The Brevium Exempla as a Source for Carolingian Warhorses
C. Stewart Gillmor
During the Avar campaign in 791, an equine epidemic is reported to have destroyed ninety per cent of horses Charlemagne's army, comprising own as well those his vassals, both cavalry mounts and pack animals. Fortunately, breeding stock Carolingian army survived because their location far removed from Pannonia, site epidemic. Even begin process replenishing lost animals entailed a lengthy period eleven months, gestation time for horses. It would take even longer – some three years raise train newborn colts develop them into warhorses.