Abstract
In the early fifteenth century, the Ming emperor Yongle (1. 1403-1424) embarked on a grand project to enlarge the imperial herd and create a cavalry that could rival any Mongol force. Large-scale rearing operations were spread throughout frontier provinces and the two metropolitan regions, Beijing in the north and Nanjing in the south. The need for the proper taming and training of war horses led to an unlikely collaboration between the Directorate of Imperial Horses, a eunuch agency, and, predominantly, Mongol horsemen who were recruited for their expertise in equine husbandry. Furthermore, the multiethnic nature of the Directorate aided diplomatic missions geared towards obtaining superior horses from foreign lands. Finally, horsemen exhibiting exceptional military skills earned a ticket to the Imperial Guard, the elite army unit that served, among other things, as the emperor's bodyguard. Thus, an avenue, based on knowledge, skill, and physical ability, opened a way for displaced boys and men of foreign background to reach the center of the Ming court.
Keywords
Ming dynasty, horses, eunuchs, Mongols, horsemen, Directorate of Imperial Horses, Imperial Guard
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