How did the Stirrup change Military History?
Marie Amenson
July 6th, 2014
World History to 1500 HIS-1122-XTIA 14/T5 Despite the relatively small size of the stirrup it remain the most important part of the saddle, as it make the horse and the rider one. Throughout its life the stirrup has proved to be a useful and important feature and tool in regards to communication, transportation, and warfare, as well as a riders increased ability to ride and control a horse.
Even though horses were greatly used in Neolithic and Feudalistic China, riding a horse was rather difficult since there were still no stirrup. And although during the Warring States Period (475-221BC), the use of cavalries were widely used and accepted as an important strategically tactic of warfare, there were issues with the abilities of the horsemen to stay on the horse and maneuver his weapons, not to mention the armor warriors wore and how heavy that was. From its beginning the stirrup has steadily and completely changed the way we use and ride our horses. With the invention of the saddle and the stirrup the opportunity and the ability to use other weapons and more armor was discovered. Warriors would armor their horses and themselves then use long heavy lances to unhorse their opponents. The use of the saddle and the stirrups help a rider balance his weight as well as the extra weight of his weapons.
As to the origination of the stirrup, it is to date unclear where it was invented or who invented it, however there is a theory it originated in Northern China. Some such variations appeared in Northern India, but proved to be lacking as these variations were incompatible with the horse. The running theory is that the North Indian version of the stirrup spread through other countries and many different cultures through the use of the Silk Road, however it wasn’t until the early 300’s CE that what we call today a stirrup was created and used in Northern China. (p.240) The Chinese used iron in their creation of this tool, which worked well with the invention of the saddle, which happened to be invented during this time period as well.
The spread of the saddle and stirrup concept hit Europe in the seventh century, which completely revolutionized the European cavalry. The business of training, creating, and maintaining this new warrior elite became a high priority for many kings, princes, governors, and any who wanted control. However this did not come cheaply, not only did they have to train the actual warriors, they had to purchase, train, and maintain the horses, and purchase or create the armor and weapons. Over time the breeding of horses became a business of its own, with everyone wanting the bigger, faster, stronger horses on their side of the battles. In order to create these armies of highly trained and effective cavalry the ruling elite had to make sacrifices for the expenses, sometimes aligning themselves with enemies or neighbors who had the money in order to afford the great expense. Those not fortunate enough to have the money for such armies were left at the mercy of their wealthy superiors. In fact, it has been theorized that the feudal system of Europe was one of the consequences of this great invention, however I believe there were in fact many different factors that led to feudalism. (p.241) When broken down, only those with the most wealth could afford such warriors as these, those who had some wealth may have been able to afford a few (less than 5), and those with no wealth had to put themselves completely at the mercy of their local ruling elite. The stirrup though small and insignificant at the time of its invention, made waves throughout the known world creating business in trade and war.

Works Cited
Sivers, P., Desnoyers, C., & Stow, G. (2013). China: Imperial Unification and Perfecting the Moral Order. Patterns of World History Volume 1: To 1600 (Brief edition). New York: Oxford University Press.