>IMO stirrups seem like an invention to control or dominate horses
Stirrups give the rider a stable seat, nothing else. They play no role in controlling the horse, and indeed can help the rider to not impede the horse's movements (especially at trot or moving on steep slopes).
Bridles, crops and spurs are designed to control and dominate the animal - although a good rider rarely *needs* any of them.
Cheers,
Graham
-- Graham Robinson graham_at_... Albion Software Engineering Ltd.
Powered by hypermail