Frank McLynn :
“...Mongols did not groom their horses but let the mane and
tail grow so long that it almost trailed on the ground. They claimed that this
kept the horses warm in winter and warded off flies in summer; moreover, if a
bridle or stirrup broke, there was always a ready supply of horse-hair with
which to do the mending. Training then started with the horse at a standstill
to get the animal used to noise, particularly the simulated din of battle. Next
they set the steed in motion while shooting arrows from the saddle, so that it
could get used to the different movements as the rider drew arrows from his
quiver, moved the drawn bow from one flank to the other and shot from different
angles. The horse had to learn to keep straight while receiving leg signals
only, as the reins were not held but knotted. The rider had to keep the legs
rigid so as not to confuse the horse; turning in the saddle was done with waist
and hips. Other techniques involved getting the charger used to ropes and
lassos being thrown, lances hurled and swords wielded, sometimes very close to
the animal’s head. Strangely, the Mongols found that accurate shooting was
easier at the gallop than at a canter; this was because when galloping on a
free rein the horse lowered its whole topline, stretching and lowering its head
and neck, giving the archer a free field of fire. To ensure that their horses
could veer and turn rapidly the Mongols first turned them in a large circle,
then gradually narrowed the range in ever diminishing circles until rapid turns
became second nature. Marco Polo in the late twelfth century noted that Mongol
horses were so well trained that they could turn as quickly as a dog...
.... Mongol women were a particular source of fascination to
foreign observers. The accounts given of them ranged from arm’s-length distaste
– they were fat, they were ugly, they were indistinguishable from men – to
grudging admiration – they endured great hardship uncomplainingly, they could
ride horses as well as the men, they were expert drivers of carts, talented
archers, and so on. Particular dislike was evinced for the garish colours in
which they painted themselves, and particular admiration for the way they could
give birth standing up and then carry on with their work as if nothing had
happened. It was noted also that the Mongols respected women, as they were
connected with the moon, and the moon was of great importance in Mongol religion...”
(‘Genghis Khan: His Conquests, His Empire, His Legacy’, 2015)
Artist: Frederick Sands Brunner 1886-1954, The Archer Star weekly, 1948
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