Training a medieval warhorse was a demanding task that required a great deal of patience, understanding and empathy. After all, the horse had to learn to overcome its natural instincts and face the horrors of the battlefield.
Important findings:
- Training a war horse required a gradual approach to potential battlefield scenarios
- Positive reinforcement through praise and rewards were crucial to encourage the horse's courage
- Even after intensive training, horses retained their instincts as flight animals and could react unpredictably in stressful situations
The basics of training
At the beginning of the training, the horse was gradually accustomed to noises and objects that could trigger fear. The trainer used positive reinforcement such as praise and rewards to encourage the horse's courage. It was crucial to observe the animal's body language. The horse's ears and eyes provided information about its attentiveness and degree of relaxation.
Simulated corpses in training
An important part of the training was getting the horse used to simulated corpses on the battlefield. The trainer introduced the horse to simulated dead bodies in order to observe its reaction. The aim was to familiarize the animal with potentially stressful scenarios and to get it used to sights that could trigger fear or discomfort.
Training in the saddle over corpses
The next step involved training in the saddle over the simulated corpses. The instructor wore a protective helmet and gradually approached the bodies on horseback. The horse's reaction under the rider gave an indication of its readiness for the battlefield. This training helped both the horse and the rider to adapt to challenging conditions.
Emotional effects on horses
Despite intensive training, horses retained their innate instincts as prey animals. In dangerous situations, they instinctively backed away - a behavior essential for survival. Some horses could be traumatized by a single slaughter experience, which affected their future willingness to fight. The emotional well-being and resilience of the warhorses played a significant role in their effectiveness on the battlefield.
Conclusion
Training a medieval warhorse was a complex process that required a great deal of empathy and patience. Through gradual training and positive reinforcement, the horses became accustomed to the challenges of the battlefield. Nevertheless, they always remained flight animals with natural instincts that could react unpredictably in stressful situations. The emotional resilience of a horse ultimately determined its suitability as a reliable warhorse.