"Commissioned by the Emperor Hadrian, Arrian wrote the military manual Ars Tactica during his governorship of Cappadocia (AD 131-7). The cavalry section vividly describes the parade-ground training exercises, forming the only such complete treatise from the Roman world." "While the Roman infantry has been exhaustively examined the role of the cavalry has received little critical attention. In this valuable new study, Ann Hyland, a professional horse-trainer and equestrian author, aims to redress the balance. Drawing on a new translation of Arrian's work, she analyses in detail all the Roman cavalry manoeuvres, from charges to mounted javelin throwing, often having tried and tested them herself in carefully reconstructed conditions. Although concentrating on these showpiece exercises, other topics, such as the selection of mounts, equipment used, and Arrian's understanding of equine physiology and psychology are also dealt with. In addition, there are examples of major cavalry actions, where the training was put to the test." "Fully illustrated with photographs, line illustrations and specially drawn diagrams, this original work brings to life the excitement of the arena, where men and horses learned to become efficient fighting units."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved