Tombstones

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Proof that either nothing in this world is new or, as I prefer it, the Romans really did know what they were doing with their harness and it was certainly not just decorative but functional (but coincidently a convenient piece of equipment to decorate and make a nice display of their horse which all cavalrymen like :wink: ).

The attached photograph shows the "in" thing in eventing; the five point breast plate to prevent the saddle slipping.

Silius' horse's example has two straps coming down from the saddle by the front horn. They join into one single strap across the horse's chest and, one presummes, would join the saddle on the other side in the same way (four points of contact). What cannot be seen is if the strap across the horse's chest is also secured by another strap which goes between the horse's legs and attaches to the girth. Not essential, but strongly advisable when riding at pace. This would give five points of contact/balance with the saddle.

Other tombstones show one strap joining by the horn, the second joining lower down the saddle, sometimes attached to the girth (as shown in the modern, attached picture).

So why am I boring you with this? In comparing the ancient and modern pieces of equipment one must bear in mind the point of balance of the rider. The modern rider, of course, has stirrups and can stand out of the saddle to aid the horse's movement at pace or, even better, lean out to either side by quite some distance if required. Our ancient riders did not have that additional piece of equipment (ie the stirrup) but could be just as secure in their seat and lean and bend out of the saddle confidently, knowing the saddle was held in place.