The dynastic struggle now popularly termed “The Wars of the Roses” is an inspiring period of history, populated with larger than life characters, romance and intrigue, heroic deeds and great battles worthy of Homer’s epic on the Trojan War.

Of the many enduring images of this time is the armoured knight or man at arms, charging into battle mounted on a proud steed. Whilst popular history simplifies the methods of warfare of this time, recent thinking has reverted to consider use of cavalry shock tactics as being one of the tactics employed on the field. From the ill-advised charges at Blore Heath to the near successful gallop to snatch victory from imminent defeat at Bosworth, small quantities of the lance held a surprising value beside the multitude of bills and bows. Indeed, the Renaissance was arriving for medieval warfare; - Planned tactical rouses, sometimes employing fast, efficient light cavalry, evolved as a solution to the stalemate of two armies both intent on using "English" system of defensive tactics.

Re-enactment of the period has developed considerably over the last fifteen years. Attention to detail in costume, arms and armour or historical encampment has advanced and some re-enactment groups are exceptional in the quality of their appearance. However before 1996 medieval re-enactment cavalry was unheard of. This was partly due to some severe pitfalls. Riding in full reproduction armour is a very difficult activity. Even getting a horse to tolerate a rider so attired can be troublesome. Indeed, quality armour is not cheap- a good set running to several thousands of pounds.

Before Destrier’s enthusiasm took hold,theatrical jousting teams represented the medieval knight. Although excellent entertainers, the average "jouster" remains to this day attired in tired, third rate parodies of the panoply of the 13th Century Knights, sometimes with confused mixes of costume or equipment from the entire middle ages era thrown in. Belonging more to an old Pinewood epic, these showmen display little or no understanding of the study of history, or for attention to detail in the accuracy of their appearance.

Enter "Destrier"! Using arguably some of the best horses available to the film, T.V. and re-enactment world, a handful of established 15th Century re-enactors took to horse to provide a new spectacle at the annual Tewkesbury Festival in 1996. Even in such embryonic state, these horsemen were widely noticed. A few more such ad-hoc appearances, and it was time to become something more substantial. More riders and other specialists were recruited, and objectives and goals were set down: Destrier had set itself a daunting challenge! For foot groups authenticity is the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow- for a mounted one, intent on a "living history" encampment as well as good attention to it's appearance of both men and horses on the field, the problem is vastly magnified. Accommodating and equipping horses in addition to men, in order to add a new dimension to a medieval military encampment is no small task.

Since Destrier was formalised, dramatic developments have been made. An excellent rapport has been established with museums and private collections. Surviving pieces have been handled and inspected. Members now sport currycombs copied from a find from the Thames; the horses are picketed on rope of the correct material and construction; horse tack buckles are cast from original finds. Armourers have been sometimes surprised to learn more on the assembly of medieval armour from hearing of the experiences of Destrier pushing their produce to the limits of it’s operational requirements.

Whilst mostly providing public performances of jousting, Destrier continues to take an active interest in the re-enactment of the Wars of the Roses. Whether providing a number of horsemen for a battle, or supplying a mounted commander or king as an acting performer, Destrier delivers! At appearances at such notable high profile events as the annual Battle of Bosworth re-enactment, the feedback from public audiences as well as other re-enactors makes the effort and expense worthwhile.