Combat Training for Horse and Rider in the Early Middle Ages
Jürg Gassmann
Abstract The cavalry horse, tactics and training in Western Europe – the Euro-pean provinces of Roman Empire West Frankish du-ring Early Middle Ages (c. 500-1000) are still subject to many myths both popular media academic literature. Source material is admittedly thin, yet it specific enough allow us correct these misconceptions outright errors. article initially summarises current state knowledge on war horse period, by reference archaeological record. It then reviews cavalry’s battlefield tactics, derives skill level required execute manoeuvres described sources, analyses where how this could have been provided. information gleaned provides an insight into skills expertise neces-sary achieve requisite sophisticated horsemanship. We shall argue that imply a considerable investment organisational infrastructure, per-sonnel institutional memory, which has so far not received much attention, wider implications for our view era.
Acta Periodica Duellatorum