What is palfrey horses?

Palfrey horses are a type of riding horse that were popular in medieval and Renaissance Europe. They were highly valued for their smooth and comfortable gait called a "palfrey pace," which made them suitable for long rides and journeys. Palfreys were typically smaller and lighter than other breeds of horses and were known for their docile and gentle nature, making them popular as mounts for women, children, and the elderly. The term "palfrey" was eventually used to describe any comfortable riding horse used for leisure and travel, regardless of the breed. Nowadays, palfrey horses are less common and not recognized as a specific breed, but their legacy can be seen in gaited horse breeds like the Paso Fino and Tennessee Walking Horse.