Pike & Shotte: Ottoman Sipahi Cavalry Regiment

Cavalry was an important part of all armies during the Pike & Shotte era and were especially important in the Ottoman army. Although skilled horsemen throughout their history, the Ottomans had never fully embraced heavy cavalry in the fashion of western Europe, instead favouring light cavalry skirmishers.Despite this, most Ottoman armies featured fast-moving sipahi cavalry who fought with lances, and swords, and were equipped with shields and mail armour. The sipahis would attempt to break enemy formations and attack isolated units, retreating back to the Ottoman infantry before the enemy could regroup. They were joined by the sultan’s elite ‘Six Divisions of Cavalry’, the Kapikulu Sipahis, which formed the sultan’s bodyguard and were equipped with the finest equipment in the Ottoman army.Generally, the sipahis formed a large and important part of most Ottoman armies throughout the Pike & Shotte era, although the rise of gunpowder weapons reduced their effectiveness.Contains: 8 multi-part metal Ottoman Sipahi cavalry (includes a command group of officer, standard bearer, and musician). Brass spears. Plastic bases. Miniature sculpted by Ronnie Shilton. Studio miniatures painted by José Antonio Bustamante.Models supplied unassembled and unpainted