Sword on horseback: How annoying is carrying a medieval sword on horseback? (We try it out)

[@arayashikinoshaka]

Warlord always steals the show, sorry jason, but he's the real star here

[@ModernKnight]

I know!

[@Mrequine1]

@@ModernKnight how about the origins of dressage

[@Mrequine1]

@RIchyJ Productions moan!!!! 🤣🤣

[@PalleRasmussen]

Talos too, both very goodhearted, attentive and focused horses.

[@krislamb613]

What about wearing the sword upside down and on your back?

[@thrownswordpommel7393]

Jason and Warlord are like the real life Geralt and Roach.

[@Camaika1997]

I just love ~ the way you treat your horses! You rarely see people handling their horses with both love AND skill.

[@J8n3eyr3]

Pandemic binge watching- In medieval times I would have just died from the plague, so this is much better.

[@AndrewFraser1]

Our 13th cent re-enactment group spent a while being confused about wearing a sword (similar to your norman design scabbard). On foot its much more comfortable and practical to have the sword on your hip - the movement is more neutral and higher on the waist is a bit uncomfortable. BUT, sources show that that swords were worn higher on the waist which isn't as practical or comfortable. So we lived with the contradiction as we fight tournaments on foot. Then one day we went and had a session on horses. My friend was in full knights kit. He got on the horse, and for comfort the first thing he did was hike the belt up to his waist.. AH!! now we see! Jump off the horse, waist belt is high. 10 minutes later after the scabbard smacked the horses flanks which led to an unscheduled trip to the woods at high speed, he then twisted the belt so the sword was more in front of him. which resolved that issue and made cutting the horses ears off less likely.

[@ModernKnight]

Yes I agree, the higher belt position is a cavalry thing.

[@richarddietzen3137]

@@ModernKnight What about a sheathed scimitar in a sash like a cummerbund, around the waist as seen in Laurence of Arabia with Peter O’toole?

[@daisyxfaith]

A man with a horse, a sword, long hair AND a history buff... 😍

[@SUB0SCORION]

When he drew the sword from the back of the horse was pretty majestic

[@SUB0SCORION]

Dr. Phil's creampie lounge Thank you, you sexy beast Doctor Phil. He will never have a sexy forehead like yours

[@meri_teri_82]

Mirax3, I agree. A very romantic figure indeed.

[@Paslayas]

To fully appreciate the equipment, he must wear stockings a la Henry VIII😏

[@InnannasRainbow]

Mmmm, I know what you mean. Watching him wear his armor and 'fight' is quite enticing.

[@valandil7454]

Such a well behaved horse, beautiful ☺

[@HisameArtwork]

Min 9:01 the horse gives him an epic side glance. Love it. "Watcha doin' hooman? Cat was right, they are weird."

[@Tsototar]

I was about to post something about the horse looking back at the 9m mark too, then I noticed you'd already done it 😊

[@DieFlabbergast]

The cat would know: always believe a cat.

[@michaelmerck7576]

@@DieFlabbergast especially a Cheshire cat

[@SamK-qz2gt]

Nice video Warloard! Thanks for bringing your knight with his swords!

[@andrewfewtrell3983]

You show the nuances of history and help to bring it to life, any small detail and you're instantly their trying to work it out. Great channel really appreciate the dedication you put in. You must be very happy.

[@ModernKnight]

Thanks for that!

[@Oracle_]

Man, you and your horse are both majestic as fuck

[@akoilady9097]

Warlord photobombed you! He is such a lovely lad. I think he wanted your attention.

[@LightworkerKuri]

I remember way back long ago now it seems, when I first started riding horses. My instructor told me, we always mount on the left side of the horse, it was due to knights wearing swords and the sword would get in the way if they tried to mount from the right :) I’m glad you showed that and talked about it!

[@wayneparker9331]

Came for the history lesson but found myself just enjoying and watching Warlord’s every movement. 🐎

[@spaztron5000]

Warlord lightly stomping his back hoof kept making me smile. ^_^

[@auntlynnonline6206]

I'm so glad War Lord is willing to put up with all of this so we can see it. Please give him an apple from 'us'! Great video. Thank you.

[@adrielrowley]

Jason, love how Warlord when first handling the swords making noise Warlord investigated rather than being shy. Obviously very at ease and intelligent. Animals say a lot if we pay attention and thanks to you seeing more of the language of horses.

[@jonravenwulf7788]

When you touched Warlords side with the sword he just looked at you lol you really are blessed to have such a good horse mate.

[@madmattgaming3951]

8:59 Warlord be like "Bro, that's annoying, can you not? k thanks"

[@madelinevanderbunny607]

I love that Warlord gets first billing.

[@mrbrianparker]

Warlord is a lovely boy. All of that horse emotion and personality upstaging Jason at every minute possible. Love those animals, they are quite extraordinary.

[@rovers141]

7:08 I don't have hardly any experience with medieval weapons or armor but I am good with horses, having grown up in rural parts of the US where horses are still used for cattle and rodeos. I can tell you that a good rider with a well trained horse doesn't need to hold the reins at all times. You can give commands to your horse with your feet, or assuming the noise levels aren't too high around you, your horse can also take simple audible commands such as "clicks" and "smooches", etc. I would imagine that if a knight really needed to he could drop the reins for a moment and still have control of his horse.

[@stacyenzmann1230]

You know, I asked this exact thing at a HEMA clinic I attended some time back and I got a really interesting answer from the instructors: there are a couple fight book plays we know of where mounted knights would close fencing distance into saddle grappling, in which scenario you'd first make a grab at the reigns to take control of the opponents horse, and if your opponents hand's aren't in control of the reigns, they're SOL. One that was directly referenced was from Fiore's 'Fiore di Battaglia' (45th Verso in the Getty); you can see the "play" of stealing the reigns if you go to the mounted fencing section and scroll down to number thirty: wiktenauer.com/wiki/Fiore_de'i_Liberi#Mounted_Fencing

[@PacdemonStudios1]

It also wouldn't be unreasonable to assume that anyone who could afford to take a horse into battle would have also practiced drawing a sword quite a lot, especially knights who were trained for years

[@marybrown4469]

I find it very admirable the way you treat your horses. Thank you.

[@jeffwebster402]

The hours and hours of training are so evident here. Warlord is at ease being still, under lights, and with Sir Jason making alk sorts of clinking noises with his swords, which he must be used to. Excellent horsemanship on full display here.

[@madnessbydesignVria]

It's refreshing to see a scholar who likes to get his hands dirty. Having theories is all fine and good, but until you test them in real-world conditions, they're just theories. I really like this channel, and I wish you great success! :)

[@ModernKnight]

Thanks, having a go s one of the reasons I do this channel.

[@madnessbydesignVria]

@@ModernKnight Wow, I didn't expect a response, let alone such a fast one! Your enthusiasm for the subject matter comes through, and is a large part of what makes these episodes more engaging. I also like your attitude of 'different tools/weapons for different times/applications'. That tells me you've actually used them, and thought about their application (a weapon will tell you how to use it, if you let it). With your knowledge, enthusiasm, and good production values, I look forward to watching the rest of this series (and hopefully more to come)... :)

[@caitlinhalliday4468]

At the start, Warlord just kept peeking at him like, “Are we doing anything fun yet?” 💛

[@OneMeanArtist]

Growing up with horses you're taught that traditionally you always mount from the left side, but it's neat to learn the reason for why that came to be (makes sense since most ppl being right handed and wearing their sword on the left hip makes for easier mounting). Also, wouldn't they use a long saddle blanket (caparison) as part of the tack in order to prevent the sword from bumping and rubbing against the horses flanks? Just a thought. Great vids as always!

[@lcmiracle]

As with bardings, caparisons weren't always used. And since he started with norman swords, the Bayeux tapestry actually depicted no armored horses. Every norman knight rode horses with no coverings.

