The history of the use of the horse in battle is divided into three periods: first, that of the charioteer; second, that of the mounted warrior who clings to his steed by pressure of the knees; and third, that of the rider equipped with stirrups. Without stirrups warriors could not use either swords or lances. Stirrups were known in China around the time of Christ. They showed up in India as a ring for the big toe. Toe stirrups appeared wherever the aristocracy went barefoot. But they were never commonplace. Wide use of full-foot stirrups began about AD 732. Very suddenly we find war lances, armor, and heavy saddles. Full stirrups were need to maintain balance during battle.Historian Lyn White used this example of the stirrup to show how the power of even small technology can transform human life. Today Western stirrups are made of wood, which may or may not be covered with rawhide or leather, Aluminum or plastic. These stirrups are made in many different styles for different types of riding such as roping, barrel racing, pleasure and trail riding.