Did knight cavalry charges really have such devastating impacts as games and movies lead us to believe?

by Leevidavinci

On one hand, I've learned that horses were bred, trained and disciplined for years just to charge properly and obey the rider.

On the other hand, I find it hard to believe that horses would run straight into a formation of infantry or other cavalry armed with Spears, pollarms and other sharp and unpleasant things with anything but the horse's best interests at heart

I'd imagine that the horses would slow down significantly before impact or even change direction completely in face of a tight formation of infantry

DanKensington

On the other hand, I find it hard to believe that horses would run straight into a formation of infantry or other cavalry armed with Spears, pollarms and other sharp and unpleasant things with anything but the horse's best interests at heart

I wouldn't be so sure about that. I shall refer you to this previous compilation of mine on the dimensions of cavalry; consult the linked threads as well as u/dandan_noodles' comment in that thread. As always, should anyone wish to contribute more on cavalry matters, please don't let this post stop you!