Master of the Horse

The Master of the Horse was (and in some cases, is) a historical position of varying importance in several European nations.

The French Master of the Horse

In France the master of the horse (Grand Ecuyer, or more usually Monsieur le grand) was one of the seven great officers of the crown from 1617. As well as the superintendence of the royal stables, he had that of the retinue of the sovereign, also the charge of the funds set aside for the religious functions of the court, coronations, etc. On the death of a sovereign he had the right to all the horses and their equipment in the royal stables. Distinct from this officer and independent of him, was the first equerry (Premier Ecuyer), who had charge of the horses which the sovereign used personally (La petite curie), and who attended on him when he rode out. The office of master of the horse existed down to the reign of Louis XVI. Under Louis XVIII and Charles X the duties were discharged by the first equerry, but under Napoleon I and Napoleon III the office was revived with much of its old importance.

Related Topics:
France - Great officers of the crown - 1617 - Sovereign - Coronation - Louis XVI - Louis XVIII - Charles X - Napoleon I - Napoleon III

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