ABSTRACT
WHERE very large horses, of which I have said a few words above, are bred in the North, especially in Västergötland, they are not only forbidden by a public ordinance to be taken away on transport vessels, but it is quite strictly commanded that they are to be brought up, cared for, and trained in military manoeuvres and become accustomed to every experience of war for the defence of their country. 1 In winter wars waged between the northern kingdoms such horses, because they are well used to enduring the cold in which they were reared, courageously and resolutely carry a rider in armour in whatever direction he heads them; unshaken as they near the foe, they move at a brisk gallop without stumbling. 2 For this quality they may be compared to all the thoroughbred horses which Spain, Naples, France, or Germany produce, that is if they do not deserve to take precedence over them. Although they do not match the speed of African, Numidian, or Turkish horses, 2 they make up for this deficiency with wonder ful bravery and determination, and with respect to the nature of the people, place, and season, are found to answer the demands made on them in the hardest fought wars.
