Evidence of two-handed weapoms used on horseback

[Steven Sperling]

I've seen a few renditions of two-handed swords and axes being used by knights on horseback, and i'm wondering if there's any real substance to this?

Could I use a 50-60" sword from horseback effectively, and further more, is there any evidence that people have done so?

I'm coming to you guys, cuz your the smart fellas, nad i'm not so smart about these things <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Casper Bradak]

I've also seen several renditions of primarily two handed weapons being used with one hand from horseback (and a few in two hands). I think that's believable.
Both hands being used would really minimize the control over the horse (leaving only leg pressure and spurs) and was therefore probably selectively/rarely done, i.e. only done when they could momentarily trade the technique for maneuverability and control. I could be wrong though, I'm no horseman.

[Matthew_Anderson]

Medieval knights were trained in horsemanship form an early age. I think they could certainly control a horse to some extent without holding the reigns by shifting their weight and applying pressure with the knees. This would allow them use both hands on a large weapon when required.

Here you can see that the knight on the left is cleaving his enemy's head with both hands on a large "chopper":

http://www.thearma.org/arttalk/at42.htm

[David Kite]

There are horses and riders trained not to rely on the hands at all for control. Western horses (American western/cowboy) are an example of this. You do work off the rein, but a large part of the control is done with balance/position of body weight and legs. I personally was never taught to do that to much extent (though I do own two horses and believe myself to be a competent rider) I have seen it done quite impressively. When my horses and I are "in sync" I get alot of control without use of the reins. Of course all this is as long as the horse is paying attention to you. Depending on the severity of the bit being used if your horse is distracted or doesn't want to pay attention to you, you have very little if any control.

Then again, I've never done any swordsmanship or anything from horseback. But given my experience I do believe it's perfectly plausible.

David Kite
ARMA in IN

[Bill Welch]

If I am not mistaken the Mongels were some of the finest horsemen ever, and they fought and used Bows from horse back, so did the japanese, and they are most certainly two handed weapons.

[Jeffrey Hull]

Hey SS,

If you look at the Roszfechten of Talhoffer 1467, you may note what are basically small bastard-swords wielded one-handed. However, it seems that these weapons do have, by what is at best rough estimate, about 30-32 in. blades and about 06 in. grips (not counting pommel). So yes, these short bastard-riding-swords could be used two-handed, but most likely only on foot, as it is a good idea to swing a weapon with but one hand while riding a horse, as that master's fightbook shows.

Good luck,

JH