RIDING WITHOUT STIRRUPS. 11 



to the horse's back with a surcingle, and dispense with both 

 bridle and stirrups, the animal being controlled by a halter. 

 Our ancestors also were able to ride without so many aids in 

 the way of furniture. Blundeville tells us that the Irish in 

 the time of the Norman invasion ' in riding use neither 

 saddle nor boots nor spurs, but only carry a rod in their 

 hand, having a crook at the upper end, with which they both 

 urge forward and guide their horses.' These animals were 

 also ridden in halters. Surely if these old Hibernians could 

 ride into warfare thus equipped, their descendants ought to 

 be able to sit astride a horse without holding themselves on 

 by his mouth." 



