THE HOE8E. 29 



previous to the Norman Conquest 

 horses were numerous in Britain, and 

 that the natives were skilled equestrians. 

 From this epoch to the period of the 

 Norman Conquest no authentic infor- 

 mation can be obtained relative to the 

 condition of the English horse; but im- 

 mediately after the Conquest history 

 comes to our assistance and distinctly 

 tells us the various phases through which 

 the British horses have passed in attain- 

 ing their present excellence. Previously 

 to this period it would seem that no 

 large war-horse had ever set hoof upon 

 these shores ; but after the death of 

 Harold every Norman knight in Eng- Horses of 



the Norman 



land was the owner of a large war-steed, kni g hts - 

 and, although the tournament at this 

 time was not a national institution, the 



