Training and Practice.

[edgewaters]

Another problem with the cavalry was that the Celts would use them in the same manner as the chariots. They would ride their horses into battle, only to dismount, tether the horse with small pegs to the ground, and then engage the enemy in hand to hand combat. Therefore it would seem that the Cavalry's strength would be depleted, what with the warriors dismounting to join the infantry.

 

Hmm. Caesar's accounts seem to have the Gallic cavalry engaging in charges and mounted combat of all sorts (in fact there seem to be several cavalry battles between Gauls and Germans featured). I can't remember the source, but I do recall another account of mercenary Celtiberian cavalry devastating the Numidian Cavalry with a charge. Also, much earlier, there is an account from Xenophon about Celtic cavalry being employed as mercenaries in wars between Greek city-states:

 

"Few though they were, they were scattered here and there. They charged towards the Thebans, threw their javelins, and then dashed away as the enemy moved towards them, often turning and throwing more javelins. While pursuing these tactics, they sometimes dismounted for a rest. But if anyone charged upon them while they were resting, they would easily leap onto their horses and retreat. If enemy warriors pursued them from the Theban army, these horsemen would then turn around and wrack them with their javelins. Thus they manipulated the entire Theban army, compelling to advance or fall back at their will."

 

The latter is strangely reminsicent of steppes tactics ...

 

Also, Pausanius' account that you quote seems to indicate true cavalry as well; he mentions them as "skilled riders" and the trimarcisia system seems to indicate that it was important that the riders have a mount at all times in battle. Also the horses are apparently being injured in battle.

Edited March 17, 2007 by edgewaters