heavy cavalry engaging heavy cavalry

[Michael Kerr]

In regard to Roman cavalry & whether they charged in tight or loose formations & effects on horses & riders.
I was looking through Strategikon & in Book II/Cavalry battle formations/18 The battle cry sometimes used & Maurice explains to the reader why he doesn't like the customary battle cry shouted before a cavalry charge & gives his reasons why.

18. The Battle Cry Sometimes Used

The battle cry “Nobiscum," which it is customary to shout when beginning the charge is in our opinion, extremely dangerous and harmful. “Shouting it at that moment may cause the ranks to break up. For because of the shout, the more timid soldiers in approaching really close combat may hesitate before the clash, while the bolder, roused to anger, may rashly push forward and break ranks. The same problem occurs with the horses, for they too differ in temperament. The result is that the battle line is uneven and without cohesion, in fact it's ranks may well be broken even before the charge, which is very dangerous.

Regards
Michael Kerr