Stirrup construction 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 in the equipment of warriors, but in the future its operation was fixed in many other areas. It is clear that designs with forms of stapes from different nations are different. In most cases, the device resembles an ordinary loop, and in Japan, a protected stirrup is common, a photo of which is presented 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 included in the general structure of the saddle. This is an accessory that allows the rider to maintain balance while riding. Initially, it was used as a support for the warrior, which allowed him to more effectively cope with combat missions. In particular, the stirrup made it possible to inflict strong blows on the opponents, while ensuring accuracy in handling the saber 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 that differ in the presence of additional fixation mechanisms. The rider’s leg in such a stirrup cannot spontaneously separate even at a fast pace. On the one hand, this solution increases the reliability of the support fastening, but on the other, it creates additional risks, since a person may lose control of the horse and he will not be able to free himself.
Where and when did the first stirrup appear?
The birthplace of stapes is India. In the II century BC e. it was here that this device was invented. Masters of that time equipped the saddles with two straps with rings at the ends, which were the supporting elements for the rider's big toes. Many experts point to India as the place of origin of the stirrup for the reason that there was a unification of chariot and riding horses, the use of which was parallel. But stirrups are not only an element of the saddle. It also had to interact with the rider's shoes. Two centuries later, Chinese engineers have developed a design that allows you to push your entire foot into the ring, which gave the user more freedom and simplified landing.
The device of modern stirrup
Until our time, the design has undergone many changes. In its modern form, it is usually a metal ring with a loop, which is suspended from the saddle. At the same time, in order to fix it more efficiently, the lower part of stirrups is made in the form of a small platform. In most cases, this is a flat strip provided with a special rubber gasket - again, to increase the adhesion qualities of the structure. Stirrups for a horse are hung with the help of a tramp. This is a leather belt, which makes it possible to adjust the gap between the stirrup and saddle, taking into account the length of the user's legs.
Shoes for stirrups
The specific design of the stirrups and the method of operation could not but affect the rider's shoes. To protect the rider's legs from rubbing against the skin of a horse, boots began to be used in antiquity. By the way, the first over the knee boots had one feature - they almost did not bend at the knees. In the future, another variety of short boots appeared that had a high heel and a bent toe. Thanks to this form, the shoes and stirrups for the horse provided an optimal bond in strength. However, using cavalry boots when walking was not easy. Another invention in this direction was spurs. Oddly enough, the creators of this device conceived it to implement not at all those functions that modern spurs perform. Initially, they were used to stop the horse from running. When the animal accelerated its pace, the rider wounded him with spurs. In this way, the horse was trained to carefully wear riders.
Stirrups for babies
In addition to the development of the stirrup structure itself, the scope of their application expanded. In this case, we are talking about the use of stapes in medicine. This is a special device that is usually prescribed for children to treat hip dislocations and hip joints. According to experts, this is an effective and safe way to correct deviations, which, however, requires parents to have certain skills in caring for their children. Baby stirrups is a two-part system, one of which is the chest belt. The second part is represented directly by stirrups. To provide a restorative effect, the design must be correctly adjusted for a specific child.
Stirrup in mountaineering
This device is also used in mountaineering. In addition, extremals use a special node “Stirrup” in insurance, which is also called whisker. Such a system of rope fixation is used to attach cables to various objects.
Under load, such nodes are not tightened. If variable loads are assumed, then it can be displaced, but under the condition of constant tension it works reliably. You can use the "Stirrup" node in working with a large number of support elements. For example, you can snap it to pillars, trees, and other objects. To give this unit greater reliability, its free end is re-circled around the support.
Cons of stirrup construction
The shortcomings of stirrups are due to the fact that they have a great responsibility. The basic structure of the system is not complicated, but the slightest violation in its operation can lead to tragedy. If we are talking about horse riding, then stirrups are a very important accessory that can clamp the rider’s leg, which can lead to his death. This is especially true for the mentioned closed structures. In addition, if the mass of the rider lies entirely on the stirrup, there is a risk of leg deformation with prolonged use of the saddle in this mode. Stirrups for babies with joint diseases also have their drawbacks. If the belt and stirrup are incorrectly selected and adjusted, then instead of the effect correcting for the better, one can get an aggravation of the disease.
Conclusion
Today, stirrups are a specialized attribute that is used primarily in equipping 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 the phrase "enlightened stirrup" in his poems about Prophetic Oleg. This also means the symbolic meaning of a seemingly secondary element. One way or another, many experts agree that the invention of stapes 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 value of stapes in this context is difficult to overestimate. Suffice it to say that it increased the effectiveness of the warrior, making it more convenient to use the horse as a means of transportation.