Horses Shine

While almost all of the royal subjects at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament stand two feet, the most celebrated members of the Kingdom are best known for their trot, gallop and canter.

Audiences will be dazzled by authentic jousting and equine presentations that would not be possible without four special breeds of horses. Spanish Andalusian stallions, Quarter Horses, Friesians and Menorcan complete the mix of horses at Medieval Times. When they are not performing gravity-defying jumps and stylish walks to delight Castle guests, behind-the-scenes the horses receive special treatment fit for a King.

Medieval Times Castle features horse stalls lined with special-design floor padding, a $1,000-per-stall luxury that’s easy on the hooves. The stalls also feature accoutrements such as pressure-activated bowls which flow with fresh water when the horses need a drink.

During the shows, each step of the 1,300-pound horse defies gravity as delicate and precise movements are timed to every eighth note of the new Medieval Times soundtrack, creating the graceful equestrian ballet that is dressage. The horses and Knights incorporate authentic dressage elements, such as the Capriole (leap), Levade (salute), Spanish Walk (march) and Piaffe (trot), used in real medieval battles.

After several years in the spotlight, the magnificent steeds “retire” to live out their lives in comfort and serenity at the 241-acre Medieval Times Chapel Creek Ranch in the rolling hills of Sanger, Texas.

Medieval Times Entertainment launched in Majorca, Spain, in 1973, and opened its first North American Castle in Kissimmee, Fla., in 1983. Now regarded as North America’s longest running and most popular dinner attraction, more than 40 million guests have experienced Medieval Times Castles.