Palfreys were considered to be noble horses with beautiful coats of a silky hair. They were highly valued as riding horses in the Middle Ages. They were used by royalty and nobility throughout the medieval ages and were prized for its speed and endurance. Palfreys were lighter, more agile, and more comfortable than a warhorse. They were smooth-gaited and were suitable for riding long distances. They were able to carry a rider over difficult terrain. Palfreys were used in the hunt and were often employed in jousts. They were also used in war as cavalry mounts. They had been ridden by knights from early in the Middle Ages until their decline in the 15th century. The Palfreys of the Middle Ages were usually smaller than modern day horses, with a typical height of 14-16 hands.