Reading this thread makes me wonder how many troops the Rohirrim and Gondorians raised (or could raise) at the time of the War of the Ring.
Theoden led 5500 or 6000 cavalry to Gondor, but claims he could have raised 10,000 given enough time and secure flanks. Added to those should be the militia on foot as at Helms Deep, perhaps another 3000+ ?
Gondor is more tricky, we know that the outcompanies (Imrahil et al) brought 3000 to Minas Tirith, Aragorn brought about 3000 (certainly over 2000), Angbor led 4000 from Pelargir.
What we don't know was how many men garrisoned Minas Tirith, including the Ithilien rangers, garrisons of Cair Andros, Osgiliath and the causeway forts and the Stewards' Guards (in at least 3 companies), plus some cavalry. I'd guess about 5000?
The people of Mians Tirith moaned that the outcompanies only sent a tithe (10th) of their strength, but I reckon this must be an 'underexaggeration' as this would put their full strength up to 30,000.
From this guesswork, I'd think that Gondor slightly outnumbered Rohan, but of course was infantry based rather than cavalry.
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Rumil of Coedhirion
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