The widespread use of stirrups and the breeding of strong horses revolutionised military techniques in the 8th century. Stirrups enabled combatants to use heavy offensive and defensive weapons without falling from their horse. The knights, who were better equipped and quicker than anyone else on the field, became professional and the new "lords of war". The Frankish monarchs and the counts encouraged the garrisons of knights who would guarantee them greater military might. Knights became the new social elite and a key element in feudal societies.