Pair of Child's Stirrups

Unknown

late 17th–18th century · Iron · Arms and Armor

The small size of these stirrups means that they were probably made for a child. Children from wealthy families would start riding lessons as soon as they could sit on a pony, usually around the age of 3. Horsemanship was an important component of European noble society, and children of the elite were expected to master the art of equitation. Moreover, as many nobles served in the cavalry, it was essential for them to be skillful riders by the time they were old enough to go to war

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 17th–18th century

Medium

Iron

Culture

German or Spanish

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913