Many people see this as a clear indication that even by the end of the tenth century the English were extremely reluctant to fight on horseback (see also l. 23a). They were certainly willing to ride to the battle, but preferred then to fight on foot. Crucially, of course, this occurred at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 when the infantry tactics of the English (notably the shield wall as we have here) were exposed to the Norman cavalry charges.