North British Horses

[John Conyard]

The photos Brian posted show 14.2 and 14 hand mounts from years ago!

The average size for Roman horses in Britain seems to be around 13.2 mark. I am sure there were 15 hand horses, even a 17 hand horse, but the average was 13.2. In the Roman period and much later. Size of horse dictates speed of manoeuver so |it is good to see re-enactors on ponies. My current mount is 13.2 and Amy used a 12.3 last year.

Such mounts make fine cavalry horses. Larger horses need more food and foreign breeds would be more liable to catch colds in northern Britain. Small native cobs can be left out all year and an still be fast and strong.

It is easy to fight in armour bareback on a small horse. It is great fun.

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