Wooden horse (device)

The Spanish block ( sometimes called the Spanish Horse or Spanish Rider ) is a torture instrument which was used in the early modern period in Europe, regardless of but also in Japan and China. The name combines the instrument with the Spanish Inquisition, though it has only been used in some regions, but not primarily in Spain or in the context of the Inquisition.

The device consisted of a wedge-shaped top wooden support, often provided with metal prongs on the torture victims were placed and tied with her ​​legs spread, with their feet could not touch the ground and therefore the entire body weight had to be carried between the legs.

A variant represents the criminal donkey that was used, among other things from the 17th to the 19th century as a punishment method for soldiers.