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The Byerley Turk by John Wooten (Wikipedia) |
This month, we go back to the 17th Century to learn about one of the most famous of horses, at least to those who love and follow the Thoroughbred racing bloodstock.
The Byerley Turk (sometimes spelled Byerly Turk—note the dropping of THE in this iteration of the name), was born around 1680. Just think about that—340 years ago. America wasn’t even a nation. In fact, the first group of French Huguenots (religious refugees) arrived at Oyster Point in Charleston, South Carolina, sent by King Charles II, in April of that year. In November, The Great Comet of 1680 (also known as Kirch's Comet) was first sighted; it later became famous for helping verify Kepler's laws of motion. And if it wasn’t already a busy enough year, on Christmas Eve, the famous theater company Comédie-Française was established in Paris by a decree from King Louis XIV.
Interestingly enough, of course, when this colt was born, nobody knew how famous he would one day be, so he wasn’t particularly noted in anybody’s journals, and so his early biographical details have been the subject of speculation.
The most popular story, however, is that he was ridden into the Battle of Buda in 1686 by an Indian officer, who was likely killed, and the horse was captured and brought to England by the Duke of Berwick. However, another story has him captured, along with two other Turkish stallions, at the Battle of Vienna. He may even have been bred in England from previously imported stock.
One fact known for certain is that Captain Robert Byerley rode this horse into the King William’s War in Ireland (1689), and although almost captured while on reconnaissance, said he owed his safety to the “superior speed of his horse”.
In 1690, the horse won a race meeting in the spring in Down Royal, Norther Ireland, and later carried Captain Byerley into the Battle of the Boyne in July of that year against the forces of King James II of England.
The Byerley Turk was dark brown or perhaps black. His lineage is not known, apart from the fact he was most likely an Arabian. Descriptions include elegant, courageous, and speedy.
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The Byerley Turk (Wikipedia)
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After now-Colonel Byerley retired, The Byerley Turk retired to stud, living out his final years until he died in 1703. Rumors contend he is buried in an unmarked grave on the grounds of Goldsborough Hall in North Yorkshire, England.
His offspring, along with the offspring of two other Arabian stallions, Godolphin and Darley, served as the foundational bloodstock for modern Thoroughbred racehorses. While most of the sire lines died out in the 19th and 20th centuries, there is a line that continues through Clarion. In fact, there are at least three stallions still at stud around the world.
An interesting note is that through his direct male descendants, other breeds have also flourished, including American Quarter Horse, American Standardbred, and the Justin Morgan horse.
Little did the captain know that his horse’s contributions to racing would outlive both of them.
Leave a comment: Leave a comment about a famous racehorse you admire, to enter a random drawing for Book 2 of Hearts of the Pony Express, Hearts of Julesburg. Remember to cleverly disguise your email address so the online ‘bots don’t get you. For example, donna AT livebytheword DOT com
His offspring, along with the offspring of two other Arabian stallions, Godolphin and Darley, served as the foundational bloodstock for modern Thoroughbred racehorses. While most of the sire lines died out in the 19th and 20th centuries, there is a line that continues through Clarion. In fact, there are at least three stallions still at stud around the world.
An interesting note is that through his direct male descendants, other breeds have also flourished, including American Quarter Horse, American Standardbred, and the Justin Morgan horse.
Little did the captain know that his horse’s contributions to racing would outlive both of them.
Leave a comment: Leave a comment about a famous racehorse you admire, to enter a random drawing for Book 2 of Hearts of the Pony Express, Hearts of Julesburg. Remember to cleverly disguise your email address so the online ‘bots don’t get you. For example, donna AT livebytheword DOT com
About Hearts of Julesburg: Can a young woman who wants more adventure, and a young man running from his past, slow down long enough to allow God to intersect their lives?
About Donna:
Donna lives in Denver with husband Patrick, three housemates, and two cats who rule the roost. As a hybrid author, she writes squeaky clean historical suspense and contemporary suspense. She has been traditionally and indie published more than 60 times in novellas, full-length novels, devotional books, and books on the writing craft. Donna ghostwrites, edits, and judges in writing contests. She is also a Certified Book Coach, helping authors move their book projects forward. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both. In her spare time, she paints like a whirling Banshee Bob Ross-style in oil on canvas, minus the Afro.
Website: www.DonnaSchlachter.com
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Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byerley_Turk
https://www.tbheritage.com/Portraits/ByerleyTurk.html
https://horseracinghof.com/notable-heroes/the-byerley-turk/
Donna lives in Denver with husband Patrick, three housemates, and two cats who rule the roost. As a hybrid author, she writes squeaky clean historical suspense and contemporary suspense. She has been traditionally and indie published more than 60 times in novellas, full-length novels, devotional books, and books on the writing craft. Donna ghostwrites, edits, and judges in writing contests. She is also a Certified Book Coach, helping authors move their book projects forward. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both. In her spare time, she paints like a whirling Banshee Bob Ross-style in oil on canvas, minus the Afro.
Website: www.DonnaSchlachter.com
Newsletter: https://www.thepurposefullwriter.com/newslettersignup Stay connected so you learn about new releases, preorders, and presales, as well as check out featured authors, book reviews, and a little corner of peace. Plus: Receive 2 free ebooks simply for signing up for our free newsletter!
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donna-Schlachter/author/B01180A2EE
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donna-schlachter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14116621.Donna_Schlachter
The Purpose-Full Writer: https://www.facebook.com/groups/604220861766651
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byerley_Turk
https://www.tbheritage.com/Portraits/ByerleyTurk.html
https://horseracinghof.com/notable-heroes/the-byerley-turk/
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