The Armour Archive

What modern day breed most resembles the medieval destrier. I know that no horse today is the same but I just want to know the most resemblent to them

Welsh cob, friesian; I have a "nordsvensk", http://w5.nuinternet.com/s690100042/ (click on "bilder"), just to get an idea.

In general it's the appearance and qualities of the horse that made it suitable for a destrier, breeds are something very modern. And even within a single breed, the appearance can change a lot over just a few genarations, all depending on the latest "fashion".

Take a look at paintings of the horses used in the period you're trying to reenact, (big difference between 11th century norman and 16th century italian...), and pick a horse that resembles that appearance. Also, make sure that the type of horse is suitable for what you intend to do with it, both physically and mentally.

okay so what does a horse like that cost?
I know that upkeep can be expensive but whats the initial price.

Elias

Initial cost depends on many factors. This is a place where breed matters. Friesans are pricy in the US. Once any horse gets any real training, the price goes up. Where in the country the horse comes from, a horse from Amish country will cost less than a horse from Virginia. Age of the horse also affects the cost. Once you pick a horse, then add in the cost of an initial vet and farrier checkup, and transport from where you purchased the horse. Figure on an initial outlay starting at $6000, and the figure can go up depending on the type of horse you end up purchasing.

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Joseph

He who would venture nothing must not get on a horse
-Spanish proverb-

Horse, thou art truly a creature without equal, for thou fliest without wings and conquerest without sword.
- The Qu'ran -

In the US, the percheron's are reasonably priced, great looking, big horse breeds available. Combined with other faster breeds- 1/2 thouroughbread 1/2 percheron makes for a great destrier, IMHO.

That being said, I currently ride an American Cream Draft...

Two breeds (actually the same) are the Lipizanner stallions of Austria and the Spanish Analusians originate from the destriers of the Spanish royalty. I believe the Lipizanners came into existence around 1500 when some Spanish Analusians were purchased from Spain and transported to Venice(?) to be used as the Holy Roman Empire's Royal line of Destriers. They were prized for their white coloring, gray when young, strength, and intelligence. Over the centuries these two breeds have persisted and have continued to be bread and trained in the same manner they were when they were used as war horses. Lipizanners and Spanish Analusians are extremely expensive! If you ever have a chance to go to a horse show with these breeds in it I would highly recommend it. If you were interested I believe a cross between the muscular quarter horse and the speedy thorough breds would bring similiar results. Arabians are probably a little too small.

Plus as mentioned earlier briefly, quite a bit of what makes a horse a destrier is the actuall training it recieves. It takes many years of training for any horse irregardless of breed to be trained for war. In addition that training should come with the rider (you) if you plan on riding the horse.