basic armor

[Caballo]

Hi,

By vaulting on!!

From Vegetius, Book 1, chapter 18:-

"The vaulting of horses has always been vigorously demanded of both recruits an soldiers of many years service."

(So no getting fat on garrison duty! )

"This exercise has survived to the present day, albeit now with neglect. Wooden horses were set up under cover in winter, in summer on the training field. Over them recruits were made to vault at first unarmed, until they had gained experience, then in arms. Such care was taken that they learned to jump on and off from both the right hand side and from the left, even holding drawn swords and lances. This theylikewise performed with constant practise naturally so as to be able to mount without delay in the stress of battle, having trained with such dedication in peace."

As so often, I am impressed by our ancestors, and...

...on the drawn swords and lances bit, like they say on television "don't try this at home"!

Cheers

PB