To the original post:
I am a pure archer. I use a Warbow, Two Bodkins, and a Hammer. I consider my self adequate for hunting any horse, though Plated Chargers may take an additional experienced archer, or two, to bring it down in a reasonable time frame.
I don't support the horses taking an additional slot, as I feel that the player base needs additional time to adapt properly for the new patch, and thus how to combat horses properly. Already I am seeing improvement, and in my experience, Pike usage as well as infantry coordination are on the rise again as well as proper range at horses.
I have been consistently able to neutralize a horse on the opposing team as an archer, and find that as long as the mounted cavalry does not significantly outnumber the amount of archers on the opposite team, then there is a proper check and balance.