Osprey - General Military - Knight - The Warrior and ... - Brego-weard

HCMWFEHTEIW
than after its development. Not only would the rider thrust the lance at his enemies,
doing so both over- and under-arm, but he might also throw it like a javelin.
By comparison the knight of the 14th century had only to tuck the lance tight into his
armpit and ride straight at his foe. Of course it was not as simple as that. The later
lance was heavier and, being longer, more awkward to hold rn this position for too
long. Even a well-balanced lance of seasoned wood would put a huge strain on the
wrist if held level tor any length of time. Instead it was carried upright, resting on a
pad or fewter on the saddlebow until the last minute. The point had to be aimed and
held steady in order to ensure a good sound hit. A Syrian emir ot the late 12th century,
Usamah ibn Munqidh, says that in order to use the couched lance effectively 'it is
indispensable ... to press his hand and forearm against his side when holding it, and
let his horse guide itself as best it can at the moment at which he strikes. For if a man
move his hand to guide his horse, the blow leaves no trace and does no damage.' That
aiming point could be varied somewhat, striking anywhere from the head to the chest
or lower still to strike at the opponent's leg or mount, although the latter two targets
were considered unworthy blows and would, in a tournament situation, be penalized.
In Hans Talhoffer's 15th-century Fechtbuch there are only a few plates dedicated to
mounted combat, but one shows a rider with his lance being held high above his right
shoulder and angled down across the body to rest over his left arm which holds the
TACTICS AND TRAINING -}=>•
The saddle of this
warhorse from the
Bayeux Tapestry has a
high pommel and cantle,
suggesting it to be an early
innovation. The Tapestry
also makes it very clear
that the Normans
preferred their mounts
to be stallions! (The Art
Archive)
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