- (Quora, No. 1 Answer). The Vikings transported horses overseas in boats very similar to Viking longships, but with flat flooring built within the hulls, which allowed the horses to stand. When horses were transported by boat, very large ships were used to support the weight of the horses, as well as provide more stability during the journey, so that the horses would not break their ankles.
Horses were lined up in the center of the boat, where they would experience the least amount of rocking from the waves, would be most helpful in keeping the boat balanced, and least likely to fall overboard. Viking ships were extremely stable vessels, and the shallow hulls allowed great versatility- including the transport of horses.
It must be noted: the horses which were transported overseas were highly trained calvary mounts. The horses had already been taught to remain calm and ‘steady,’ under chaotic conditions, and, to stay on their feet while being pushed around on challenging terrain during battle- this was an absolute must for a successful calvary campaign.
Furthermore, Norwegian Fjord Horses- the wild horses native to Scandinavia & the horses transported overseas by the Vikings- are notable for their physical sturdiness and stability. After all, the Norwegian Fjord Horse had evolved and adapted to living on the mountainsides of Scandinavian fjords- which is very dangerous terrain for any people/animals, who are prone to stumbling, or have very delicate ankle structures.
https://www.quora.com/How-did-the-Vikings-transport-horses-over-the-sea
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- (Researchgate). Shipment of Horses in Antiquity and Middle Ages. Abstract:
After domestication (4000 BC) horses spread over the Eurasien continent and the north part of Africa. In the following milleniums they invaded some islands ( Ireland, Crete, Cyprus). Written reports about horse transports across sea has been come down since the 2nd halve of the 1 rst millenium BC. Persians, Greeks, Phoenicians as well as Romans used to ship horses in boats with up to 30 animals - mainly for military purposes. Antique sources don't deliver informations about handling of the horses or health problems - besides some remarks about exhaustion or fatique after shipping.
Since 500 AD Byzantines, Arabs as well as Italien seatowns organized horse transports over the Mediterranean Sea, the letter in particular for crusades. Cargoships specialized for horse transportation were constructed - since the end of the 12th century already with cansas slings for the horses - which could carry up to 100 horses. No informations are avaiable about health problems. During the 9th century Vikings sailed with horses to Island. The transfer of nearly 2000 horses in 1066 from France to Britain by the Normans is well documented...https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286896493_Shipment_of_horses_in_antiquity_and_Middle_Ages
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