1.6
As soon as they have acquired a firm seat, your next task is to take steps that as many as possible shall be able to throw the javelin when mountedWhen attacking infantry in line the cavalry never charged home; but only approached near enough to throw the javelin with effect. Hence the importance attached to an accomplishment by no means easy to perform without stirrups. See especially On Horsemanship chap. 12. and shall become efficient in all the details of horsemanship.
1.6
After that both horses and men must be armed, so that, while they are themselves thoroughly protected against wounds, they may have the means of inflicting the greatest loss on the enemy.
1.7
Then you must contrive to make the men obedient: otherwise neither good horses nor a firm seat nor fine armour are of any use.
1.7
For ensuring efficiency in all these matters the cavalry commander, as a matter of course, is the principal authority.
1.8
But, at the same time, the state thinks it difficult for the cavalry commander to carry out all these duties single-handed; therefore, it also elects colonels of regiments to assist him; and it has charged the Council with the duty of taking a share in the management of the cavalry. I think it well, then, that you should encourage the colonels to be as eager as yourself for the efficiency of the cavalry, and should have suitable spokesmen in the Council, that their speeches may alarm the men—they will do better under the influence of fear—and may also appease the wrath of the Council, in case it shows indignation at the wrong time.
1.9
Here, then, you have brief notes on the matters that demand your attention. I will now try to explain how these duties may best be carried out in detail.
1.9
As for the men, you must obviously raise them as required by the law, from among those who are most highly qualified by wealth and bodily vigour, either by obtaining an order of the court or by the use of persuasion.
