Ah, thanks for posting that, Gyrth!
I think I would nod my head in agreement to Doc Bachrach. The positions of the Normon riders on the (infamous) Bayeux show an overhand, throwing position for the spear, solidifying his "ruse de guerre" theory as opposed to a head on charge through the shield wall.
I, of course, take slight umbrage at his statement that horsed troops were "not needed" ;-) but I do concede with his statement about the training of battle-worthy steeds. Just to get a horse used to the smell of blood takes a lot of work, and must be done early on.