Tachi versus katana in horseback fighting

[tsubame1]

Originally Posted by Philip

Those "misshapen ponies" have immense tactical advantages. Their stamina is phenomenal. They are extraordinarily rugged animals, able to stand up to immense privation and a harsh environment, as iron-hard as mules but far more worthy of use in combat. And all Asiatic mounted archers just love THE WAY THESE GUYS RUN -- their gallop is said to be smoother, less up/down "bounce" in their stride. Just what mounted archers need.

Extermely correct. Bow was the primary weapon for Samurai as well, for centuries.
Can't provide pictures of the continental breeds but should be close to these japanese ones :

1) Hokkaido of northern Japan
2) Kagoshima of Kyushu
3) Kiso of central Japan
4) Miyako. Going back to the 13th century
5) The Noma. The smallest of the Japanese breed
6) The Taishu. Known as early as the 8th century and stands only "12 hands " high