Quote Originally Posted by dopp
The mailed/barded horse entry doesn't affect the survivability of the rider, I think. It just tells the game what model to use. Ridden horses and camels do not have separate H/P or defense values from the rider. Only elephants and such do.
The horse does indeed affect the survivability of the rider. The rider and mount are one, if either die's they both are considered dead. The horses are armoured order in increasing strength is heavy(none), barded, mailed, armoured. Gothic knights ride armoured horses.

Militia spearmen are quite useful, they may not stop a full on lancer charge, but they will make it hurt severely. Considering the incredible price and maintenence difference thats really nice. Their also quite useful once they've been fully upgraded to go on campaigning with. The trick to have them offensively engage is click behind the lines of the enemy. Instead of attacking and destroying the formation they'll advance and push through with their pikes.