Equites Stablesiani

[Nathan Ross]

That "The Stable" from which the Equites Stablesiani derive their name was "The Emperor's Stable" seems reasonable.

Hmm, maybe That's assuming the word derives from a particular 'stable' (rather than being 'stabled' somewhere, or from another word...)

one theory for their creation was from stripping the legions of their integral cavalry element

Yes, that's the theory (can't recall whose, but Rance mentions it) that they were a western equivalent to the Equites Promoti.

Picking up on Moi's point above, it does seem at least plausible that the name has a connection with the latin stabilire or stabilis - to 'make firm' or 'stabilise', from which we get 'establish'. Although Duncan's note about the stablisianoi / stablêsianoi would support the 'stables' idea.

However, I still think either would work for a new-style cavalry unit based along lines of communication near the frontiers, as part of a 'defence in depth' arrangement.