Alexanders horse

[astylishgirl@aol.com]

I hope this message is not incorrect... but I was hoping that you might have this knowledge or know where to find the answer.I saw the new movie Alexander today and fell in love with his horse. Do you know what kind of horse it was? I guess there are two answers. What kind of horse did Alexander actually ride. And what type of horse was used to portray the horse in the movie.I am interested in finding out what type of horse was used in the movie as it was the most beautiful horse I have ever seen.I am a horse lover and owner and am thrilled when anyone in history shows a bond with one of the beautiful animals. This makes the person more human to me. Thank you very much for your help.Shelley

[S]

Greetings,The horse Alexander rides in the movie is a Friesian, a European breed. These were actually developed as war horses for knights and the earlier ones were heavier; the lighter modern type being developed later for trotting races. Their most common use today is as a carriage and cart horse, though they are also used in dressage.You can see another Friesian in a movie called "Ladyhawke", ridden by Rutger Hauer. Usually, they appear in the background scenes of movies pulling carriages, however.These horses are agile and beautiful but would not be as fast as the actual smaller horses were in the Macedonian army. Indeed, if you watch the trailers closely, you will see some of the other riders pulling their horses in so that Alexander can stay ahead of them. Bucephalus was most likely out of the Thessalian breed; these were developed from native stock such as Peneian, Pindos, Andravidan and others as well as imported Iberian and eastern stock. Until recently, the Friesian was kept purebred, but now there are - unfortunately- crossbreds being produced all too often in America and Canada. These are being used in dressage, carriage work and as "novelty" horses.Andrew has posted an article on Bucephalus in the articles section of this site that you might enjoy.Hope this helps. Regards,
Sikander

[Feb.21,2006]

I think That it was a Fresian Horse. Because of its amazing strength and and massive body. I have been doing alot of research on these horses and have also fallen for them.
Kendra