Turma! Roman Cavalry Charge

Just back from a top weekend in Carlisle watching many groups of experts and re-enactors coming together to put on a rather amazing Roman cavalry display. We had Legionary battles and displays, horse parades and mock-battles (Hippikia Gymnasia), all judged by Emperor Hadrian himself. And just how intimidating and spooky are the masked, plumed elite riders?!
One of the many things I took away from this was the sheer 'presence' of a turma. I have been guilty of writing about such a 30-strong group of horsemen as mere skirmish-fodder, but these guys showed just how much a unit this size, draped in full armour, standards and colours could inspire awe and fear in those they might be fighting or protecting. Here are a few pics:

Me and my mucker, Simon Turney.

Here comes the cavalry! Hadrian leading his elite horsemen.

The elites - how intimidating would it be to face them in their emotionless, steely masks and bright, rippling plumes?

The Ermine St Guard on the march.

Perfect ranks cantering past. The ground was trembling beneath my feet.

A bit blurry, but here they are hurling blunted lances at one another, watched by Emperor Hadrian.