what was the function of the Roman cavalry?

[RUBICON]

The one book I have read on the Republic's cavalry emphasized that they were the equal or superior to most opponents.


manning wrote:

I was under teh impression that the Roman Calvary was inferior to most of her enemies and that is why auxiliary calvary were emplyed because of their better horsemanship skills?


praised their (Spanish horses') stamina, as they were usually ridden by two men over long distances.

theo wrote:


Could this have meant that over a long distances, two riders alternatively rode that horse...instead of one rider for a ceratin distance and having to rest the horse.

Maybe the stamina refers that to the horse's ability to cover longer distances.

Ponies as we know were rather small hardy, animalsa and I cant imagine it carrying two adults for long distances....this act would surely be detrimental to any calvary's resources.