[@aaron756]

@Real Aiglon Actually the reason why most people get on the left side of a horse is cause, like people, horses have a favored side. And also like humans mostly favor the right side, horses usually favor the left. I know this cause I’ve worked with horses most my life.

[@professormetal4411]

​@@aaron756 But, isn't it possible that horses favoring their left is an adaptation they developed from being mounted on the left side for over 1,000 years?

[@aaron756]

@@professormetal4411 No cause a horse today wasn’t mounted a thousand years ago. A horse that has never been rode has no clue about riding, regardless of how many or their ancestors have been rode. They aren’t connected like that and anyone who says they are has never worked with or tamed horses.

[@TobyVenables]

One thing that interests me about the change in suspension methods is how they reflect the availability (or not) of your other hand. Because the earlier method is strapped quite tight it's easy to draw with one hand, but later methods are sufficiently loose that you may need to hold the scabbard to draw it cleanly (certainly this is true of very late battle swords such as military sabres, which literally hang off the waist). This is obviously important when your left hand is required to hold a shield, as is almost certainly the case with the Norman example. Later, of course, shields fall out of use among armoured knights, simply because the armour is effective enough on its own. That availability of the other hand also leads to an increase in the use of two-handed swords. How all this relates to being on horseback, I have no idea (though you probably have...) - but I'm also aware that actually fighting from horseback became *less* frequent towards the end of the medieval period. We tend to think of knights in full plate armour launching great cavalry charges, but by the time of the Wars of the Roses they were rare, and it was far more usual to dismount and go into a pitched battle on foot (partly because armour had become so effective, partly perhaps because of the impact of archery on cavalry). All of those things taken together clearly have a big influence on the suspension method. What struck me the most, though, when strapping on a sword, was how awkward it was going up and down stairs... Combine that with the cramped space of a tower spiral staircase, and wearing a sword becomes a really major pain. I have a strong suspicion that swords were simply carried most of the time.

[@thankfulgrateful9623]

My goodness,Warlord is so beautiful and majestic.. wonderfully trained..and such a beautiful union of man and beast!

[@14USMA]

Jean de Joineville indicated in his first-hand account of a battle during the 7th crusade that he was equipped with two swords. One was attached to his person and one on the side of his horse. He mentions having to draw the "horse sword" as a lance strike made it impossible for him to reach the one at his waist.

[@beardedbjorn5520]

That is very interesting, it implies that he had his horse mounted sword on the right side.

[@manchagojohnsonmanchago6367]

@@beardedbjorn5520 like tatars and russians heavy horsemen or mongol noyans ect they probably carried 2 swords the one on the horse longer than the other on your belt. the one used on horse of the russians can have a 1.5 meter blade

[@beardedbjorn5520]

@@manchagojohnsonmanchago6367 that’s interesting

[@manchagojohnsonmanchago6367]

@@beardedbjorn5520 yeah poles 16-18th centuries carried 2 swords on horseback too due to this tatar influence as many of their troops were tatars, .. but i think such long swords only used on horseback got far back in nomad histor, there is savres with peircing points that are 130cm blades found in the altai for example, so its likely they carried two swords. as the shorter swords have different blade styles and some long swords are very specialised, id guess there woukd be different belts or hangers for the two types. the price of such long swords in 1500s russia was sometimes 4-6x that of a regular sabre because they were long quality steel blades with a point to pierce mail and leather armor

[@dubuyajay9964]

@@manchagojohnsonmanchago6367 Has two handed swords ever been used on a horse? Just "steering" with leg commands when using it?

[@Monkaylova]

Talhoffer does mention that one should draw the sword above the rein hand, to prevent cutting your reins. That is the possibility number two which Jason eliminate.

[@PieterBreda]

Or cutting your horse's ears off

[@wobblysauce]

Most of the attempts of drawing the sword were fine, the arm was lower/back of the Hilt and clear and free.

