Horseman

Horsemen are a new guard archetype for the upcoming Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. Like Ezio, they possess a variety of weapons while on a horseback; and are able to use both short-range weapons, such as long swords or maces, and long-ranged weapons, like the Crossbow.

If a Horseman becomes hostile while Ezio is on foot, he will charge at Ezio with sword or mace at ready, or will try to hit Ezio with the bolts from the Crossbow. However, the player can lock onto him in turn, hold down the "attack" button and, if the button is released with appropriate timing, slash the horse. This causes it to fall over, along

with the guard; however, both will eventually safely get up from the floor, seeming completely unharmed, and challenge Ezio on the ground.

Ezio may also dispatch Horsemen by shooting them down with the Crossbow or Hidden Gun, before they are able to draw close enough to attack him. Ezio may also aim and throw spears at Horsemen, like a javelin, impaling them and causing to fall off their horse. Ezio can also assassinate Guards while they are on their horses and steal their mounts.

In Brotherhood, Horsemen use a variety of horses, from standard horses, to heavily-armoured warhorses.