Stirrup - what is this? When and where did the stirrups first appear?

Strenuous design has had a huge impact on the technological development of the world, becoming an effective assistant in various fields. Initially, this simple device was used to equip warriors, but later its exploitation was fixed in many other spheres. It is clear that the designs with stirrup forms vary from one people to another. In most cases, the device resembles a conventional loop, and in Japan, a protected stirrup is used, the photo of which is shown below. The creators offer other design options, but they are all based on the principles laid down many centuries ago.

What is a stirrup?

Classic stirrups are part of the overall structure of the saddle. This is an accessory that allows the rider to keep balance in the process of riding. Initially, it was used as a support for a warrior, which allowed him to cope more effectively with combat missions. In particular, the stirrup made it possible to strike hard opponents, while ensuring accuracy in the handling of the sword, and in using the bow. In terms of design, stirrups are a kind of loop that serves to support the feet. There are different approaches to the implementation of this device, including closed models, which differ in the presence of additional fixation mechanisms. The foot of a rider in such a stirrup can not spontaneously separate, even at a fast pace of driving. On the one hand, this solution increases the reliability of the anchorage, but, on the other hand, creates additional risks, since a person can lose control of the horse and will not be able to free himself.

Where and when did the first stirrup appear?

Homeland stirrup is India. In the II century BC. E. It was here that this device was invented. The masters of that time equipped the saddles with two belts with rings on the ends, which were the supporting elements for the big toes of the rider's feet. Many experts point to India as the place of origin of the stirrup because of the unification of charioteers and riding horses, the use of which was parallel. But stirrups are not just an element of the saddle. It also had to interact with the rider's shoes. Two centuries later, Chinese engineers developed a design that allowed the whole foot to be pushed into the ring, which gave the user more freedom and easier to land.

The device of the modern stirrup

Up to now, the design has experienced many changes. In the modern form it is, as a rule, a metal ring with a loop, which is suspended to the saddle. In order to more effectively fix the lower part of the stirrups is executed in the form of a small area. In most cases, this is an even strip, provided with a special rubber gasket - again, to improve the bonding qualities of the structure. The stirrups for the horse are suspended with the help of a buttonhole. This is a leather belt that allows you to adjust the gap between the stirrup and the seat, taking into account the length of the user's legs.

Footwear for stirrups

The specific design of the stirrups and the way of operation could not but affect the rider's shoes. To protect the rider's legs from rubbing against the skin of a horse, in ancient times they started using boots. By the way, the first boots had one feature - they almost did not bend in the knee area. In the future, there was another version of short boots, which had a high heel and a curled sock. Thanks to this form, the shoes and stirrups for the horse provided an optimal strength for the bunch. However, it was not easy to use cavalry boots when walking. Spurs were another invention in this direction. Oddly enough, the creators of this device conceived it to realize not the functions that modern spurs perform. Initially, they were used to stop the running of the horse. When the animal accelerated the step, the rider wounded him with spurs. Thus, the horse was trained to wear the riders carefully.

Stirrup for babies

In addition to the development of the design of the stirrups themselves, the scope of their application expanded. In this case, we are talking about using the stirrup in medicine. This is a special device, which is usually prescribed to children for the treatment of hip dislocations and hip joints. As specialists note, this is an effective and safe way of correcting deviations, which, however, requires parents to have certain skills in caring for a child. Baby stirrups are a system consisting of two parts, one of which is a breast belt. The second part is represented directly by stirrups. To ensure a restorative effect, the design must be properly adjusted to the specific child.

A stirrup in mountaineering

This device is also used in mountaineering. In addition, the extremals use in the insurance a special node "Stremia", which is also called vyblenochnym. Such a system of rope fixation is used to fix cables to various objects.

Under load, such nodes are not tightened. If the load variables are assumed, then it can shift, but under the condition of constant tension it works reliably. Use the node "Stair" can be used in the work with a large number of support elements. For example, you can bind it to posts, trees, and other objects. To make this node more reliable, its free end is re-circled around the support.

Disadvantages of stirrup construction

Disadvantages of stirrups are due to the fact that they are responsible for a lot. The basic arrangement of the system is not difficult, but the slightest violation in its operation can lead to tragedy. If it is a question of riding, the stirrups are a very important accessory that can clamp the foot of the rider, which can lead to his death. Especially this applies to the above closed structures. In addition, if the rider's weight falls completely on the stirrup, that is, the risk of deforming the legs with prolonged use of the saddle in this mode. Its disadvantages also have a stirrup for infants with joint diseases. If you incorrectly pick up and adjust the belt and stirrup, then instead of correcting for the best effect, you can get aggravation of the disease.

Conclusion

Today the stirrup is a specialized attribute, which is used mainly in the equipping of riders. But in the old days, this accessory was a very important component in the equipment of warriors, and not only. For example, A. Pushkin uses in his poems about Veschem Oleg the phrase "tempered stirrup". This also means the symbolic meaning of a seemingly minor element. One way or another, many experts agree that the invention of the stirrup had a huge impact on the development of entire empires in antiquity. And this is not surprising, since the power of states was determined by military potential, and any development of technology in this direction gave a significant advantage over opponents. The importance of stirrup in this context is difficult to overestimate. Suffice it to say that it increased the efficiency of the warrior, making it more convenient to use the horse as a means of transportation.