simplystreeptacular]

I'm a reasonably competent horsewoman - at least, I am when I haven't been out of the saddle for years at a time - but I'm an absolute peasant compared to this man. This was an absolute privilege to watch.

[@nightlight46357]

this is my fav channel im love history and this was the kind of channel im looking for

[@ModernKnight]

welcome!

[@melizabeth623]

This is so useful for my book. Thank you! I'm definitely binge-watching this series and absolutely loving it.

[@austinhoover2659]

I am planning a fantasy book where the Mc has an albeit limited time on a horse, before they decide they would rather prefer to be on foot. Thank you for this amazing resource, you defiantly have earned your knighthood Sir!

[@ModernKnight]

good luck wth it.

[@Jake_Steiner]

It's always a weird thing for an American horseman to see an Englishman neck reining, great riding! This is pretty much how we train our horses for sabers and firearms in the 19th and 20th century reenacting periods.

[@notdaveschannel9843]

@Jake Steiner I'm pretty sure all cavalry have to neck rein, modern British cavalry regiments certainly seem to (although I've only ever seen them at walking pace). I'm not sure when exactly 'English riding' developed as a style.

[@peterspatling3151]

@@notdaveschannel9843 "English riding" as we know it today started out in the 18th century. Obviously in England itself. Already at that point there were many critiques. There is a ridiculously funny book from the end of the century making fun of the "New English way of riding".

[@notdaveschannel9843]

@@peterspatling3151 I'm guessing it fitted the aristocratic ethos of riding for leisure and hunting (with hounds) rather than for a practical purpose. Also we didn't herd livestock with horses and only wealthier people could really afford to ride. Do you have a link for the book?

[@fleetskipper1810]

Ditto, I would love to have a link for that book!

[@peterspatling3151]

@@notdaveschannel9843 sorry for the late response, didn't see your comment. archive.org/details/academyforgrownh87bunb/page/n8

[@amyrat151]

Awww. Warlord is such a sweetheart.

[@shannontracy9046]

In America we habe a saying from the old west that I figure would apply to knights or any historical horse people. The saying goes "The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man." In the old west, horses were very important, I've generally considered that my basis for understanding knights and cavalry relationships to horses, though admittedly I run roleplaying games and am not much of a history expert.

[@SysterYster]

There was a Swedish king (or Lord, I can't remember the details now), who wrote a testimony for how his horse was to be treated when the king/lord died. His horse was basically treated better than his sons. None of them were given the horse but could buy it for a LOT of money if they also did a lot of other things for the horse. That was a very good war trained horse as well. Trained horses were so important and expensive back then.

[@ModernKnight]

I'll have to look that story up and find out more.

[@michaelwhite8031]

Amazing control

[@impunitythebagpuss]

All dressage movements and "haute ecole" movements were developed for use in battle! It's amazing what horses can learn to do!

[@frantucker608]

Amazing that he puts up with all that!! Beautiful!!

[@u.v.s.5583]

Try going sideways and backwards in a good balance yourself on your two legs. It is wholesome and enjoyable, if done in the right time, not too long, not too often.

[@TheBunxx]

Minus purposefully kicking and rearing, the rest of the movements are standard issue 🤷‍♂️ I’m more impressed with how desensitized that horse is. Horses are flight animals, waving a big scary stick around their head kicks those instincts into gear.

[@MrRobertbyers]

I would suggest the sword coming across would just allow a lot of weight, and controlled aim. As opposed to any surprise concept. The people they are hitting are protected too and need a big clobber. i didn't know it was called the murder hit etc but it shows me the problem of getting weight behind the hit. It makes more sense.

[@soldierbreakneck771]

Very clever and good trained horse.

[@heytheregeorgeygirl]

Such a beautiful horse.

[@lisslou9740]

i own a T.B.racehorse. All respect to your horses and yourselves. My horse is beautiful but not the type for a warhorse. I m just fascinated, I do belong to the Richard 111 society so I have a big interest!

[@aaron756]

People these days don’t really understand why or how someone can become so attached and bonded with an animal like a horse. When an animal that is more powerful than you carry’s you safely there is a level of gratitude for that animal. They do a job and they do it well.