The final unit of the TMP Principate (human) army for Crucible has arrived from Old Guard Painters. I've not had time to base them yet, but present here photos of a randomly selected figure next to the master figure (painted by Minidragon 
).
The master figure is the one on a flocked base, on the right; the figure on the left is a randomly chosen figure from those painted by Old Guard Painters.
The Horses
The new horse (left) closely matches the original horse in shade of browns, though a touch darker and with less attempt to blend the shades. The white dapples, which were nicely faded on the original, are brighter with clear edges on the new paintjob. The saddlecloth is a different shade of green, and there is a painting error on the bridle.
The muzzles also show a contrast - the original horse has more shading, while the new horse has a brighter muzzle. Note that the leather on the new horse is more yellowish, as are the hooves. (And as you'll see below, the new painter missed the color change for the hoof bottoms.)
An interesting contrast are the eyes - in the photographs (and at tabletop distances), the new horse's eyes stand out, while the master horse's eyes - being more subtly painted - here look less detailed than they actually are.
While I'm puzzled by the minor color variations, they don't greatly dissatisfy me - especially the saddlecloth, which you won't see much of when the rider is in place. The difference in shading I can put down to differences in painting style. However, I'm a bit disappointed with the dappling (but not enough to send them back for a re-do).
The Riders
The cavalrymen are very similar. The cape of the new model is a lighter shade of green. The original armor was dull metallic; the new armor has shiny silver highlights. The boots are more tan; the quiver is more red than orange.
Again, the shading of the new model is more pronounced, and the highlights are brighter. However, to my eyes the cavalrymen are close twins, and I am quite satisfied with them.
Total cost from Old Guard Painters was $260.86 USD (including $23.00 USD for return shipping) for 14 models, working out to $18.63 USD per model.
More pictures when I get the cavalry permanently mounted and based!
These Crucible figures are available from Ral Partha Europe as 02-322; they are also probably available from Iron Wind Metals, but might require special ordering.