Equinality Lexicon
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Accoutrements
Accoutrements are the tack, saddles, bridles and bits worn by the horse. Here is an account of some key events in the development of equestrian accoutrments:
- Earliest examples from Near and Middle East - horses harnessed and controlled in pairs under yoke, with a nose ring
- Bits introduced by 1700 BC - bronze bit with pal bar mouthpiece, circular cheeck pieces, and barbaric spike on inner surface from Gaza
- More elaborate bits date from 10th to 7th centuries BC from Luristan, Iran
- Bits changed form during transition from chariot-driven horses to ridden horses
- Soft mouthpieces of rope, gut or rawhide in Hungaria around 15th century BC
- Bar or arc-shaped cheekpieces in Greece during 7th and 6th centuries BC
- Jointed mouthpieces on Italian bronze bits from 9th to 7th centuries BC
- Animal skins held in place with breastbands used by mounted troops in Assyria in 9th century BC
- Saddle cloths used by Persians by 6th century BC
- Leather military saddle secured by an overall roller, a crupper and a breastplate was used by Romans by AD 100.
- Stirrups were first used by the Huns; their use in Europe not developed until Charlemagne's wars against the Avars of Hungary.
- General use of stirrups by 9th century AD revolutionized the art of riding and with it the development of the saddle.
- Curb bits used since Middle Ages
- Single-rein curbs, cavessons, and pelhams used on Renaissance schooled horses
- Double-bridles and snaffles, along with various saddles for specific purposes, became ultimate development.
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& Refiner of Gold Creations
This article was not published in the North West Breyer Horse Club newsletter. (em)
Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 1/27/2019
