The Franks were without cavalry when they made their first irruption into Gaul.

Under the reign of Childeric I.we see for the first time the "cavaliers francs" figure as a part of the national forces.

At the battle of Tours the cavalry and infantry were in the proportion of one to five, and under Pepin and Charlemagne their numbers were nearly equal.

Under Charles the Bald armies were composed entirely of cavalry, and during the middle ages the knights disdained the foot service, and fought only on horseback.
After the introduction of artillery, cavalry was still employed, though to little advantage.

Gustavus Adolphus was the first to perceive the real importance of this arm in modern warfare, and he used it with great success.