Stirrup for a Child

Unknown

second half 17th century · Iron alloy · Arms and Armor

The very small size of this stirrup indicates that it was made for a young 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

second half 17th century

Medium

Iron alloy

Culture

German

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942