The Historical Horse

Consulting on all things equestrian (horses) for writers and filmmakers.

Horses have been mankind’s companion throughout history. From ancient times to modern days, horses have pulled plows and wagons, led the charge in battle, and been the companions of royalty and peasants alike.

As writers, filmmakers, and creatives, we often need to write horses into scenes in our works. But far too often, I see huge, glaring errors in all things equestrian. For example:

• A Roman soldier riding with stirrups (stirrups were invented in Asia and didn’t arrive in Europe until well after the fall of the Roman Empire)
• Western bridles with 1800s Victoria side saddles
• “White stallions” everywhere – usually ridden by the hero (“White” is not a true horse color. What you think is white is a light gray.)
• Stallions, stallions everywhere. Nope, not the usual riding horses.
• People hopping aboard and galloping for miles…without resting their horses
• Feeding “oats” (nobody feeds oats in modern times)
• Breeds mentioned in historic novels that didn’t exist at the time of the novel’s setting

My Historical Horse services include consulting on manuscripts, focusing on details like these that can lend authenticity to your work.

My Credentials for The Historical Horse

I have spent a lifetime studying all things equestrian. I have almost 40 years of experience working with and riding horses, specifically in equitation and dressage (if you don’t know what these words mean, you definitely need my services!).

As an author, my articles and feature stories have appeared in Equus, Horse Illustrated, The Chronicle of the Horse, Above the Rails, Horse People, Just About Horses, and a book called Straight from the Heart: True Stories of Horses and Their People.