Shop Amazon - Create an Amazon Baby Registry


Try Amazon Audible Plus


Illustration from manuscripts of
Topographia Hibernica and Expugnatio Hibernica
(The Topography of Ireland & The Conquest of Ireland)
written in 1187 and 1189
by Giraldus Cambrensis (Gerald of Wales)
National Library of Ireland Ms. 700

An Irishman riding a horse

Illustration from the right margin of page 83 (Topographia Hibernica)


Previous      Next
Another picture of Two Irishmen of Connaught paddling a coracle & An Irishman riding a horse in British Library Ms. Royal 13 B VIII

An echflesc is used by Irish horsemen in place of spurs.
Source: National Library of Ireland Ms. 700

Chapter X: Of the Character, Customs, and Habits of this People

From 'The Topography of Ireland' by Sylvester Giraldus Cambrensis, 1187
Edited by Thomas Wright, 1863

... Likewise, in riding, they neither use saddles, nor boots, nor spurs, but only carry a rod in their hand, having a crook at the upper end, with which they both urge forward and guide their horses. They use reins which serve the purpose both of a bridle and a, bit, and do not prevent the horses from feeding, as they always live on grass. ...

The translated text of Topographia Hibernica PDF