Between 1250 and 1600 the horse reached its maximum military importance. Ann Hyland examines its use in the west as the knight and barded horse achieved its greatest epoch, as well as practices in the east (including Persia, the Levant, Russia and India) and the Americas during the expansion of the Spanish empire. A unique book in its broad scope, in-depth account of breeding, training, equipment, use of the warhorse and the effects of one culture's equestrianism on another's through war and conquest.