Fighting with both hands free versus fighting while holding the reins was on a completely different level. First off, I hadn't been riding for very long, and even with the Horsemanship Manual's help—with its proficiency and basic stance correction—there's no way I could've performed as cavalry without it.
So I'd had considerable fear about releasing the reins. Riding a bike with both hands off shows you've got real skills and the confidence to control it. Riding a horse is even more extreme—you're literally putting your life on the line. If you don't maintain rhythm and balance, you could easily fall off.
So I'd essentially been fighting with a self-imposed handicap. The enemy could attack freely with both hands while I could only use one. That's why when I faced two-on-one situations, I relied on Schatten's athleticism.
