The deafening noise, the tremendous power, and the incredible rush of wind! Her wings were pressed tightly against her flanks from the force, and it was a real struggle just to keep her hooves in place. The hind hoof-rest 'cross-guard' now made perfect sense -- not just as a way of expanding the weapon, but it was an essential requirement for riding while the 'Bradamante Lance' was thrusting forward. And the strange cross-foreguard was clearly not intended to help in holding the weapon, but again a necessary aid for simply holding on.