11. on the arms of a war rider

Further it has to be described, how one has to be prepared, when planning to face danger on horseback.

First it is important, that the armour fits the body well, because that, which fits well, is carried by the whole body, while one too loose only rests upon the shoulders. An armour too narrow is anyway a fetter and not a weapon. For also the neck is an endangered part, also for it on top of the armour an adjusted protection has to be provided, a kind of collar. For this will be a decoration as well, and being made in the right way it will protect the riders face, if he wants, up to the nose. Concerning the helmet, we think the Böotic one is the best. For this covers everything best, that stands out from the armour, and does not hinder watching. Also the armour should be disposed in a way that it does not make problems when sitting or bowing. Around the abdomen and the genitals there shall be scales such and so big that they cover these parts well.

As also the left arm, when being hit, disables the rider, we recommend the protection for this case, which is called 'arm'. For it protects shoulder, arm, elbow and the part that holds the rein. It can be bent and stretched. Furthermore it also covers the part which is not protected by the armour under the shoulder.

But one must raise the right hand, when throwing the spear or doing a stroke. So from the armour, everything hindering has to be taken away. Instead scales have to be put onto the shoulders, which open when the arm is raised, but when lowered close again. For further protection of the right arm the coverage fixed like the leg splint seems to be better to us than one connected to the armour. The part, which is uncovered, when raising the right arm, must be covered close to the armour with calf-leather or iron. When this is not considered, the body will be unprotected at the most dangerous place.

When something happens to the horse, also the rider is in danger, thus also the horse has to be equipped with protection, with a forehead- and a breastshield, and with hauncharmours, for these will also be a leg-protection for the rider.

But it seems to be most important, to cover the horse's flank. For this place is the weakest and therefore the most endangered. It can also be covered with the riding cloth. Also the riding pad has to be sewed in a way that the rider sits more save and does not harm the horseback. So also by the other horse-coverages horse and rider as well will be protected.

Shinbones and feet of the rider will stand out from the hip armour. But also those can be protected, by making footclothes of sole-leather. Such boots can serve the shinbones as protective clothes and the feet as shoes. All those weapons are for avoiding to get injured, if the gods are gracious. But for harming the enemies, we believe the bent sabre to be better than the straight sword. For the rider is sitting very high, so the blow with the sabre will show better results, than with the sword. Instead of a spear with a long shaft, which is weak and bothersome for carrying, we recommend instead two javelins of hard wood. For one can be thrown, if one is able to, and the one still left can be used backwards, towards the sides and forwards as well. They are also stronger and more convenient to carry than the spear.

To throw the javelin at the most far distance, at which the enemy can still be hit, we think is the best. So there will be enough time, to turn and take the other javelin. We also want to describe, how to throw the javelin best. If one bends the left side forward and takes back the right side, raises himself in the hips and throws holding the tip a bit upwards, then the javelin in this way will fly with the most possible power and most far. But most certain, when the tip points to the target.

So far this should be enough for a common rider as advice, training and exercise. But what a leader of cavalry has to know is written in another treatise.

Translation and Copyright
by Stefan Welebny 2000, All Rights Reserved