You might picture a knight charging into battle on a magnificent steed, but research shows that medieval horses were often much smaller than today’s modern ponies.

According to a recent analysis of approximately 2,000 horse bones excavated from British archaeological sites, dating from 300 to 1650 AD, the majority of these horses stood less than 148 cm (58 inches) tall, the height threshold for a pony today.

The breeding of warhorses likely prioritized temperament and build over sheer size. Interestingly, smaller horses might have provided tactical advantages in warfare, allowing knights to remount quickly if dislodged.

This article responds to the question posed by Tom Bletsoe via email: “How big were medieval warhorses?”

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