For some reason I'm inordinately fond of stories where unexpected characters manage to gentle and ride a wild horse - I had thought it was a particular kink for Methos in the Highlander fandom, but apparently it now extends to Merlin too! Yay (and thank you!)!
A couple of minor historical notes - Firstly, I wouldn't worry too much if a little bit of US-Western terminology creeps in, as the medieval riding saddles and techniques were probably more similar to US-Western than to modern British. The higher front and back of the medieval saddles make it more secure for riding while using sword and shield (and provide a bit extra protection around the groin *g*), just as the US-Western saddles are designed for one-handed riding while a lasso is used.
Secondly, I love that Merlin can vault into the saddle in a way that you wouldn't expect for a peasant! It's nice to see moments where Merlin *isn't* being typically clumsy, especially when there's a story behind it. I've actually been pleasantly surprised that the Merlin people are fairly non-anachronistic when it comes to riding (especially that they didn't fall into the trap of having the girls ride side-saddle), but when I was watching The Curse of Cornelius Sigan, I had to make all sorts of excuses to myself for Arthur needing Merlin as a mounting block... I've decided that he's not completely recovered from the Questing Beast yet and attempting to hide it, hence the using Merlin so everyone watching can think of it as a joke or a punishment!
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Date: 2009-10-28 12:15 pm (UTC)A couple of minor historical notes - Firstly, I wouldn't worry too much if a little bit of US-Western terminology creeps in, as the medieval riding saddles and techniques were probably more similar to US-Western than to modern British. The higher front and back of the medieval saddles make it more secure for riding while using sword and shield (and provide a bit extra protection around the groin *g*), just as the US-Western saddles are designed for one-handed riding while a lasso is used.
Secondly, I love that Merlin can vault into the saddle in a way that you wouldn't expect for a peasant! It's nice to see moments where Merlin *isn't* being typically clumsy, especially when there's a story behind it. I've actually been pleasantly surprised that the Merlin people are fairly non-anachronistic when it comes to riding (especially that they didn't fall into the trap of having the girls ride side-saddle), but when I was watching The Curse of Cornelius Sigan, I had to make all sorts of excuses to myself for Arthur needing Merlin as a mounting block... I've decided that he's not completely recovered from the Questing Beast yet and attempting to hide it, hence the using Merlin so everyone watching can think of it as a joke or a punishment!