The strong horses selected for this service were clad almost wholly in mail.

Their head, neck, chest, even their sides and flanks, were protected by scale-armor of brass or iron, sewn, probably, upon leather.

Their riders had cuirasses and cuisses of the same materials, and helmets of burnished iron.

For an offensive weapon they carried a long and strong spear or pike.

They formed a serried line in battle, bearing down with great weight on the enemy whom they charged, and standing firm as an iron wall against the charges that were made upon them.