Horseman

Ezio attacking a Horseman with a spear.

Horsemen are a new guard archetype introduced Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. Like Ezio, they possess the ability to use a variety of weapons while on a horseback. They are mounted on two varieties of horse (either the common horse or the warhorse) and are equipped with 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, the Horseman will charge at him with sword or mace at ready, or will try to hit him with bolts from the Crossbow if he attempts to flee. However, Ezio may slash the horse and cause it to trip, unsaddling the guard. This may be achieved with a counter-attack, or by locking onto the Horseman, holding down the "attack" button and releasing it with appropriate timing. However, after this attack, both horse and rider will eventually safely get up from the floor, seeming completely unharmed, and challenge Ezio on the ground.

Ezio fighting a Horseman.

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 them to fall off their horse. Ezio can also assassinate Guards while they are on their horses and steal their mounts.