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Horse Breeds
First Posted: Oct 29, 2010
May 13, 2020

Courser Horses


This depiction of a knight on horseback might show a courser

A courser was a swift and strong horse, frequently used during the Middle Ages as a warhorse. It was ridden by knights and men-at-arms. Coursers are commonly believed to be named for their running gait, (from Old French cours, 'to run'). However, the word possibly derived from the Italian corsiero, meaning 'battle horse'.

Coursers in Warfare

The courser was more common than the destrier, and preferred for hard battle as they were light, fast and strong. They were valuable horses, but less expensive than the highly-prized destrier. Another horse commonly ridden during war was the rouncey, which was an all-purpose horse.

Other Uses

Coursers were also used occasionally for hunting.

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Medieval Horse Breeds
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