Horses of «royal saddle» in the Muscovite Russia XVI - XVII centuries

The article describes the history of the horse household at the royal court in the Moscow State of the XVI-XVII centuries. The study marks the magnificence of the Moscow court horses and pomp of royal equipages. The emphasis is on the most solemn horse ceremonies: tsarina equipages and equipages on the occasion of meeting ambassadors. The study notes that ambassador meetings were held with many thousands troops of horsemen. The article also describes the policy of Tsar Fedor Aleksee-vich, according to which the number of horses at court circle equipages was limited. The size of royal stables and its composition are determined. The study analyzes the importance of domestic and foreign breed, as well as non-breed horses for everyday life of the Russian aristocracy. The article gives a detailed description of various rare breeds of horses that were in the main and spare royal stables. The hierarchy of the color of royal horses and features of their appearance are determined, as well as ways of import of foreign horses, the amount and quality of horse trade in Muscovy. The main principles and features of the dressage of royal horses, performances of the horse circus that took place at the court of Tsar Fedor Alekseevich are described. The study notes the differences in the work of the rider and vehicle-riding horses, including horses for the service of solemn ceremonies at the royal court, as well as combat, coach and sleigh horses. Harnesses typical for the Moscow State are described. The article explores the history of horse racings as the main principle of selection of the best quality horses for royal stables. Among them, it describes war games, horse races, harnesses races, confrontations of horse riders and shooting of riders at a target at full gallop. The study also describes specific equipment of a Moscow rider, mentions their love of horses and riding. The study notes the continuity of the riding training system established in Muscovy in the XVI-XVII centuries. The role and place of miniature horse breeds in the everyday life of royal children are determined, as well as the role and place of horse toys in the education of royal children. It notes that tsarevitches first sat on a horse no later than at the age of one; wooden "funny horses" of their size were made specifically for that. In conclusion, the article analyzes remnants of archaic rituals involving horses in a solemn ceremony of a child's first haircut that indicated not only a change in their age status, but also symbolized dedication to the military rank. It sums up works, according to which the horse was one of the most prestigious attributes of royal power.

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