Had a go at Roman riding :D (pics included)

[Marcus Julius]

I always thought that Montana was big on horses, with trekking holidays etc. I don't have any evidence to back this up, but I doubt mules would have been ridden into battle, mainly because of speed and height.

Well, If I wanted to trail ride or something, I could probably find a horse. The only animals I could have long enough to fit a Roman saddle and armor onto would be a mule. See, both my family, and all the other people I know have mules. The only horses we have are breeding mares that are basically only used to carry a mule to term :wink:

I'd guess some time with mules might change your mind about height. Also, what mules lack in speed, they more than make up for with sure-footedness (is that actually a word?) and maneuverability. Various rodeo circuits have actually banned mules because they consider them to be an unfair advantage in barrel racing and roping. They do have other traits that make a horse easier to train for mounted combat. However, if other peoples could train camels and elephants, a mule wouldn't be out of the question.

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

I saw pictures of a mule kicking a mountain lion to death, which had foolishly tried to attack the dog of a family who were out trail riding.

Puts another picture on the mule found under the collapsed palisade at Kalkriese, in my mind..... :wink:

[Robert Vermaat]

Puts another picture on the mule found under the collapsed palisade at Kalkriese, in my mind..... :wink:

Are you saying that the Romans, being desperate, sent in mules to attack the barrier as stormtroopers? hock:

[Et tu brute]

Well, If I wanted to trail ride or something, I could probably find a horse. The only animals I could have long enough to fit a Roman saddle and armor onto would be a mule. See, both my family, and all the other people I know have mules. The only horses we have are breeding mares that are basically only used to carry a mule to term :wink:

I'd guess some time with mules might change your mind about height. Also, what mules lack in speed, they more than make up for with sure-footedness (is that actually a word?) and maneuverability. Various rodeo circuits have actually banned mules because they consider them to be an unfair advantage in barrel racing and roping. They do have other traits that make a horse easier to train for mounted combat. However, if other peoples could train camels and elephants, a mule wouldn't be out of the question.

Well Roman horses were generally shorter than the modern horse(AFAIK), so mules may be fine in that respect. Though I still don't know whether there is any evidence that the Romans used mules in battle (possibly to carry water?).

[John Conyard]

I'm just off to stay in the Villa at South Shields, but didn't Caesar equip his muleteers with helmets to look like cavalry at Gergovia to deceive the enemy?

[Et tu brute]

I thought that was against Ariovistus (wasn't he Germanic?), I may be completely wrong though I'll probably see you ar Arbeia tomorrow aswell.

[John Conyard]

Hey, this was back well beyond our day when people used old fashioned tactics and basic armour. Now we've perfected the Roman art of war we don't have to dress up mule drivers anymore!

[Et tu brute]

Had a great time today, wasn't expecting to be participating, but I really enjoyed it! The "New recruit" scene was pretty fun

[Salvianus]

I particularly liked the idea that by the end of 20 years service you might make you look like Lee:

the new recruit and the veteran

was this a plus for recruitment?

Having actually taken my new staff for you to see in person, I completely forgot to retrieve it from the equipment room!

It's pretty much a dead ringer for John's, with which Andy beat me later:

Conscientious Objector

[Robert Vermaat]

the new recruit and the veteran

Brilliant! Dave, I can see a new avatar for you..

[Et tu brute]

Maybe, if I can resize it properly, take a look at this one.



As John said, this is how you examine a racehorse!

And my favourite...