[@scubasteve3743]

Warlord wasn’t impressed. At all.

[@SUB0SCORION]

just give him a carrot! that will satisfy his interests

[@zymuur]

9:00 "no"

[@Batavijf]

Clay Indeed, "could you not, please?"

[@ILMENTULATORE]

what a badass name, though!

[@Gunslinger1875]

Better than anything you have I guess?

[@angelflorezescalante3862]

Warlord, a excelent name for a battle horse, thank you for the inspiration 😁

[@ArtanisOwns]

Warlord is such a proud boy! he's so cool! I love to see you riding around with the sword out, swinging it and all. It's rad to see a modern knight

[@sterlingwallace7465]

I love the little details you share from getting out there and actually doing the things 👌👌

[@neuroticshark3114]

I'm sure you get this comment a thousand times a day but Warlord is absolutely the prettiest horse to ever live. Ethereal. 200/10. I'll follow him anywhere.

[@ModernKnight]

thank you

[@mireillelebeau2513]

Sometimes Jason haven't the answer, But he never misses the question that makes all the differences.

[@christina1wilson]

I love your relationship with your horses. You can see how much they trust you.

[@sigiluvsu]

I love your care for your horse (your little hello when Warlord was nudging you at the beginning was so sweet) and how much you love the minutiae of history as much as you love the grand things

[@vincentproductions8963]

this dude is definitely a time traveler, Sir.Jason Kingsley .

[@AKRenlor]

Started tapping Warlord in that soft point and goes, "What are you doing back there!?"

[@robertlombardo8437]

Awww, Warloooord! He's conquered our hearts. 🥰 🐎

[@Jim-fi4dc]

Warlord is probably the most beautiful horse I have ever seen.

[@edgeeffect]

He's such a good boy.... all that "mucking around" and he just lets you get on with it.

[@crreplogle]

Tapestry art seems to suggest that the sword suspension for horseback was quite a bit different than that of a foot soldier. The sword is position much further forward and much more vertical than at an angle.

[@TorchwoodPandP]

Funnily samurai mount from the right, not the left…

[@williamphillips6779]

Admittedly this is US Cavalry related, but we were taught to hold the reins low by the pommel and tight against the waist, then draw the saber over the rein-hand (blade out so as not to amputate your hand, but then this is for a single-edged saber). Of course, we always wore leather cavalry gauntlets. So I would (dare I say it) 'assume' that the riding style would have been modified from a 'rains high' to a 'reins low' for the draw. Just my two cents worth (sorry, we haven't used the 'tuppence' in a couple hundred years). Keep up the good work.

[@jackavalon8366]

Fascinating as usual. Some cutaways of the swordbelt fastening process would make it more professional and interesting. It's great to see there are still horsemen pursuing this ancient skill.

[@maggiepie8810]

I believe that a good hint is to look at how the Royal Guard and mounted police are riding with sabres and batons. I also think that there's a clear benefit to a single edged weapon, such as the sabre, on horseback. A single edged weapon can be carried with the blunt side of the weapon against the body, and there's also less risk of accidentally hurting the horse.

[@robertnewell5057]

Warlord looking magnificent as ever

[@jonravenwulf7788]

Your horse is trying to tell you something mate. I mean hes so patient I love it such a good horse.

[@DavidM-um2uk]

You can tell how much you love Warlord by how you talk to him

[@choiettech]

The cutting of the inside of the arm could be one explanation why single edge swords became popular with Cavalry, provided the edge was facing down. Which is something that both Samurai and other asian cultures did

[@ModernKnight]

very interesting point.

[@choiettech]

@@ModernKnight actually i take my point back, i upon some light experimenting will dull swords realised that the main problem comes from the true edge. So either double or single edge sword would still be able to cut the inside of the arm. Could you also do a video on how swords would be used on horseback? Since the two main forms that I'm aware of is cutting from horseback, which seems quite dangerous to the horse, and a more thrusting approach like seen in tent pegging.

