Training the Roman Cavalry

Description

Commissioned by the Emperor Hadrian, Arrian wrote the military manual Ars Tactica during his governorship of Cappadocia (AD 131-7). The cavalry section describes the parade-ground training exercises, forming the only such complete treatise from the Roman world. The author, a professional horse-trainer and equestrian, draws on a new translation of Arrian's work to analyze in detail all the Roman cavalry maneuvers, from charges to mounted javelin throwing, having tried and tested some of them herself. She also discusses the selection of mounts, equipment used, Arrian's understanding of equine physiology and psychology, and examples of major cavalry actions.