I full carriere – Hästar, grevar och guldbroderade sadlar

Horses have certainly played a significant role in our history and culture, and it is fascinating to see how this is reflected in works of art and artifacts. The equestrian portrait of Carl Gustav Wrangel on his brown horse in full carriére (or is it en terre a terre?) in Skokloster Castle is a fantastic illustration of the relationship that the nobility had with their horses. The portrait captures not only the status of the individual, but also the elegance and grace that equestrianism represented in different periods.

The saddles, with their exquisite gold embroidery, are examples of how function and art can be combined. They were not only tools for riding, but also symbols of power and wealth. By studying these objects, along with the equestrian teachings of different eras, we can approach an understanding of how horses have shaped both the social and cultural landscape of our history.

Getting close to these artifacts, seeing them in their original context, provides a deeper insight into the importance of horsemanship and how it has evolved over time. It is a reminder of the important place the horse has had in human life and how it continues to inspire us today. Join Castle Bailiff Lotta Lindley on a tour through the State Apartments and into the tack room. We continue our conversation over a coffee in the Castle Café, included in the price.