[@isaaclaw7317]

If you wear the sword lower it sits against your leg which pushes it out of the way more. See later 18th/19th century cavalry swords which are very low.

[@markgaston3824]

I'm no where close to your experience, for me growing up in the USA and having ponies and horses as a child and teenager was a great time as well as a life experience, and so I've always been extremely interested in fighting styles on and off horses I read about and watch reenactments of battles and other different ways that individuals would use their swords (I'm really interested in swords and how they effected our history over time, and also the way that people would think of a specific sword almost as it was alive just like you would with hourse, with it being just as important) and the two ways that seem to be most prevalent was reins down to the left or right of your waist so that the forarm or palm would rest on the top of the scabbard and the other hand would draw the sword, the other method is the scabbard is attached to the saddle normally in front of the leg with enough strap so as if you're right handed you would reach down grabbing scabbard close to the hilt with your left hand pulling the sword out with the right hand while temporarily letting the reins dropped over the pommel of the saddle. The first being use with the idea of using the sword as a main weapon in an event like a charge, the later seems to be with the idea that the sword is a backup for some other main weapon such as a lance. I just found your channel and I have really enjoyed your videos it's refreshing to see someone taking such an active role in trying to show how our ancestors fought and died, and also how they lived and went about their ways of doing things.

[@katencat]

I truly appreciate that you always ask and answer the questions I truly want to know.

[@rozzaziobrown6515]

Just found this channel and I have a feeling I'll be watching it all spring break

[@kristeyh2761]

I appreciate this series and how you care for your horses.

[@anne-marievini4980]

As a rider this is a question that has always just wandered around in the back of my head, particularly how the sword moved in various positions of the horse. Great to see it in action to truly understand how it works/doesn't work. If you ever get a chance I would love to see you compare many of the medieval knight topics that you cover with those of another great, but very different, horse based war nation - Mongolia. Just a thought if you ever feel the impulse :)

[@soulfire2588]

Being descended from Polish nobility, I've always been fascinated with Polish knights (later hussars), since my ancestors actually were mounted soldiers. In old paintings I've seen, I know that they did in fact wear their szablas on their hips, as well as directly on the saddle (hilt in front) as you've mentioned. Granted, szablas are curved Easter European blades, so I'm not sure if that would work for a straight Western sword...

[@ModernKnight]

interesting, I have very little experience of curved swords.

[@darienchiba5060]

Fantastic series of videos. Keep up the great work!

[@Subtleknife12367]

For more modern british military swords there is a hook on the frog. It allows you to hitch the sword right up onto the belt itself and dramatically changes the position of the sword so it is pretty much pointing straight down. Perhaps medieval scabbards had this on them. Would mean when walking around you can have it loose and dangling which I presume looked cool at the time then you hook the sword up higher when riding to ensure it was easily reachable and not hitting the horse.

[@michaelpage4199]

I love this video. Warlord is such a beautiful horse.

[@OLIVERTHOMPSON1]

Very interesting video. Great stuff!

[@jamesroyle6888]

Refreshing to see so many Americans here. It's a shared history of all of us!

[@trevorcollins9297]

Such a very interesting video, thank you for sharing and what a beautiful horse. I know nothing about horses and wish I did being a country man but warlord is stunning!!

[@jaredfoust9210]

he's so nice to his horses. it's gotta be that you had different backup weapons, smaller daggers and hammers. We hear about maces with knights a lot.

[@pvsampson]

When I was younger and riding I was taught the left hand/arm was at times kept hanging at the side of the body.Maybe this is a carry over from the days of wearing the sword to avoid the contact with the arm.

[@NervozniZivota]

Been thinking about it, having realised we always ride with bare swords without scabbards at events and then, while watching this vid, I realised that in some ancient depictions the nobles on foot have their sword sheeth positioned literally in front of their left leg. Also, do note how high they wore belts compared to us today- at waist and not on hips. Tnx for vids. Just keep em coming. 👍

[@Aznaveh]

Very interesting to watch drawing the blade. It seems if the blade is long then it would be nearly impossible to draw easily on the horseback. I think curved blades might be easier

[@ModernKnight]

what an interesting idea, something to look into in the future I think.

