After watching gladiator on Netflix, it got me thinking just how easily someone on a horse could be dismounted in hand to hand sword and spear combat.
It seems like a jab to the side of the horse would render it immobile and fall flat on its face.
Did the Romans take caution in ensuring their horses were well armoured? Or am I underestimating just how much of a beating a horse can take?
Well most cavalry wouldn't charge straight into a wall of pikes. They would chase down the people who had their backs turned. It would be very hard to hit a horse with a sword when the rider has a spear and a lot of speed.