Howdy all! I was looking to start a crossbreed campaign to recreate a medieval "breed", either the Palfrey or Destrier. I was wondering if anyone would be interested in joining/participating in such a campaign?

Some information on the proposed breed/s:

Horses weren't really differentiated by "breed" but rather by "use" in the medieval (and earlier) eras. So while they did watch how they bred their horses, it wasn't in the same way we would today. As such perspectives changed and technology advanced, these "breeds" were lost to time. Many breeds today claim heritage to these medieval types and numerous attempts to recreate those medieval steeds are taking place!

One such example is the Spanish Jennet horse, which is a modern breed being bred to fit the medieval standards and documentation of the Jennet horses of Spain and greater Europe!

I'd like to propose the (fictitious) recreation of the medieval Palfrey or Destrier horses!

DESTRIER:

The Destrier was a war horse, arguably the most well known "breed" of the medieval era. They were used by knights and nobles in battle, jousts, campaigns, and tournaments. In fact, they were often referred to as "the Great Horse" not due to their size but rather their importance to the people of the time. They were very expensive though, since they were so meticulously bred and maintained, and were mostly used by wealthy and important knights/nobles/men-at-arms. (Most common and poorer knights used Coursers or Rounceys, even mules instead). 

Destrier were notably bred for war, they were well known for their agile movement and deceptively strong for their size. kingdoms expecting to partake in a campaign or knew a war was coming would specifically breed higher numbers of these horses, which is quite the commitment since they often cost 5-10 times more than the average horse!

Despite modern ideas and conceptions of warhorses being massive hulking draft horses corded with muscle, this isn't actually true. A warhorse, while needing to have the strength and stamina to carry a person wearing armor and weapons through battle, also had to be swift and agile to effectively be used. As such, Destrier are described as having powerful hindquarters, a "sprightly disposition", short back, arched neck, and sturdy bone structure. Art of these horses depicted them with straight or slightly convex faces, stout or even shortish builds, highly defined legs, and quite arched necks holding their boxy "Roman" heads. In texts they are described as "hot-blooded" with "eager temperaments", so likely were quite athletic in daily life.

Following their descriptions in texts and art from the time, alongside several real-life attempts to breed similar horses, I would propose our modern rendition of the breed be a mix of Andalusian, Friesian, Irish Draught, and maybe even a small percentage of thoroughbred. 

PALFREY:

The Palfrey horse was coveted for their "regal appearance" and their smooth "amble". Where other horses trotted and could offer an uncomfortable ride (especially over long distances) the Palfrey had a striking, smooth, ambling gait which offered a much more comfortable ride and visually appeared more effortless.

They were bred to have "shining and striking" coats, several notable ones even being described as having "hairs of spun metal". Their distinct gait didn't just offer a smoother ride and more noble appearance to the rider, it also was faster than the standard trot of a horse, letting the horse go faster for much longer than regularly trotting horses. In a few medieval texts, some Palfrey horses are touted as having mystical or supernatural heritage, like being the child of a unicorn and a king's steed! 

Due to their appearance and ambling trot they were used in ceremonies, hunting, pleasure riding, journeys, and rode to/from campaigns. They could carry a knight/noble/man-at-arms to a battle (letting their Destrier stay fresh for the battle) with minimal jostling of their gear and a much more comfortable easier ride for the person in question. Noble ladies and men, royals, and the wealthy would ride them to denote their status since their beauty and regal nature was notable among other horses of the time.

Due to their beauty, ambling trot, versatile use, and even temperament (as was expected of a noble steed which might carry a feeble and fragile blueblooded lady) they could rival a Destrier in price. They were highly coveted and even gifted by royalty to favored advisors, knights, and nobles. 

Following their descriptions in texts and art from the time, alongside several real-life attempts to trace their linage and recreate a similar horse I would propose our modern rendition of the breed be a mix of Tennessee Walking Horse, American Saddlebred, Paso Fino, and maybe a bit of Arabian.

OKAY! Those are my ideas, either the medieval Destrier or Palfrey. Would anyone be interested in participating in such a crossbreed campaign? Which "breed" would you prefer?

SHORT SUMMARY: Would anyone be interested in a crossbreed campaign to recreate the Destrier (athletic great horse used in battle by knights) or Palfrey (Stunning smooth gait with shining coats used in ceremony, hunting, and pleasure riding)?