[@astrick1768]

I would think the curved sword/scabbard also moves the point up so it isn't whacking the horse as much.

[@beardedbjorn5520]

Maybe this is the reason the Sabre became popular with the nomadic steppe cultures, easier riding.

[@a_921]

* bird flies by * Warlord What the....?!!! *Jason doing all kinds of nonsense, making noise, tapping Warlord with stuff* Warlord: Thats my human, being weird again, I love him.

[@ineedabetterusername7424]

Interesting point about drawing a sword while riding and still keeping the arm safe. As for carrying the sword on the saddle vs. the hip, I believe Jean de Joinville in his account of a battle in which he and several French knights were defending a small bridge, recounts that they were taken by surprise by a group of enemies so quickly and tightly-packed that he had no room to draw the sword at his waist, so he had to draw the one from his saddle. Of course, sword-draw technique wasn't the focus of his chronicle, but it's interesting how he just casually mentions the sword in his saddle as if his audience already knew that's where a sword would be -- despite wearing one already on his person. Fortune favors the redundant, apparently...

[@eugenio5774]

I love how Warlord is like "mmh, what u have here hooman? is it muchies? no, no munchies. mh, wat dis? foot? no interesting, me wants munchies"

[@galahaddayne]

Nice video as always, I used to also think that the medieval period started in the Norman era but modern researchers have indeed concluded that it started in the 5th century when Rome left the British isles. Its interesting about carrying swords on horseback I have never seen a tapestry where the knights are carrying a sword in the scabbard, while riding either. I guess some things will just remain a mystery and for us to figure out.

[@michaeldomingue4530]

I was going of more modern calvery and how they wore their sword. you have far more experience than I. Thanks for the quick reponse

[@herbertgearing1702]

My guess is that saddle scabbards were the best solution ultimately, much like the ones used for cavalry carbines in the US Civil War. This demonstration gave me an interesting idea - could a soldier implement a brace for his back similar in design to the wings of the winged Hussars which carried a set of small spears, javelins, or the like? It would keep them out of the way and would eliminate the need for a porter/page to rearm them after every charge.

[@christinab1611]

my favourite thing about this video is how you can ever so slightly hear the rain pattering away on the roof

[@Shimarenda]

13:40 until Warlord turns to look at Jason. Hilarious! I think Warlord agrees. Anyway, really enjoyed the video. Thank you!

[@mrxanthios7045]

Man I want those medievalish shirts you have, they look so pretty and comfy

[@thetiniestpirate]

This was lovely. A delightful exploration in practicality.

[@BobbyLCollins]

Great demonstration. My first thought was maybe they could have worn their swords on their backs, but they would have been near impossible to draw in full armor. I think scabbards attached to the front of the saddle may have been the only solution. The only other option I can think of is maybe squires held on to the knights' swords and presented them when called for, like in tournaments.

[@pr0faker]

As far as I am aware they would only wore a sword like this in actual combat and emergency moments. For all else you would get it out of the way inside a bedroll, besides the flank of the horse etc. That just makes sense, since its just annoying to ride with, for horse and rider. Also note that when you were able to carry a sword, you usually weren't poor and had at least some other men around you, be it household or soldiers so less need to be able to instantly draw your sword as well. The illustrations show the way they wear them mostly in battle not when riding in between on campaign.

[@jjboswell5043]

I love this channel. Calling that lovely soft horse Warhorse 😄 it looks like it'd rather a handful of juicy grass and a neck rub than go to war.

