The Renaissance
and modern times
and modern times
(16th–19th centuries)
The Renaissance and the early modern era brought major changes in European culture, science and society. It was a period full of discoveries, a revival of art and science, and new technologies. Animals became far more present in people's lives: they not only helped in the household and in war but also became an important part of aristocratic life. This was when the systematic study of animals began, new breeds of dogs and cats appeared, and horse breeding grew more sophisticated.
The Renaissance
and modern times
(16th–19th centuries)
The Renaissance and the early modern era brought major changes in European culture, science and society. It was a period full of discoveries, a revival of art and science, and new technologies. Animals became far more present in people's lives: they not only helped in the household and in war but also became an important part of aristocratic life. This was when the systematic study of animals began, new breeds of dogs and cats appeared, and horse breeding grew more sophisticated.
Horse breeding has always played an important role in farming and warfare, but during the Renaissance and early modern era it changed significantly. Horses were not only important working animals but also central to social and cultural life.
The development of horse breeding
1
The development of horse breeding
Horse breeding has always played an important role in farming and warfare, but during the Renaissance and early modern era it changed significantly. Horses were not only important working animals but also central to social and cultural life.
Horses in farming
and war
and war
1
Horses remained important in farming, especially in Europe's agricultural countries. They were widely used for ploughing, carrying goods and transporting people.
Horses remained important in farming, especially in Europe's agricultural countries. They were widely used for ploughing, carrying goods and transporting people.
Horses in farming
and war
and war
1
Cavalry was an important part of the army
Horses became essential partners for knights, cavalry and other soldiers
Horses helped in war, carrying military supplies and patrolling territory
Horses in war
Cavalry was an important part of the army
Horses became essential partners for knights, cavalry and other soldiers
Horses helped in war, carrying military supplies and patrolling territory.
Horses in war
Horses became an inseparable part of cavalry units. Mounted troops began to play a decisive role in battles, and horses were used for rapid movement and many kinds of combat tasks.
In the army:
Horses became an inseparable part of cavalry units. Mounted troops began to play a decisive role in battles, and horses were used for rapid movement and many kinds of combat tasks.
In the army:
Heavy horse breeds were bred for farming to help with ploughing and hauling goods.
Working horses:
Their strength and calm nature made them invaluable for heavy work in the fields.
Heavy horse breeds were bred for farming to help with ploughing and hauling goods.
Their strength and calm nature made them invaluable for heavy work in the fields.
Their strength and calm nature made them invaluable for heavy work in the fields.
Working horses:
As horse breeding developed, Europe began to breed different types of horse with different qualities:
Types of horse
and how they developed
and how they developed
2
Strength
Stamina
Speed
Types of horse
and how they
developed
and how they
developed
2
As horse breeding developed, Europe began to breed different types of horse with different qualities:
Strength
Speed
Stamina
The most popular types were heavy horses for farm work and riding horses for knights and the nobility. Special breeds, such as Spanish horses, racehorses and army horses, became important in both noble and rural life.
Horses for war began to go through stricter selection, which improved their physical qualities.
The most popular types were heavy horses for farm work and riding horses for knights and the nobility. Special breeds, such as Spanish horses, racehorses and army horses, became important in both noble and rural life.
Horses for war began to go through stricter selection, which improved their physical qualities.
Known for its strength and stamina, this breed was popular with the nobility, especially in Spain and France, and was used both for riding and for war.
Spanish horse:
Horses bred for speed and used in racing became the pride of the wealthy. In England the Thoroughbred was developed in the 17th and 18th centuries from Arabian and other eastern stallions.
Racehorses:
Horses bred for speed and used in racing became the pride of the wealthy. In England the Thoroughbred was developed in the 17th and 18th centuries from Arabian and other eastern stallions.
Racehorses:
Known for its strength and stamina, this breed was popular with the nobility, especially in Spain and France, and was used both for riding and for war.
Spanish horse:
Tools
History of pets: all chapters
- History of pets: contents
- Prehistoric times
- The Neolithic
- Antiquity
- The early Middle Ages
- The late Middle Ages
- The Renaissance: aristocratic breeds
- The Renaissance: science and classification
- The 19th century
- 1900–1950: the rise of pedigree animals
- 1950–1980: pets for everyone
- 1980–2000: modern veterinary medicine