Nicest horse archer army - advice wanted

[Glactophagos]

Hi all,
I'm thinking of adding a horse archer army to my collection, but I have trouble deciding on one.

I do have some parameters for what I'm looking for:
- not too much tribal (preferably none), at least formed, drilled is a bonus
- at least some skilled shooters, the more the better
- era or area really doesn't matter, anywhere in Eurasia
- for punch maybe some lancers
- I like having melee experts
- Professional command would be a bonus, but is not essential
- the use of allies to make it even more interesting is acceptable
And last but certainly not least: the availability of nice miniatures.

I'd love your input!
Cheers
Cavi (aka Huub)

[LawrenceG]

I suggest Mongol conquest would be a good place to start. Ticks all your boxes and huge availability of figures, so there are bound to be some that you like.

[nikgaukroger]

Ilkhanid - can be sourced entirely from Legio Heroica as well which would be good for you on the continent 

[Glactophagos]

Oooh, ticks most boxes, plus the one I forgot to mention, but you so kindly suggested: continental availability, which makes it at least 1/3 less expensive!

[Glactophagos]

How do I read 'Upgrade Armenian cavalry with Frankish knights (before 1291 CE)' in the Ilkhanate list, though? Is that those 4 instead of the 6 possible 'Amenian cavalry', or in addition to it?

[nikgaukroger]

Instead.

IMO if you want some charging cavalry in the army go with an Armenian ally - I've used it, and its nice.

https://gamer-at-the-end-of-time.blogspot.com/2021/05/later-crusader-vs-ilkhanate-how-good-is.html is a blog post I did of a game with Ilhanate.

[Pyrrhus]

Well not a horse archer army per se, how about the Mitanni? 16 files of highly mobile drilled skilled chariots, half of which are superior? Apart from one unit Formed Loose spear, the entire army can be bow armed with another 4 files of skilled shooters. Professional commanders ensures high PBS count and the chariots coupled with a couple of small SuGs of skirmishers give a Scouting of 5. Lots of fun to play with although it lacks a bit of punch. Nothing like 32 chariots (Spitfires of the ancient world) running over a battlefield, though.

[badhabum]

NKE are also fun or neo assyrians