Courser (horse)

A courser is a swift and strong horse, frequently used during the Middle Ages as a warhorse. It was ridden by knights and men-at-arms.

This 12th century depiction of a knight on horseback might show a courser.

Etymology

Coursers are commonly believed to be named for their running gait,^[1] (from Old French cours, 'to run'^[2]). However, the word possibly derived from the Italian corsiero, meaning 'battle horse'.^[3]

Coursers in warfare

The courser was more common than the destrier,^[4] and used for battle as they were light, fast and strong.^[1] They were valuable horses, but less expensive than the highly prized destrier.^[5] Another horse commonly ridden during war was the rouncey, an all-purpose horse.

Other uses

Coursers were also used occasionally for hunting.^[3]

Notes and references

^ ^a ^b Oakeshott, Ewart. A Knight and his Horse, Rev. 2nd Ed. USA:Dufour Editions, 1998
^ Oxford English Dictionary, 10th Ed, 1999
^ ^a ^b Hyland, Ann. The Warhorse 1250-1600, UK: Sutton Publishing, 1998
^ Prestwich, Michael. Armies and Warfare in the Middle Ages: The English Experience, New Haven: Yale University Press, 1996,
^ Gravett, Christopher. English Medieval Knight 1300-1400, Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 2002, p 59

[Oakeshott-1] Oakeshott, Ewart. A Knight and his Horse, Rev. 2nd Ed. USA:Dufour Editions, 1998

[2] Oxford English Dictionary, 10th Ed, 1999

[Hyland2-3] Hyland, Ann. The Warhorse 1250-1600, UK: Sutton Publishing, 1998

[Prestwich-4] Prestwich, Michael. Armies and Warfare in the Middle Ages: The English Experience, New Haven: Yale University Press, 1996,

[Gravett-5] Gravett, Christopher. English Medieval Knight 1300-1400, Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 2002, p 59

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Courser (horse)

Contents

Etymology

Coursers in warfare

Other uses

See also

Notes and references