Lord Robert’s charger Volonel
The epitome of the Arab horse, and a hero of the British Afghan campaign.
A blog on desert arabian horses, past, present and future
A blog on desert arabian horses, past, present and future
The epitome of the Arab horse, and a hero of the British Afghan campaign.
Looks like Muson,, But Roberts appears to be a better rider. The horse has Davenport like legs.
best
Bruce Peek
I have such a soft spot for Vonolel. Reading the description of the march from Kabul to Kandahar really made me appreciate how tough nineteenth century cavalry horses had to be – fifteen miles a day for twenty days may not be much, but during those twenty days the relief column had to cross the eight thousand-foot high Zamburak Kotal, and march across stretches of barren land, through sandstorms and stifling dust, with water scarce and the temperature ranging from freezing point at dawn to 110ºF at midday.
Maidan was also present on the march from Kabul to Kandahar; his owner Lt. Col. Brownlow was killed in the battle of Kandahar.
One of my favorite historical Arabians! I wish there was more information on him, but it seems to have been buried, if it existed.
A superb specimen. And those legs! It would be interesting to know more about him.
Volonel is buried in the graveyard of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin, Ireland. Search for the Facebook page “Dublin 8” for more info
Irish, thank you for that information! He is a favorite horse of most any serious Arab horse researcher or fan. Hmmm. DNA from bones?
Miss Dillon sent Raschida (Kars x Wild Thyme) to him, and the result was an 1896 filly.
In addition to being a pillar of the British Empire, Roberts was also a leading Orangeman – a Protestant dedicated to keeping Ireland firmly within British imperial ownership. As Blunt was a Catholic and an ardent supporter of Irish independence, the pair would probably rather have died sooner than acknowledge each other, Volonel’s superior quality notwithstanding!!!