The Byzantine horsed archer was an expert, capable of loosing arrows from either side of the horse while at full gallop, either shooting a fleeing opponent, or defending himself by a 'Parthian' shot over the horse's rearquarters if he himself was fleeing. The method used was a full draw to the right ear which imparted greater poundage to the arrow. The penetrative quality of Roman equipment used at the battle of Callinicum [C.E. 531] was due to the adoption of the Hunnic bow and the Mongolian release. The Mongolian release, which uses a thumb lock, is faster, whereas the Mediterranean release, using the fingers to draw, is slower and with an oriental bow the fingers would be crushed. Procopius says the bow used by the Persians at Callinicum was much weaker and the arrows unable to pierce armour, even though the rate of delivery was greater. The mounted Byzantine archers were also armoured with corselets and knee-high greaves. A shield was worn on the shoulder to protect face and neck when shooting. This would have given protection whatever the angle from which the archer shot, the small size of the shield permitting him to shoot his weapon unimpeded. The mounted archer was also expected to fight at close quarters, for which he carried a sword suspended on the left side. Some were also equipped with spears.
— Ann Hyland, The Medieval Warhorse, p. 22
