Interested in Roman Riding?

[John Conyard]

Various metal hackamore have been discovered, yet many more could have been made of leather or even dried grass. A simple hackamore would have no bit, and the 1st century tombstone found in 2005 in Lancaster seems to show a bitless bridle. {Bull S.B. (2007) Triumphant Rider, The Lancaster Roman Cavalry Tombstone (Lancaster 2007)}. This system is useful for young horses, or those with sensitive mouths, but is generally not associated with Romans. Today metal hackamores could be covered with sheepskin for the horse’s comfort, and it is possible that some Roman hackamores would have been covered also.

Yesterday we tried some new saddles on the horses, made sure a chamfron fitted, and measured up a horse for a new Roman bridle and head collar. The new breaching straps are all a little small. East Yorkshire wasn't completely underwater, and the cold wind and rain made a change from snow and ice. It was fun and relaxed. I suspect Cookie will be my horse this season. I think horse archery will be fine, the horse is very nervous and the rest will take time.

Jurjen, I recommend some boots to keep you out of the mud. I recommend riding wellies, tight trousers which don't get snagged on the horns, and warm sensible clothing on top! Padded armour is great since you don't have to wash it.

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