“The Art of Horsemanship” by Xenophon (4th century BCE): Xenophon, an ancient Greek philosopher and military leader, wrote this treatise on horsemanship. While the focus of the text is primarily on training and caring for horses, it mentions the importance to protecting horses’ limbs during demanding military campaigns.
“The horse’s armor was then discussed, with a frontlet, breastplate, and thigh-pieces. The belly of the horse was also recommended to be protected with a saddle cloth. The limbs of the horse should also be protected.” Part XII: The Equipment for Battle
“Xenophon also stressed the importance of caring for the horse’s feet. He suggested that the flooring of the stable should not be damp and should not be smooth, and that the stable should therefore be built with sloped channels of cobblestones the size of the horse’s hoof. The stableyard should be of pebbles to strengthen the hooves, and should be surrounded by a skirt of iron so that the pebbles do not scatter. These surfaces are intended to strengthen the hoof wall, frog, and sole of the hoof.” Part IV: Caring for the Horse
Both Xenophon’s “The Art of Horsemanship” and Vegetius’ “De Re Militari” provide valuable insights into ancient military practices, including the use of horses in warfare. They contribute to our understanding of the overall significance of horses and their well-being in military operations.
These texts do not explicitly mention horseshoes, it discusses the importance of maintaining horses’ feet and their general care. The above statement confirms that in ancient times military riding focused on the natural strength of the horse’s hooves and that shoeing came later around the Middle Ages.
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Xenophone, The Art of Horsmenship – Selections
