by sperf » Dec 14, 2004 @ 6:13am
Horses used as a weapon in a group -- the cavalry unit.
From The Journal of Ancient and Medieval History at Dickson College "Significance of the Stirrup in Medieval Warfare" by John Hood 1997
"...If the knights and their lances were only really effective against a scattered enemy, or another mounted unit, why did cavalry come to be so important in medieval warfare?
The answer is simple enough. It was the role of cavalry that became important in this period. In other words, it was mobility that mattered above all else. Cavalry action is in fact the only way in which enemy cavalry units can be engaged. Infantry may be able to defend territory, but they cannot force a mounted unit to fight in close combat. The mobility of the horse prevents them. Enemy cavalry units can only be engaged by other cavalry..."
For the full article, see:
Tally ho!
-- sperf