Hippakontistai have some really powerful secondary stats, though... They might not be the end all and be all of Skirmisher cavalry (especially because akontistai and the like will make short work of them in melee too...), still when comitted at the right time they will make you run for the hills! And believe me, you won't get to the hills in time - Hippakontistai are beyond excellent when it comes to riding down fleeing troops.