I don't suggest going cav until you've played around a bit. Of course, its up to you, and if you really wann go cav... go for it. It's a video game, have fun. One of the most difficult classes to play is cavalry 1h/shield. Lancers kill you. Ranged people kill you. Infantry can kill you, since unlike a lancer your weapon's just as long as your enemy's is.
1h + Shield on fnoot is a good starting build tho. You stay alive long (unless you're me), and yeah. Just have fun.