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Cavalry tactics

For much of history, humans have used some form of cavalry for war and, as a result, cavalry tactics have evolved over time. Tactically, the main advantages of cavalry over infantry were greater mobility, a larger impact, and a higher riding position.

History[edit]

Chariots[edit]

Chariot tactics had been the basis for using the horse in war. The chariot's advantage of speed was outdone by the agility of riding on horseback. The ability of horsemen to pass more difficult terrain was also crucial to this change. Horsemen supplanted most light chariots. In Celtic warfare, light chariots (essedum) persisted among mounted troops, for their ability to transport heavily armoured warriors and as mobile command platforms.

Verbruggen, J.F. (1997). The Art of Warfare in Western Europe during the Middle Ages. The Boydel Press.  0-85115-570-7.

ISBN

Polybius World History

German Wikipedia, partly translated article

Cavalry Tactics during the Napoleonic Wars

American Civil War: US cavalry tactics ("Cooke's Cavalry Tactics (1862)")