The great expense and care required of the cavalier to support his horse; the difficulty experienced in surmounting ordinary obstacles, and in using his fire-arms to advantage, are all prejudicial to success.
The unequal size of the horse, and the great diversity in his strength and breed, have rendered it necessary to divide this arm into _light_ and _heavy_ cavalry, and a mixed class called _dragoons_.

The heavy cavalry is commonly used in masses where _force_ is mainly requisite; the lighter troops are used singly and in small detachments, where rapidity of movement is most desired.
The _heavy_ cavalry are divided into carabiniers, cuirassiers, and sometimes lancers.

The two latter are frequently united, the cuirassiers being armed with the lance.

These troops are seldom used for scouts, vanguards, and convoys; but are frequently employed to sustain the light cavalry.

Their main duty is "_to appear on the field of battle and make the decisive charges_." The _light_ cavalry is composed of chasseurs, or troopers, hussars, and lancers.