Which are the best modern breeds for Roman cavalry horses

[John Conyard]

Petrol prices are also going up in the UK. I think it will hit attendance at events this summer.

There is an article on www.comitatus.net on reconstructing cavalry, which deals with sizes of horse and breed. Bone evidence seems to point to military horses in Britain been an average of 13.2 hands. This also seems to be the average size for Roman horses in London. They seem slightly larger on the continent.

It's a pity that this rules at most hot bloods. Junkelmann used the Camargue horse. Comitatus uses horses no larger than 15 hands, including a speedy polo pony. I ride a cantankerous unshod Irish cob of 14.2 hands. Welsh cobs, Fell and Dartmoor ponies would all look right for Britain. Something that can carry a good weight. Speed is secondary.

An imported Akhal-Teke from north Africa would make a good alternative Roman mount. But to be honest, I suspect most people use what they have access to.