[@SigneofHorses]

Love your videos! I'm more viking age oriënted as it suits my pony better for one. Not half as knowlegdeable as you are I fear. I however don't find it akward of a problem to mount from the other side. Maybe it's because I don't use a 14th century saddle. I've done it on a westernsaddle, bareback pad and my current saddle that is with a bit of imagination nog far from a roman saddle in construction. What I have experienced is the bumping of the sword (I carry a viking sword) and it is very uncomfortable for me and horse. I never thought about the drawing of a sharpened blade! Carrying it on the saddle is a solution but should you be thrown of dehorsed... There goes your backup weapon... Very interesting topic! I have doubts the Vikings would even use horses in battle, I feel horses werd great for transport but in a raid of fight with a viking shield , sword (axe) and spear it's not practical. Would love go hear you views on that.

[@EmeraldVideosNL]

Signe of Horses Interesting to read your comment about Vikings. Also, I can't help but say: Rohirrim are Vikings on horseback! Though not historically accurate probably ^_^

[@Emperor_Dolan]

You're correct that the Norsemen didn't fight on horseback. Also, the Rhorrim are very, very loosely based on the Norse, Lord Of The Rings is in no way historically accurate.

[@saarlann]

Great video. Explains why maces and cavalry hammers were so popular.

[@ibonarzua2811]

Loved the video. Tinny details never get attention

[@levongrant6010]

The solution is simple, if thought about it and tested it, they wore the belt differently (11th century belt goes around waist to the side when dismounted, but instead of of hip, shift towards rear slightly until its somewhere between buttocks and hip (actual placement will vary person to person)) when on the horse, there is 2 solutions that solve all the issues and remains easy to unsheath, once mounted adjust belt until sheath is over your rear so sword sits on saddle (lift arm and reins bend forward reach behind u draw sword outward in a wide arc then once free pull it through underarm of hand with reins) or adjust belt to over the shoulder

[@ModernKnight]

I’ve tried both, neither work.

[@levongrant6010]

@@ModernKnight hmmmm maybe sword to arm length matters to much, or... what kept it from working for you? on the over the shoulder, did u have belt a bit loose? that way it will move with the sword enough to move yet eventually go snug before sheath would come around all the way over the shoulder. (pulling up and outwards 1st until it is horizontal to give your arm a few extra inches of room to get sword out) That way when you pulling sword out your not pulling upward but outward across chest and u would pull sword in a outward horizontal arc until its fully out.

[@ModernKnight]

Over the shoulder is impossible to draw any proper length sword. The horse gets in the way of the scabbard if you have it further around.

[@levongrant6010]

@@ModernKnight Its not "impossible" ;-) ill have to find a video that shows how im explaining how u could do it, until then here's videos of drawing a sword from your back kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXmveJKcj7t5sNE kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3-9fWWvrJWsd9E kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zna6mmV6o6mil6s

[@ModernKnight]

Ok, yes, trick scabbards. You could have them spring loaded too. Now try riding about with any of those lol.

[@Falconlibrary]

I've never carried a sword but I grew up on a ranch in Kansas. We had to ride the fences and always carried a .22 rifle "just in case" we ran into trouble. I carried mine in a holster strapped to the right side of the saddle. Why wouldn't medieval warriors strap their swords to the side of the saddle? It's easier to draw and is out of the way until you need it.

[@angelinabrown2931]

They could have done just that. Problem is there's no real evidence proving WHAT they did. Jason's approach is to just try different ways and guessing what was the most likely.

[@MagizardInternet]

Iirc, sometimes they did have them strapped to the saddle. I don't think it's very common due to what they said above, if you dismounted, it stays on the horse.

[@chrislefroy1034]

Australian light horse squadrons during WW1 often had a leather rifle bucket on the right side of the saddle for the Lee Enfield rifle to sit in when they were in transit. It was relatively easy to retrieve if needed, but if the unit was expecting a fight, then they slung them with their slings for quicker access. No reason a knight couldn't have had 2 carrying methods depending on if they were just traveling, or traveling to a battle.

[@longsword1969]

I know they didn't carry them on their backs but it seems it would be a convenient way to travel on horseback when not to battle

[@rolandruesch6862]

I believe, when traveling, weapons and suits of armer were carried on another horse managed by a squire.

