Interested in Roman Riding?

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Hi Graham

Good question and one really based on practicality as we have no evidence.

There are several options:

1. Mounting block - by far the easiest and one I use myself as often as possible. Preferably the block is big enough for me to just step across the horse and sit as quietly as possible.

2. A leg up similar to jockeys getting on to race horses. Based on timing and skill/strength of the person assisting. Another easy option.

3. Get the horse to kneel. Another favoured method for a lighter rider; not sure if a horse would be strong enough to pick itself back up in armour plus a fully armed man. They probably could but not too often. Possibly something kept for the battle field or emergencies.

4. A loop on a lance or spear (but not a contos). Possibly a Greek method but perfectly feasible for the lance to be leant against the horse, foot in a loop, mount from that and then swing lance into ready position.

If you search on you tube there are lots of ways it can be done; one just has to temper it with common sense and the armour of the rider.