When you climb up into your saddle, your first thought isn't typically, "I wonder how the stirrup was invented?" It is just minimal piece to the thing that brings us the most joy. You saddle up, get on your horse, and ride off. However, the stirrup being invented was a tremendous discovery that changed horse back riding for life. It is quite incredible and I know I will never take them for granted again. 

The stirrup was not invented until about 1,000 years after horses were domesticated. They weren't even a thought before 300 AD. Prior to stirrups, riders rode bareback or with a treeless saddle. There was nothing there to support the leg or foot. This was how it was so people just went with what they had access to. 

Fast forward to India in 500 BC, a toe loop was created to stabilize and support the foot. This made an incredible difference for riders. This led to the Chinese inventing a dual stirrup, but nearly 800 years later. The riding styles began to change and evolve. This new dual stirrup made an even bigger difference. During this time, horses were mainly used in war for the warriors to ride. The stirrup changed warfare tremendously. Warriors on horseback were no longer unstable on their horses during battle. This allowed them to use their weapons with more force. They were able to brace against the stirrups as they fought and swung their swords. 

Many Scholars argue that the invention of the stirrup was just as important as the invention of the wheel. The stirrup made horses much more useful in war and general transportation. Stirrups never fell out of style over the centuries and are still a vital piece of equipment today. They have evolved from being just a stirrup. There are so many materials, sizes, disciplines, and numerous brands. 

So next time when you step up in the stirrup, just take a second to be thankful. This is something so small to us, but it was a revolutionary invention that changed lives for so many people before us. 

(picture credit: http://en.chinaculture.org/created/2005-07/21/content_70825.htm )