Stirrup

Stirrups were a type of accessory for saddles, designed to help riders climb on to them and better control their mounts. They also enabled mounted combatants to put greater force behind their attacks and remain on their saddles when struck by forceful blows. "A man who tells the truth should have one foot in the stirrup."

- A common proverb among the nomads of the Hordelands.

Description
Stirrups typically consisted of leather straps that were attached to each side of a saddle by a hook and several ties. These straps ended in a metal foot rest, either in the form of a ring or a pointed cup.

Usage
A stirrup was controlled with the foot. For example, Benelaius speculated that Kendra's big feet helped her hold her stirrups well and ride better.

If a rider fell from the saddle, they risked getting their foot caught in a stirrup and being dragged on the ground or even beneath their mount, so they would try to free their foot when they fell.

History
Stirrups were not invented on Toril until after the fall of the Netherese Empire. The eventual introduction of the stirrup allowed the polearms known as lances to become prevalent weaponry for those on mounts. It was considered nearly impossible for a mounted fighter to charge effectively with a leveled lance without them.

The eventual introduction of both the saddle and stirrup in the land of Zakhara caused the vehicles known as chariots to gradually fall out of widespread use.

Notable Producers

 * In the hamlet of Longsaddle, Nalathar's Fine Stirrups & Spurs provided customers high-quality stirrups of a plain design for a single silver piece each.

Notable Users of Stirrups

 * Stirrups were considered essential for the sport of jousting.

Regions & Settlements

 * Stirrups were utilized by horseman in the Hordelands.
 * Stirrups were utilized in the land of Zakhara.

Trivia
The war god Tempus was said to most often, prior to battles, manifest as a warrior riding with a foot in the stirrup of two separate horses. Symbolizing the chaotic nature of warfare.

Background
In our own history, the Dark Ages were marked by the invention of the stirrup.

Appearances

 * Novels
 * Murder in Cormyr