Horsemanship through the ages
Technology and Technique
Last updated 6 April, 1997
Greek-Etruscan rider, fourth Centruy BC
Chariots and Mounted riders
Chariot technology was fully developed by 1500 BC: mounted horsemanship by
500 BC. Thereafter equine tech;nology remained on a plateau until about
500 AD!! None of this early horsemanship derived the maximum power of
the horse. The first because the horse was yoked to the wheeled
vehicle; the second because the horse awaited the development of the
stirrup around 700 AD somewhere in Asia and the horsecollar in the 10th C
Europe.
Retrospective.
A horse has an output of 750 watts [one horsepower]. This is far greater
than the 30 watts mechanical output that a human can put out on the
average. There is a great advantage to be able to use the horse in
transport, and in warfare.
The full foot stirrup appears to have been developed in China. The idea
probably came from India,. The earliest evidence for stirrups was found
in Inda. Diminutive stirrups to fit the big toe affixed to the surcingle
can be noted in sculptures of riders on the Buddhist monastaries dating
back to the 2nd C.
The big toe stirrup was impractical in the cold climes of China and it
had to be adapted for the shod foot. Examples of bronze stirrups with
buckles are found in the tombs of 6th C China.
A relief from a Tang Chinese tomb for an Emperor in the 6th C. The
saddle and stirrups have a modern look.
The French calvary saddle from the 19th C.
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A Mongol saddle
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Inventions to take full advantage of the power of the horse
Early Egyption chariot (C 15th Century BC). The yokes fit over the
shoulders of a pair of horses. These were attached by straps across the
throat of the horse. This greatly limited the force that could be
applied by the horse. The full force of the horse to pull with great
force awaited the invention of the horsecollar in 10th C Europe.
Modern Olympics in riding.
References
Man and Horse in History, Matthew J. Kust (1983)
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