The Master of the Horse

The Master of the Horse was the third of the Great Officers of the Royal Household trio. As with the other positions, this one was also appointed by the King.

Per the name, the Master of the Horse was in charge of all of the King's stables. Everything horse-related was left to him: the provision of horses for the King during war time, the stable hands, other horse-related attendants and their living quarters above the stables, all of the horses used for entertainment, such as racing, hunting, and jousting, and the horses used in royal litters. Despite the name Master of the Horse, the position also took responsibility for the Royal Kennels and the King’s dogs, their training, and their welfare. Another of his commissions was the Royal Falcon Mews, where the King’s hunting birds were kept.

The Master of the Horse also sat on the Privy Council and was always in proximity to King Henry VIII due to his love of hunting and jousting, giving him a unique and lucrative position.

The Master of the Horse position was filled during Henry’s reign by:

Sir Thomas Brandon, c. 1485–1510

Sir Thomas Knyvet, 1510–1512

Charles Brandon, the Duke of Suffolk, 1513–1515

Sir Henry Guildford, 1515–1522

Sir Nicholas Carew, 1522–1539

Sir Anthony Browne, 1539–1548.

Sources:

The Royal Office of Master of the Horse, Max M. Reese

The stables: Master of the Horse, R. O. Bucholz