I can't believe no one has mentioned the mongols! How can you completely ignore them in this discussion? I personally prefer Mongol cavalry to any of the western faction. Khan's Guard are amazing, and they move far faster than regular heavy cavalry. And I'm also a BIG fan of the Kataphractoi, I personally thought they were the greatest cavalry in the first game, not sure about this one, I haven't played the Byzantines yet. As for the Polish, they have surprisingly good cavalry in this game, I think some of them even rival the Gothic Knights. I agree though, Gothic Knights and French Lancers, amazing, I'm still wondering how the Famiglia Ducale made the cut.