Written by: Dave Galvin
A bored military was a double-edged sword and it could and often did stir up trouble. Therefore a soldier's life especially in a restless province was one inured to constant drill and practice, more so when led by a vigorous governor or warlike emperor. Practice could simply be routine patrols. The exertions of living in the field for a short while and getting to know your animal may have sufficed. Riding over rough country coupled to a little hunting when back in barracks may have honed the skills necessary to be a cavalryman.
However there came special days, when the Provincial Governor having given notice of his visit or more rarely the Emperor himself would turn up. These were days for being judged just as Hadrian judged those in the deserts of North Africa. To add spectacle to the occasion many varied tactics were practiced, by horsemen wearing elaborate facemasks and horses dressed in leather chamfrons with bronze eye guards. Reds, blues, purples and yellows proliferating in a riot of colour.
The games (hippika gymnasia), were designed to test the agility and accuracy of weapons training. Horsemen riding counter-rotating circles, and then changing to ride the opposite way threw blunt spears against lightweight shields. But how do we know this? A man called Flavius Arrianus Xenophon (more commonly known as Arrian) has left us a detailed account of these tactics written in AD 136. This is known as the 'Ars Tactica' and was commissioned by the Emperor Hadrian.
Again items of exquisite luxury have been found in Britain. A full-face sports helmet from Ribchester along with the Vindolanda chamfron attests silently to the pageantry that must have accompanied a cavalryman whilst stationed at the fort. Most of these had a parade ground a short distance away from the safety of the walls and any wayward Briton sneaking a view could not fail to have been overawed by the spectacle.
and may have been worn in combat. The mask is tied to the bridle and is detachable and may have on occasions been made of bronze plates hinged to fit around the horses face although these are of a later date.