[@longsword1969]

I think mostly only knights could afford a squire other lower men at arms could have carried there own gear.

[@michaelcaplin8969]

10:41 is epic. Can't believe you got that on video :D

[@scaredofghosts6813]

I like the channel i just wish he did more than just medieval..i wanna see this content with a 19th century calvary saber

[@frantucker608]

Yep, making yourself bleed out before encountering the enemy generally considered a bad thing! LOL

[@SizzleCorndog]

I like how the entire time Warlord is just like "what is this madman doing"

[@ccityplanner1217]

Army officers wore swords on horseback until quite recently, maybe not recently enough to get a first-hand account but well into the photographic age.

[@rodav]

It's one of the characteristics of history, that is to say, that the common, everyday, mundane things were not recorded. Maybe there was no "way". Wouldn't each knight find what works for them ? Can the Bayeux be relied on to accurately depict the practices of the day ? Only recently discovered your channel by the way, and really enjoy it.

[@jonrettich3030]

#55 Banner -- frequently depicted in medieval art is a horizontal pole on the staff that the banner was hung from and fully displayed.

[@deanwilson354]

i bet you.. since everything was so customized. that every knight had a certain way they had their things. i think you are on with them. you would say these things to your "team" and they would try to fix it.

[@shitake555]

I just had a quick look at the bayeux tapestry online. Towards the end of the tapestry I could see what looks like scabbards on saddles. Its interesting to note that footmen depicted on the tapestry carrying swords have scabbards that are tied to the hip of the person. Some of the horsemen on the tapestry that are wielding swords have what looks like scabbards positioned on the side of the saddle itself pointing down toward the ground, with no belt on the horseman. In the scene "William rides to war" scene 2, a horseman can be seen carrying a spear in one hand and a sword in its scabbard on his person, with the scabbard pointing down.

[@sushanalone]

Or maybe they just extended the padding underneath the saddle to cover the area where the sword hits the side of the horse.

[@danielkleinheksel8853]

Love the simplicity of early medieval style.

[@dukemcperson7714]

I've heard it suggested that on horseback the scabbard was worn on the same side as the dominant hand. It would be something of an awkward draw, but at least the blade wouldn't be moving about inside your armpit or nearly across the horse's ears or reins. Not sure if any manuscripts back that up.

[@jasonkingsley2762]

I tried your suggestion and i isn't very easy, not with anything other then a very short blade, and you can come out with the blade reversed, ice pick grip if you draw it without turning your arm over slightly awkwardly.

[@dukemcperson7714]

Was expecting the ice pick grip, but I hadn't anticipated sword length being an issue. Very interesting. It's awesome that you tried it- reading that made my day.

[@asambi69]

Hmm interesting idea, in theory an ice pick grip on the same side as your sword hand would work, but you would have to move the sword to a normal grip and perhaps you risk dropping it?.

[@gpturner0924]

I was thinking the same thing... According to my research, knights and soldiers were pretty dexterous, so I would presume they would draw with an ice-pick grip and then either toss or spin the sword into a normal grip.

[@caoimhesweeney4737]

Pretty much every tradition to do with horses suggests that the scabbard was worn on the left, for the sword to be drawn across to the right. We mount from the left of the horse, we lead from the left of the horse (although this is also for strength), manes are trained to be on the right of the horse so they don't tangle the sword when drawn. Now I don't know half as much as majority of people here so I'm not in any way saying I'm right because of this, but these are traditions horse people still follow without even knowing why. Speaking of horse people and being stubbornly stuck on tradition, is it possible the household cavalry carry their swords and scabbards the way they do because of medieval practices?

[@leemcgann6470]

The drag of the scabbard looks like it not only will hit the horse on the flank but also in some of the movements of the horse, it will likely jab your mount in the flank. & a soft scabbard could possibly tear out & stab your horse with the blade.