equestrian statue of marcus aurelius 174 A.D.

[Urselius]

The type of horse shown, relatively short-coupled with substantial rather square hindquarters, smallish head and high-arched neck, was favoured as a warhorse in Europe up to the mid 18th century. If you look at contemporary illustrations of the first Duke of Marlborough's campaigns very similar horses are visible. In Marlborough's time it was called 'the black horse', though they came in a variety of coat colours. The arched neck and consequent high head-carriage was favoured as it gave the rider some added protection to the front.

The type is shown here on a tapestry of one of Marlborough's victories:
http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-med...6ECCDB.jpg