On the Cavalry Commander

Books

• 1
  Book 1

  The cavalry commander's first duty: sacrifice to the gods and ensure divine favour. Then recruit the best horses and riders.

  27 lines
• 2
  Book 2

  Horse selection and training. How to assess a horse, how to train for war, and the importance of the groom.

  9 lines
• 3
  Book 3

  Training the cavalry. Practice charges, retreats, and manoeuvres until they are second nature. Speed, precision, and discipline.

  14 lines
• 4
  Book 4

  Battle tactics. How to use terrain, when to charge, when to retreat, and how to set ambushes with cavalry.

  20 lines
• 5
  Book 5

  The cavalry commander as leader. He must inspire confidence, maintain discipline, and be seen at the front.

  15 lines
• 6
  Book 6

  Reconnaissance and intelligence. Know the ground, know the enemy, never be surprised. The commander who is caught off guard has already lost.

  6 lines
• 7
  Book 7

  Logistics. Feed the horses, maintain equipment, and keep the troop ready for deployment at any time.

  15 lines
• 8
  Book 8

  Parade and display. The cavalry review is both training exercise and civic spectacle. Athens should be proud of its horsemen.

  25 lines
• 9
  Book 9

  The commander's character. Courage, judgement, piety, and the ability to earn devotion rather than mere obedience. Xenophon's ideal officer.

  9 lines