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The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from On Horsemanship by Xenophon: belly, being the most vital and defenceless part, should be protected.
It is possible to protect it with the saddle-cloth. The saddle itself
should be of such sort and so stitched as to give the rider a firm
seat, and yet not gall the horse's back.
[8] Cf. "Cyrop." VI. iv. 1; VII. i. 2.
As regards the limbs in general, both horse and rider may be looked
upon as fully armed. The only parts remaining are the shins and feet,
which of course protrude beyond the cuisses, but these also may be
armed by the addition of gaiters made of leather like that used for
making sandals. And thus you will have at once defensive armour for
the shins and stockings for the feet.
On Horsemanship |
