1.2 - further and farther, the Qin Dynasty??

[AqD]

Actually, the introduction of heavily armed cataphracted cavalry into China proper is a far more intricate story; some have argued that it was indeed Parthian tribute in the form of well-bred studs of the Nisaean breed which prompted the Chinese cavalry to get increasingly heavier in armament and equipment. These were called the "Grass-eating dragons"/"Heavenly Horses" by the Chinese commentaries (Chronicles of the Three Kingdoms) retelling the western expeditions of Zhang Qian. He had allegedly brought a significant number of these animals, and I quote, two dozens of Nisaeans, and two-thousands of horses of other breeds, likely the Akhal-Teke/Turcoman and Ferghana horse. The title of "Heavenly Horse" was given to the Nisaean mounts by the impressed emperor Han Wu Ti.

The entire concept of the cataphracted warrior revolves around the stature and strength of his mount. If anything, this brief interaction of the Chinese introduction of Medean horses must have been quite crucial; now as for the heavily armed and armoured cavalry of the "Age of Fragmentation"-era, it is entirely another subject, and one which must certainly have been inspired of early Turkic inspiration.

Goguryeo also used super heavy cavalry. I wonder where they got the horses from? Perhaps there are native horses capable of bearing the weight there?