| Steven H wrote: |
|
Leap over, no, I'd agree. But the tale I've heard repeatedly is of getting into the saddle without the stirrups. Which would be easier. But I still can't cite/source it. |
I don't know the specific volume and section, but the idea of training new levies to vault onto wooden horses as a winter exercise has been associated with De Re Militari, Vegetius since roughly 4th century time frame. I have read of it in the context of Carolingian training as well, but am not sure if this has a specific source, or if it is an assumed continuation of the prior teaching. The concept in Carolingian era was supposed to facilitate very rapid dismount, remount in skirmish type situations involving both foot combat and mounted combat.